     
                           THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                         Quarterly Magazine of the

                      CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND


Summer, 1998                                                Volume 42 No. 3


         Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, and Large Print



                       Catherine Skivers, President
                      836 Resota Street
                      Hayward, CA  94545   
                             510-357-1986 Res.


                             EXECUTIVE OFFICE:
                               578 B Street 
                         Hayward, California 94541

                               800-221-6359
                               510-537-7877
                             Fax: 510-537-7830



             Los Angeles Area Office, John Lopez, 213-780-3500
                3925 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023


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


    Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
                         Editor: Winifred Downing 
                             1587 38th Avenue
                         San Francisco, CA 94122 
                 415-564-5798

 


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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.  At these times it is available also in Spanish. 

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


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 Hauward office for other suggested forms. Thank
you.

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

                             TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER, by Catherine Skivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE, by Melita Waters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

ACB RESOLUTIONS, by Catherine Skivers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CCB CONVENTION REPORT, SPRING, 1998, by Patty Nash . . . . . . . . . . . 15

THE JOSEPHINE L. TAYLOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 
     CONFERENCE, by Teddie Remhild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SUGGESTED CHANGES IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS, by Ahmad Rahman
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

HAIL TO THE CANE, by Jeff Thom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

REHAB COMMITTEE REPORT, MAY 25, 1998, by Pat LaFrance  . . . . . . . . . 27

TECHTALK: NERDS AT PLAY, by Frank Welte  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

SUMMARY OF SPRING, 1998, CONVENTION 
     RESOLUTIONS, by Jeff Thom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CAREER CONNECTIONS,  by Catherine Schmitt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

AN ADVENTURE IN SELF-ADVOCACY, by Teddie Remhild . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

YOUNG COURTSHIP, by Richard Kinney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

SUMMER LEGISLATIVE REPORT, by Cid Urena  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

THE SEEING EYE, A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST, by Connie Skeen . . . . . . . . 38

BULLETIN BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

PROFILE, ROGER PETERSEN, by Brian Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

ROSE GARDENING, by Charles Nabarrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

AROUND THE STATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

CCB OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

CCB  BOARD OF DIRECTORS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50





                              FROM THE EDITOR

                            by Winifred Downing

     Now that the office has moved, there is a new staff, and all files are
being examined and updated, our president, Cathie Skivers, says it is
particularly important for you to let the office know the full name and
address of anyone in your chapter who is not receiving The Blind
Californian or who prefers a different format; it's important to specify the
choice between large print, braille, cassette, or computer diskette.  Also,
all at-large CCB members are urged to pay their $10 dues as soon as
possible. 
     I think you all know that my great pleasure in editing the BC is
having members send articles spontaneously.  Because I receive lots of
material and in every conceivable medium, though, and because I want
to be fair to all contributors, there are a few considerations that I ask.  
     First of all, the maximum length for an article is 2 1/2 to 3 pages. 
Once in a while, I accept a longer article that can be divided into two
parts; but there are pieces that just don't lend themselves to such
separation, so I don't follow the practice too frequently.  
     If you send material in typed form for me to scan, please be sure
that the type is really clean--something you ascertain from a sighted
person's examination--someone who can see if the e's are so closed that
they don't appear as e's, that the dot on the i is so close to the vertical
line that it looks like an l, and so on.  If you send something in braille, be
sure that the braille is readable; though, after years of reading braille from
all over the world in my job for the Hadley School, it's a rare day when I
can't read a document in braille. 
     The easiest form for me to handle is, of course, computer disk.  My
expertise hasn't yet advanced to Windows, though I'm working in that
direction.  For now, though, I must have IBM disks in WordPerfect 5.1 or
ASCII.  To be on the safe side, please accompany a disk with a print-out;
that way, if the disk is damaged in the mail, I have a backup.  
     And lastly, when I give a deadline (the next one is September 1),
that date is to be the final date for acceptance of articles.  For most
people, it seems to be the target date no matter how long ahead of time
they have known they want to send something.  Receiving an article on
the deadline date means that, if there is any reason for it to be rewritten,
there isn't time for me to return it for revision.  I always think the author
should revise if that is necessary because he/she knows what are the
most important points and what can be eliminated without compromising
the original topic.  
     Here is a letter to the editor contributed by Abby Vincent in
response to the article "Reflections on the Image of the Blind" which
appeared in the Spring issue.  
     "The article states that access issues have "surfaced" between
"some" guide dog users and cab drivers.  It goes on to say that these
incidents wouldn't have occurred if the handlers in question always made
certain that they and their dogs were well groomed.
     "It is shocking to me that, in 1998, the leaders of a respected
organization of the blind would make such a statement.  The nature of
prejudice and discrimination is that the acts of an individual belonging to
a group are irrelevant, as is the content of his/her character.  We are
blind, period.  And, as long as cultural attitudes and other barriers to
acceptance exist, every one of us is a potential object of discrimination
or prejudice. 
     "I've used a guide dog for two and a half years now.  Most of the
time, the public is accepting of me, and I have enjoyed freedom of
mobility that wasn't possible with a cane.  There have, however, been
instances where I was refused a taxi ride because of my dog.  Other
times, the driver took me, reluctantly, because sighted people got his cab
number and threatened to call the police.  These drivers don't even look
to see if we, or our dogs, are groomed.  They just don't want dogs.
     "The access problems are increasing because of immigrants who
aren't used to, or dislike, dogs.  Another factor may be service dogs, but
I haven't seen this myself.
     "In my experience with guide dog users, I have seen very few dogs
that are consistently "ungroomed", and even fewer blind people.  Yes, in
every group there will be those with less than exemplary behavior or
appearance.  The lack of compassion the organized blind show for a few
of its members is just another way to make the leaders feel above the
masses and, therefore, entitled to their status.  The continued blaming is
just another way to get out of doing the considerable amount of work we
have to do to break down the very real barriers to our full inclusion in our
communities."  I'm saving until the Fall issue my description of a tour I
took in May and hope many of you will write about your vacation
experiences, too.  Remember, September 1 is the next deadline.


                          THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER

                           by Catherine Skivers

     I wish you could all have been with us for our CCB Spring
Convention at the Oakland Airport Hilton Hotel.  Although we were in five
separate buildings, most members seemed to have gotten along all right--
in large measure because of the wonderful assistance we had from the
hotel personnel.  The problem of the separate buildings was exacerbated
by the fact that two large groups of volunteers we had expected to be on
hand just failed to appear; but the hotel staff, those among us who have
some vision and those of our members who are excellent travelers
helped. 
     Writing this column sometimes presents problems.  Last fall, for
example, much of what I had written was included in the convention
report so this time I will limit my comments on that subject except to say
that the attendance was very good and  people must have enjoyed the
programs as much as I did because they stayed until the close of each
general session.  Oakland's Mayor Elihu Harris got us off to a good start
with his enthusiastic talk about his interest in assisting persons with
disabilities.  Sue Hodges, chair of the  Mayor's Commisssion on People
with Disabilities, gave us a dynamic presentation.  She uses a wheel
chair and is well known for her support of people who are blind.  Her
enthusiasm was contagious.  The program started on an upbeat note
and, according to what I hear from most people, it stayed that way. 
Committee meetings were also well attended.
     I wish to thank the chapters that contributed so generously to our
scholarship and general funds.  Thanks also to the chapters and
individuals who provided us with many interesting door prizes. 
     We were proud to have Paul Edwards, President of the American
Council of the Blind, with us.  He spoke on Friday evening about changes
taking place in the National office and in the blindness community.  At the
banquet he talked about "Learning to See Ourselves" and gave us
another demonstration of his versatility as a speaker.  
     Michael Byington from Kansas, ACB Resolutions Chair, talked about
employment in California--but there I go writing a convention report
despite my promise not to do so!  Let's just say that these two gentlemen
added much to the success of our convention and the interest generated
in many of the committee meetings.   
     It is a pleasure to be able to report to members that CCB is in a
much better financial position than we were last year--mainly as a result
of the outstanding work of our various money-raising efforts.  In addition
we had a fundraiser in which all CCB chapters and affiliates participated
and we plan to have it again this year.  The move to our new office is
proving to be as economically beneficial as we had thought it would with
the lease and utility payments costing much less than we had previously
paid.  
     Because the party leasing our property in San Fernando had failed
to make some payments, we filed in Small Claims Court and were
successful in recovering $5,000.  A settlement in the Robert Acosta case
has been reached, and we are still working on the bankruptcy case
involving Bill Ashe.  We are the major creditor in all four of his
companies, all of which are included in this case.  We hope that all of our
legal entanglements will be resolved by the end of 1998.
     Dan Kysor resigned from our Board of Directors so that he could
take the position of Legislative Intern.  He will be working with Cid Urena,
and I know we can expect great work from these two gentlemen.  A
special election was held to fill Dan's position on the Board; Jane Kardas
was elected.  She is President of the Redwood Empire Chapter and Chair
of the Senior Blind Committee.  Her hard work and dedication are well
known to those of us who work with her.  She will be a valuable new
member of the CCB Board.  
     On May 6th, at Gene Lozano's suggestion, a delegation went to
Sacramento to attend the meeting of the Building Standards Commission. 
It looked like old times to those of us who have been involved with the
organized blind over many years.  My thanks to the 40 or more members
from the Alameda, Bayview, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Capitol
Chapters who went to that hearing.  We had a wonderful day.  Gene
Lozano and Tom Karnes demonstrated their expertise in the matter of
access and building standards and gave some fine testimony.  All
proposals made to the commission by hotel, motel and building
associations were either defeated or referred for further study.  I have
asked Gene to send an article to be included in this issue of the BC.  He
will do his best but he and Kathy are just moving into a new home and
those of us who have "been there and done that" know what a job that
can be.  Anyway, CCB will be showing up at similar events in larger
numbers in the future.  It does make a difference and it is up to all of us
to help when we can.  There were many people with other disabilities in
attendance, and it was great to see all of them working together.
     I want to thank those people who have been volunteering in our
new office.  Beverly Hammer and Dorothy Vallerga have been regulars. 
The very first person who came to volunteer on the very first day was
Tom O'Sullivan, and he came almost daily to work on Consortium
business or just to help us in every way he could.   It isn't always easy
to be the President of anything when you lose somebody who was as
supportive and helpful to your  whole organization as Tom O'Sullivan was. 
He was with us on a Thursday and I spoke to him on the phone Friday
morning.  Saturday he was taken to Kaiser Hospital in Oakland in a coma
from which he never recovered, and he passed away early on the 
morning of April 29th.  CCB has lost one of its strongest and most loyal
members.  Those of us who knew and loved Tom have lost a wonderful
friend.  He requested his daughter Jeanette not to hold any memorial or
funeral services when he left us.  It was his wish that she have a party for
his friends and that everyone celebrate his life, and that is what she plans
to do.  She, her husband Mark and their three children, Alex, Jessica and
Donavan will miss Tom profoundly.  That family was his pride and joy.
     The City Council in Oakland honored Tom at its recent meeting. 
The Mayor, Sue Hodges and others spoke about him.  He had been a
member of the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities for eight
years.  One Councilman recounted the story of how Tom had gone into
an apartment below his which was on  fire and rescued a woman from
the blaze.  He helped everyone he could any time he could, and the
world is a far poorer place without him. 
     Tom was a member of the Bayview Chapter of CCB, and the
members were not yet recovered from the shock of losing him when
another member, Sarah Gutierrez, died suddenly on the morning of May
10th.  Sarah had attended a Chapter meeting the day before, had gone
out to dinner with a group of friends from Bayview and was in great
spirits.  During the night she became ill and took a taxi to Kaiser Hospital
in Oakland where she passed away a few hours later.  She enjoyed
Bayview so much; yet suddenly she is no longer with us.  Shortly before
this happened, we learned about the death of Howard Mackey in Los
Angeles.  He was another valued member of CCB.  We have lost six
members in the last six months.  Let's say a prayer that this alarming
trend ends and that we all may be blessed with good health and
longevity. 
     I hope you all make plans to attend our fall convention which will be
held at the Airport Hilton in Ontario.  The dates are November 5-8, and
the hotel is one building.  The price is $62 plus tax, and the meal costs
appear reasonable.  I plan to go to the hotel June 11th to firm up the
details.  We are working on trying to find a suitable hotel in Sacramento
for the spring of 1999.  Since the ACB Convention will be held in July of
1999 in Los Angeles, I believe it would be a good time to go to Fresno in
the fall of 1999.  We have not been there for a very long time  and I think
we need to look up some of our former members as  well as visit those
who continue to belong to the organization.  Let me know your thoughts
about that suggestion.  Fresno is half way between the cities where we
generally meet.  In November of 1999 CCB will participate in the Braille
Literacy Conference in San Francisco.  Though 1999 is certainly going to
be busy for the Council, I am counting on all of you for your support and
enthusiasm.  
     On July 3rd, accompanied by Darryl, I will leave for the ACB
convention in Orlando, Florida.  On August 26th and 27th I will be
attending the staff meeting of the Consortium where all of those
participating with the deaf, hemophiliac and developmentally disabled will
be in attendance.  Before the end of this year, I want to visit Chico,
Humboldt and other chapters that I haven't been able to go to yet.  We
are a big State and I am outnumbered!  I'll do my best, however, to meet
as many of 
you as I can.
     I thank those of you who have written and phoned in with words of
encouragement and offers of assistance.  With your help we are building
a strong and democratic organization.  Just remember that the
organization belongs to you.  I promise that I shall never forget that the
membership is the supreme authority. Have a great summer and keep in
touch.


                       OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE:
                        CONVENTION STRESS

                             by Melita Waters

     One of the things that seems to be a factor in every
convention-goer's experience is stress.  It can occur because we  are
unsure of where we are; because other people seem not to be as
courteous as they might be; because we want to attend the convention
but don't deal well with crowds; because we have a guide dog but haven't
been able to get adequate information about the location of the relief
area; or any number of other problems.       Every one of these factors,
as well as any number of
others, is a valid reason for discomfort at conventions, but let us not be
discouraged.  There are three remedies that we can all use as much as
we like.  They are patience, kindness and consideration; and, no matter
how much we use them, their available quantity never diminishes; they
are bottomless
wells.  What's more, if you should fall in while drawing out what you need,
you won't drown!
     Those of us who have guide dogs are called upon to be patient and
considerate for two, our dogs as well as ourselves.  I would hope that
non-guide dog users would also practice these virtues with regard to the
working Guides that are in their immediate vicinity.  While the guide dog
handler must be careful not to block passages and doorways, the other
attendees must also be careful with their mobility tools.  If you find an
obstacle in your path, don't just keep pushing until it yelps.  Sometimes
there is just nowhere to move. 
     I have noticed that many of us seem to behave as though we have
magical powers.  If we can't see it, it is, of course, not there, right?  That
is, however, not the case at all.  The dog that comes to sit beside you
doesn't, after all, evaporate just because you want to get out of the row
to go to the microphone.  You have to take the time to let the handler
move out into the isle or climb over your sleeping neighbor.  None of us
has the right to impose our short-tempered and impatient attitudes and
behavior on others.
     To relieve stress on ourselves and others, we can allow
more time to get from point A to point B, be
better prepared by knowing where it is we want to go, and probably most
important of all, be sure to get enough rest ahead of time to be ready for
unusual circumstances.  We who have dogs must also consider relieving
stress for them.  There are several things we can do for our canine
companions that will make their lives a lot easier:  keep them on a regular
feeding and relief schedule, provide plenty of play time for them, increase
the amount of affection and praise we show them for jobs well done, and
make time to groom them every day.  Regularity and consistency are the
best things we can give our dogs.
     I also believe that, whether we are dealing with human beings or
dogs, we should think before we act either physically or verbally.  A kind
thought, tone or touch can make the one  difference between a
pleasurable event and a miserable one.       For those who are going to
Orlando, have a wonderful productive convention, and if you aren't going,
have a fabulous
summer.


                              ACB RESOLUTIONS

                           by Catherine Skivers

     Having been your delegate to the ACB Convention in 1997, I think
you will like to know what happened to the issues ACB covered.  Except
for those that were withdrawn, here is a review of the Resolutions that
were passed. 
     97-01: Called upon the National Park Service to reproduce the
same braille information in a readable format which currently exists in an
artistic but unreadable braille format located on the Roosevelt Memorial,
and to provide all excerpts located on the memorial in accessible formats. 
     97-02: Supported S.J. Res. 29 requiring that at least one depiction
of President Roosevelt as an individual with a disability be permanently
incorporated into the design of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.
     97-03: Called upon affiliates of ACB, with ACB staff assistance, to
pursue all administrative, legal, and legislative means necessary to
assure that state and local governmental entities purchase accessible
hardware and software.
     97-04: Urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to
develop, and release for comment, aggressive and stringent rules
concerning implementation of the access provisions of the
Telecommunications Act.
     97-05: Directed the officers and staff of ACB to arrange for a
meeting with individuals at the highest level of the Microsoft Corporation
to express deep displeasure with the current approach to Active
Accessibility; set forth strategies which ACB affiliates and staff were
encouraged or directed to do to attempt to move Microsoft toward a
remedy for Active Accessibility problems, and urged Microsoft Corporation
to take specific interim steps to involve consumer organizations of blind
people and developers of products for persons who are blind in the
creation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that will enable
mainstream applications developers to have a full understanding of the
specific needs of blind consumers.

     97-06: Urged Blazie Engineering to provide equal levels of service
at conventions of the American Council of the Blind and
the National Federation of the Blind, and sets forth actions to be taken
should Blazie fail to respond favorably.
     97-07: Urged the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to
establish a policy requiring a line item for video description in all
appropriate video production budgets for NEH-funded projects.
     97-08: Demanded that the General Services Administration (GSA)
cease and desist in its unlawful treatment of Randolph- Sheppard vendors
which has resulted in failure to provide for due process rights, and in
locking vendors out of GSA facilities to which they were assigned, and
also urged the Commissioner of Rehabilitation to take specific steps to
ensure that all national and regional GSA personnel adhere to the
Randolph-Sheppard Act and regulations.
     97-09: Urged the Federal Transit Administration to compile a
national database of fixed route bus and train services, as well as
paratransit providers, to be available at least through a toll-free telephone
number and through an accessible World Wide Web site, and also
encourageed affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to participate
with local providers in seeing that this database is properly maintained.
     97-10: Urged affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to
advocate for contractual and budgeting procedures in local communities
which are based on actual transit needs of blind and disabled community
members, and not based on ADA minimums.
     97-12: Directed the president of the American Council of the Blind
(ACB) to advocate for, and communicate with, the American Foundation
for the Blind (AFB) to increase the time allotted for position briefings on
specific legislative issues to a minimum of at least one full day at the
ACB/AFB Josephine Taylor Leadership Conference.
     97-13: Urged that specialized rehabilitation services for the blind,
including the option of delivery through separate agencies for the blind,
be retained as Congress reauthorizes the Rehabilitation Act.
     97-14: Urged retention of specific stand-alone provisions for
independent living services for older blind, contained in Title VII, chapter
II, of the Rehabilitation Act, and urged additional funding for older blind
independent living programs.
     97-16: Called for full implementation of all ADA paratransit
requirements and for Congress to authorize spending for more
comprehensive, and accessible transportation services.
     97-17: Objected to the Social Security Administration's usurpation
of federal law, and set forth action steps for the American Council of the
Blind to take in dealing with the situation.
     97-18: Sought issuance, by the President of the United States, of
an executive order which would solidify and clarify the superior authority
of the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation
Services to administer the blind vending facility program and to interpret
the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
     97-19: Noted that the Department of Defense (DOD) had this year
sought legislation to exempt dining hall mess services on military
installations from the Randolph-Sheppard Act, noted support for the DOD
position by other entities who normally support specialized or categorical
employment for people who are blind, and urged the Commissioner of
Rehabilitation Services to stand firm against assaults on the
Randolph-Sheppard program, and to lodge complaints with the
President's Domestic Policy Counsel concerning incursions against the
Randolph-Sheppard Act.
     97-20: Urged the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to
develop and establish a policy setting forth clear procedures for
contracting with military entities thus enabling blind vendors with the
Randolph-Sheppard Program to operate dining mess halls on military
properties.
     97-21: Directed the president of the American Council of the Blind
(ACB) to convene a task force to draft and circulate to eligibility
determination entities a primer concerning factors which should be
considered in applying ADA Title II paratransit eligibility regulations to the
needs of persons who are blind, visually impaired, and multiply disabled
blind.
     97-22: Set forth the definition for "integrated, competitive
employment," which the American Council of the Blind urges for use in
all federal legislation where need exists to define this term.
     97-24: Supported H. R. 612 and S. 375 which would restore parity
between Social Security earnings limits for the elderly and for persons
who are blind, urged affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to
advocate for additional co-sponsors for these pieces of legislation, and
expressed thanks to those congresspersons and senators who were
already co-sponsoring.
     97-25: Set forth fundraising policies involving the American Council
of the Blind (ACB) and its affiliates.
     97-26: Restored the Pledge of Allegiance to be spoken by the
American Council of the Blind delegation at national conventions.
     97-27: Directed that the officers, directors and staff of the American
Council of the Blind work with other interested blindness organizations to
assure that radio reading services for people who are blind be provided
with allocated band width in the new standard defining and regulating
digital radio broadcasting in the United States.
     97-28: Expressed abhorrence of disrespect shown to braille by the
designer of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and urged press outlets
conveying  information concerning the designer's explanation of
"impression of braille," to convey material that will serve to lessen the
gross misunderstanding of braille which has been created.
     97-30: Directed the American Council of the Blind to develop and
disseminate a voting access position paper to be distributed to all state
affiliates, urged affiliates to use this paper in voter access advocacy
efforts in their states, prescribed follow-up and reporting activities on the
part of the executive director of ACB, urged coalitions with other disability
organizations to further the objectives of the resolution and required that
a follow-up article on this subject appear in a winter-spring issue of "The
Braille Forum".
     97-31: Urged Congress not to establish additional federal means
testing requirements for vocational rehabilitation services and to maintain
the current Rehabilitation Act provisions concerning comparable benefits
and services.
     97-32: Urged the strengthening of enforcement of Section 508 of
the Rehabilitation Act through support for the proposed Dodd
Amendment, and urged all federal agencies, in the absence of adequate
federal enforcement, to acquire only equipment and software which
provide full access beyond any question or challenge.
     97-33: Directed staff of the American Council of the Blind, along
with others designated by the president, to develop a model
law for the purpose of advocating strengthening of state protections
against malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or their
handlers, and directed the above-referenced entities to develop
educational materials and potential enforcement options relevant to the
prevention of malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or
handlers so that such materials may be disseminated to enforcement
agencies by affiliates.
     97-36: Commended Northwest Airlines for its use of universal
design principles in the remodeling of the interiors of its aircraft,
commended particularly its use of braille signage, urged other airlines to
follow Northwest's lead in this area, and urged federal regulatory agencies
to require accessible signage in aircraft.
     97-37: Directed the staff of the American Council of the Blind, and
such committees, associates or members who may be designated by its
President, to develop a comprehensive position paper setting forth
strategies for use in advocating for third party reimbursement for
orientation and mobility instructors and rehabilitation teachers.
     97-38: Thanked volunteers who helped with the 1997 convention of
the American Council of the Blind.
     97-39: Thanked the hotels involved in the 1997 convention of the
American Council of the Blind.
     97-40: Thanked the host affiliate for the 1997 convention of the
American Council of the Blind.


                    CCB CONVENTION REPORT, SPRING 1998

                              by Patty Nash 

The convention was held April 3-5 at the Oakland Airport Hilton Hotel. 
The theme was New Horizons, and it provided us with many challenges
to consider, not the least of which was maneuvering through the hotel's
five buildings and braving the wet weather.  
      Conventions afford us the opportunity to gain and to grow
personally--to talk with hard-working professionals, to visit with friends we
have not seen for a long time, to learn about new developments in
legislation, education, and technology; it is time well spent.  
     The Board of Directors meeting provided an overview of the
convention, for the decisions made and matters discussed concern issues
which impact our organization's function and scope.  
     The council is more financially sound then it was one year ago as
the result of some hard decisions, some fundraising, and cost-cutting
measures.  The move from Burbank to Hayward has saved us
considerable money in travel and utilities.  With regard to fundraising, we
will back "Global Sounds", a compact disk comprised of presentations by
CCB members.  We have also contracted with a grant writer, Ron
Summer, to help us finance scholarships, the BC, the California
Connection, and all the other activities that give our organization
meaning.  A bookkeeper/accountant will be hired.  
     A permanent committee was formed to handle the disposition of
disability rights concerns which come to the attention of the state office,
and there will also be a network of attorneys to assist in such matters. 
The feasibility of having our organization on the internet will be explored. 
In yet another area, the policy of reimbursing the expenses of members
attending meetings of the Board of Directors was reviewed.  Also, all
chapters were urged to send copies of their constitution to the state office
to be checked for form and content.  
     Friday's opening session began with a welcome from Oakland
mayor Eliju Harris who encouraged us to concentrate on our assets rather
than our liabilities--on who we can be and not on who we cannot.  He
was followed by Sue Hodges, chairperson of the mayor's Commission on
Disabilities, who gave a humble and moving speech thanking her mentors
for helping her to make the transition from an angry lady in a wheelchair
to an impassioned advocate for all disabled individuals.  She is interested
in making printed materials accessible and intends to continue backing
audible signals.  From a travel teacher she learned about the problems
occasioned by the distance of a push-button signal from a crossing,
getting from one corner to another, and the confusion caused by the
words "over there".  She will advocate for curb cuts with lips rather than
blended curbs and for the needs of the blind with paratransit.  
     Dr. Joel Ziev, Director of Special Markets from Clever Devices,
Syosset, New York, suggested that we define what we want to see
changed and then push for those issues.  We have the wheelchair lift on
a bus today because of one woman rider.  He demonstrated some
innovative products, including a plug-in talkman which would connect to
an ATM machine, a talking bus which could call stops, and a reader for
a metro card.  
     Michael Byington, Director of Governmental Affairs for Envision in
Topeka, Kansas, talked about employment opportunities for the blind in
Kansas and in California. 
     We next heard from the legislative panel: Ahmad Rahman, Beverly
Hammer, Cid Urena, and Charles Nabarrete.  Items mentioned included:
close monitoring of proposed changes in Social Security; attention to the
shortage of teachers of braille and orientation and mobility; and the pack
of 50 bills in which CCB is interested (and some of which we have
sponsored) concerning which a tape will be forthcoming.  
     At the Presidents' dinner Friday evening, it was agreed that
chapters that have projects to work on are less apathetic; we are
encouraged to share our vision for what CCB should be and to motivate
our chapters to carry out specific aspects of that vision.  
     Friday evening's session began with a report from Tom O'Sullivan,
chair of the Credentials Committee.  After that Cathie introduced Burt
Boyer, Executive Director of the Lions Blind Center who told us of his
agency's grueling accreditation process.  The center teaches braille and
computer classes, has a workshop, and is revitalizing its programs with
consumer input.  A plan is in preparation for office skills program; the
center is proud of having placed nine people in employment in the last
twelve months.  
     In his speech "A Time for Changes", Paul Edwards, president of the
American Council of the Blind, stressed the importance of pushing for
specialized services, since other disability groups, aware of what we have
accomplished by advocacy, are trying to see that we get less and they
get more.  Education for blind children, he said, is deteriorating, as
evidenced by the alterations in schools for the blind.  Funding is being
shifted from federal to state programs; it is vital that local chapters, the
California  Council, and the American Council work together to ensure
that available funds are administered appropriately.  Paul felt that we
should oppose the proposed plan for Social Security to issue tickets to be
given to employers or service providers.  On the other hand, he urged all
present to advocate vigorously for the reauthorization of the Rehab Act. 
He plans that the national office will sponsor a program for advocacy
training for the states.  Trainees would learn to answer the most
frequently asked questions from blind persons throughout the country. 
Calls would then be referred to these trained individuals by the national
office.  On yet another issue  it is important for ACB and NFB to present
a united approach to Microsoft to ensure adequate technological
opportunities for blind persons.  
     An election was held to fill the vacancy created by the resignation
of Dan Kysor, who is to function as CCB's intern with Cid Urena in
working with the legislature.  Jane Kardas won that election.
     At the opening of Saturday's meeting, Marion Fisher presented the
report of the Nominating Committee: for president, Cathie Skivers; for first
vice president, Charles Nabarrete; for treasurer, David Parker; for board
positions: Peter Pardini, Pat LaFrance, Rhonda Marshall, and Brian Hall.
     Lynda Bardis, Chief of Services for the Blind, California Department
of Social Services, spoke of her extensive history in work for the blind. 
She was employed as a lobbyist from 1967 to 1972 and in a number of
different occupations since then.  Her work now is concerned with
administering the food allowance for guide dogs, assisting individuals in
completing applications of various kinds, and helping people in various
state programs to render services with an understanding of the unique
needs of the blind.  She conducts an information and referral service for
persons losing their sight and for their families.  It is important for us to
be vigilant so that we are not left out of developments even in things as
routine as household appliances, many of which are now designed so
that we cannot use them.  The electronic industry has an association to
be notified of problems of this kind. 
     Lynda urged us to insist on receiving materials from government
offices in accessible formats.  There will be a new head of the Social
Services Department this year who should be invited to speak at CCB's
next convention.  
     Manuel Urena, Program Director in the Department of
Rehabilitation, read a report from Brenda Primo, director of the
department, on Vision 2000.  The purpose of this program is to develop
policies to govern the future of rehabilitation.  Other items covered in Ms.
Primo's report were programs for independence, the residential program
at the Foundation for the Junior Blind, OCB's increased ability to teach
students to use computers, the summer program for high school students
at CSB, job openings for rehab teachers, and more numerous sites for
the BEP program in prisons and roadside locations.     
     Last year we learned that CCB had become a part of the AIDS
Consortium; and for me this is the most gratifying aspect of belonging to
our organization.  Tom O'Sullivan and his panel gave an informative
presentation on the hard work they have done to assist in spreading
knowledge about the special problems encountered by persons who
suspect that they have AIDS or who actually suffer from the disease
when they are also deaf, blind, developmentally delayed, or victims of
bleeding disorders.  A SPAT (Special Population Action Team) is
composed of one representative from the Department of Health, and two
sub-contractors--people who provide prevention information.  They have
presented four conferences--in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento,
and San Diego.  
     Saturday's banquet was both uplifting and amusing.  Brian Hall was
the master of ceremonies, and Roger Petersen presented the awards. 
To the CCB Hall of Fame were added the names of Henry Bindt, John
Hebner, Harriet Fielding, Judge Donald Wilkinson, and Norma Schecter. 
Merit plaques were presented to Virginia and Phillip Garcia, Vickie Solis,
and Larry Seiber.  In his gracious acceptance, Larry said that he had
given the CCB first his eyes and then his heart.  
     Paul Edwards delivered the main address, "How to See Ourselves
as Blind People."  With a lively delivery of humorous examples, he
encouraged us to celebrate our own victories and to refuse the
stereotypes society tries to impose on us.  
     Sunday's business meeting contained committee reports, an
introduction of our grant writer, various announcements, and seven
resolutions.  Cathie encouraged all of us to make the CCB our priority. 
There are jobs that won't get done unless we do them.  If we work
together we can make a difference in advocacy, in mentoring, in
education, in promoting braille literacy, in keeping abreast of changes in
social services, in getting to know our representatives, in attending
meetings, and in writing letters.  Let's address these tasks and get
together again at the fall convention.  


     THE JOSEPHINE L. TAYLOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
CONFERENCE

                       by Teddie Remhild

     "Consumers and Providers in Partnership" was the theme of the
Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute held at the Marriott Hotel in
Washington, D.C. March 5-8, 1998.  It was sponsored by the American
Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in partnership with the American Council
of the Blind Legislative Seminar.  March 5 and 6 were devoted to the
Legislative Seminar and the issues to be brought to the attention of our
senators and representatives in our visits to Capitol Hill on March 6. 
March 7 and 8 were devoted to JLTLI activities.  
     The conference was divided into three parts: education,
rehabilitation/employment, and aging and vision network.  Carl
Agosto, President of the American Foundation for the Blind, and Paul
Edwards, President of the American Council of the Blind, shared center
stage during introductory presentations.  Co-Chairs of the Conference
were Susan Spongin and Alberta Orr of the AFB. 
     Major issues addressed by all three sections of the conference were
access to telecommunications and consumer electronics, social security
reform (specifically SSI and SSDI), and funding of IDEA (the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act) especially increased funding for personnel
preparation and for the Older Americans Act, Title VII, Chapter 2.
     As Chairperson of the ACB's Committee on Aging and Vision Loss,
I devoted my energy to the Aging and Vision Network Workshops, where
we addressed the critical issues facing this population.  The goal of all the
workshop groups was to develop a national agenda which will determine
our policies in future political advocacy.
     Advanced by the AFB and the ACB, the coalition concept of
"Consumers and Providers in Partnership" was a new approach by the
JLTLI Conference--one that it is hoped will add strength and impact to
advocacy concerning issues facing blind consumers in today's political
arena.
     The Conference concluded with a Sunday lunch where consumer
representatives gave reports on their work group activities and
conclusions along with goal statements.  The guest
speaker was William Kennard, Commissioner of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), who spoke about the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the FCC's intention to make this law
a viable instrument for access to technology for all disabled persons.  He
agreed with the need to implement this law by establishing regulations
which will enforce it along ADA Guidelines.  The JLTLI concluded with a
plan of action for the coming year for all participants and with greater
understanding between the consumers and providers about the needs
and concerns of both groups. 


                     SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGES IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS

                         by Ahmad Rahman

     Various of the meetings held at the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership
Institute Conference concerned federal programs which closely impact the
lives of blind and visually impaired persons.  The needed changes in
these programs were discussed but are not, for the most part, specified
in any bills presently under consideration, but will, nevertheless, be
interesting to members of the California Council of the Blind.
     This year's conference theme was "the consumer-Provider
Partnership: Mobilizing for Specialized Services".  In this age, no
specialized service for people who are blind or visually impaired can be
taken for granted, whether in education, vocational rehabilitation, or aging. 

     SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM  The SSI and SSDI programs are
viewed as the principal stumbling blocks to independence for people with
disabilities because of their powerful disincentives to work.  Congress
should make significant changes to social security that empower
consumers to make the most of their employment potential.  Consumer-
based proposals indicate that consumers are frustrated by the
incompetence of the Social Security Administration in managing the
disability programs.  Consumers are calling for the simplification of the
rules, fairness and consistency in the application of the rules, and the
modification of the rules that penalize those who work.  In particular,
revision must be made concerning the "earning cliff", which results in the
termination of cash benefits and the loss of health-care coverage as soon
as earnings reach one dollar over the prescribed limit.  Also, consumers
are urging congress to abolish the current two-year  waiting period before
SSDI beneficiaries can receive medicare. 
     The provider-based proposal encourages private vocational
rehabilitation providers to offer training to social security beneficiaries. 
The services would be financed through payment to providers out of a
portion of the savings that are expected to accrue to the Social Security
Trust Fund as beneficiaries leave the rolls.  beneficiaries would Be given
a "ticket" for such services to be redeemed with the private provider of
their choice.  However, beneficiaries would not be required to use their
tickets and providers would not be compelled to accept them
indiscriminately.  The Administration favors this bill.
     As this legislation develops, Congress must give priority to policy
options.  It should not create a broader market for private rehabilitation
providers and fail to fully develop solutions to the work disincentives in
the current law.  This is especially important because few private
providers possess the personnel and expertise necessary to meet the
unique needs of people who are blind or visually impaired based on our
experience that services are best furnished by separate state agencies
for the blind or visually impaired.  It is doubtful that the relatively small
market for services to people who are blind or visually impaired would
attract sufficient participation by private providers.
     Congress should enact a gradual reduction in SSDI benefits as
earnings increase.  The reduction would be similar to the one used by
retirees ages 65-69 who see a reduction of one dollar in Social Security
benefits for every two dollars in earnings that exceed the threshold. 
Congress should simplify the SSDI and SSI programs by mandating a set
of uniform rules for both programs;  for example, extending the plans to
achieve self-support (PASS) and Blind Work Expense (BWE) laws,
currently restricted to the SSI program, to both SSI and SSDI.  The two-
year waiting period for Medicare eligibility should be eliminated, and SSDI
beneficiaries should be permitted to buy into the medicare program    
     Maximum funding for all appropriations to provide services older
blind Americans is extremely important.  The Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended, provides the authority for these services under Title VII,
Chapter 2, "Independent Living Services for Individuals Who Are Blind". 
There are 22,000 persons receiving
these services and approximately 4.9 Million aged 55 or over who are
experiencing severe sight loss.  Since being awarded its first
appropriation in 1986, this program has been successful and cost
effective, providing training in how to carry out activities
of daily living and providing low vision services along with some adaptive
devices.  These services are not available through any other consistent
funding mechanism.  
     Appropriations for the education of blind and visually impaired
children must receive attention.  The American Printing House for the
Blind (APH), since it was established by federal mandate in 1879, has
provided special educational materials to legally blind children and adults
enrolled in educational and other programs.  APH develops,
manufactures, and distributes these materials to schools in all states
through proportional allotments based on an annual census of legally
blind students.  Most of these products would not be commercially
available because of their limited market.  Decisions and procedures
regarding the selection, purchase, distribution, and recirculation of these
products are set forth at the state local levels, where assessment of
students can best drive such decisions.  
     The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults
(HKNC) was established by federal statute and is funded primarily
through federal appropriations.  HKNC also receives support through
fee-for-service arrangements, as well as from individual, corporate, and
foundation gifts.  Its mission and services are unique throughout the
world.  HKNC provides diagnosis, evaluation, comprehensive
rehabilitation training, and job placement to its clients and further offers
technical assistance and training to public and private service providers. 
There are approximately 11,000 deaf-blind children under the age of 22
years.
     A funding priority should be established for preparation of personnel
to address the unique needs of blind and visually impaired students.  The
shortage of trained instructors in the field of special education is very
troubling, but the shortage of teachers for students with visual
impairment--teachers who can convey a knowledge of braille, orientation
and mobility, the operation of specialized technological devices, etc.--has
become crucial.  Only the need for teachers of persons with multiple
disabilities, many of whom also have visual impairments, is greater. 
Finally, a priority in this area should address not only the current shortage
of teachers, but also help to deal with the closure of university programs
which train such teachers.  Since the mid 1980's, well-established
university programs in visual impairment have experienced continuing
reductions in retaining tenured faculty in their programs and in attracting
a sufficient enrollment of students to assure their continuation.  Several
such programs have closed and others are considered at risk of closing.
     THE ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION COMPLIANCE
ACCESS BOARD (the Access Board)  The Access Board is charged with
the responsibilities created by the Architectural Barriers Act; the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Americans with
Disabilities Act.  Traditionally, these responsibilities focus on architectural
barrier removal.  However, the ADA requires the Access Board to update
its access guidelines to include communication barriers, such as braille
and raised character  signage.  In addition, the telecommunications act
of 1996 further requires the Access Board to develop standards for the
accessibility of telecommunications equipment and services.  Accordingly,
the Access Board established the Telecommunications Access Advisory
Committee which assisted it in developing guidelines for the accessibility
of telecommunications equipment and services required by the
Communications Amendments of 1996.      FEDERAL PROCUREMENT
OF ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY  In
1986 the Rehabilitation Act was amended to create a new section,
Section 508, to provide guidelines to ensure that the federal government
would purchase electronic and information technology which afforded
persons with disabilities the same access to such technology as that
available to persons without disabilities.  The federal government is the
largest purchaser of such technology and should, therefore, provide
significant influence in the market place.  Section 508 significantly
enhances this goal by establishing regulations for the procurement,
maintenance, and use of such technology and for filing of complaints
regarding noncompliance by a federal agency.
     These, then, were some of the issues discussed at the Josephine
L. Taylor Leadership Institute Conference.  


                             HAIL TO THE CANE 

                               by Jeff Thom

     Those of you who are primarily guide dog users, my wife
included, might as well skip this article.  These words are
strictly for the legions of proud users of that stick known as the cane--or
white cane, to use more precise jargon.
     Our grievances are many, and it is time we stood up for our rights. 
Do sighted people come up to us and ask to pet our canes and tell us
how wonderful they are?  We consider ourselves lucky if we can avoid
being accosted by pedestrians who trip over our canes, and if passing
cars don't run over them and leave us defenseless.  
     Do those of us who are SSI recipients get a maintenance allowance
for our canes?   
     It is true that guide dog users are occasionally discriminated against
in restaurants, but just as frequently they are asked if their dogs need
food or water.  When do our canes receive such consideration? 
Moreover, extra room is often made for a guide dog, but someone with
a long cane is viewed as a mere nuisance.  
     We cane users often fail to accentuate the positive aspects of our
partnership with our canes.  They never complain, are usually clean, and
don't even dream about taking a steak off a plate.  When waiting
impatiently for an hour at a bus stop, it is not politically correct to beat
your guide dog in order to work off your aggressions, but you can pound
your cane on the sidewalk without danger of criticism as a means of
alleviating your frustrations.  If you get lost in a department store, you
can't wave your guide dog around to show you need help, but a few
dexterous cane stunts will usually bring someone running.   
     I propose to take the first small step towards the commencement of
a cane-user revolution by establishing a special interest affiliate in the
California Council of the Blind.  The key to a great organization is its
acronym, and I have a few suggestions: Californians Love Using Canes
(CLUC), Canes Are Us (CAU), Cane Users of California Unite (CUCU),
or, my favorite, We Are Cane Owners (WACO).  Just remember, if we
hold those cane tips high enough, we can conquer the world! 
     Note:  My wife, out of fairness to those of you who travel with a
sighted guide, has suggested that you establish a special interest affiliate
called Highly Independent Californians Can Use People (HICCUP).


                   REHAB COMMITTEE REPORT, May 25, 1998

                       by Pat LaFrance, Chairperson

     The  rehab committee has been very  active in the last year.  At
both the fall and spring Conventions, we held workshops for potential
employees.  These presentations were met with success at both
conventions with a great turnout of both people looking for work and
wonderful speakers.   
     At the Fall 1998 convention, we will be holding a Job Fair.  We are
working at having 18 to 20 employers from all three nearby counties: Los
Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange.  The workshop will be held on the
first day of the convention, November 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.  The list
of employers will be available in both Braille and large print, and each
employer's table will be marked in accessible format.  The Ontario Hilton
is the site of the fall convention.  
     I want to thank the members and co-chair of the committee: Ed
Crespin, Christie Crespin, Nellie Glaze, Alice Hackney, Terry Almy, Anita
Arakawa, Connie Schoeman, Elmer Chapson and Al Gil.  All these people
are very busy and it was difficult for everyone to get the last two
workshops going.  This next one will be even more task intensive.  The
committee members deserve our gratitude.


                          TECHTALK: NERDS AT PLAY

                              by Frank Welte


     Activities of the CCB Technology Committee

                         by Frank Welte

     During the spring 1998 CCB convention, President Skivers invited
representatives of committees to write articles for the BC to explain the
committee's activities.  To that end I submit the following:
     In recognition of the great impact exerted by modern technology on
the lives of the blind, the CCB has organized the Technology Committee,
which, according to its mission, supplies the council with expertise on
issues related to technology, promotes the use of technology to enhance
the quality of the lives of people who are blind, and advocates for the
removal of all technological barriers to full participation in society by
people who are blind. 
     The committee engages in a variety of activities in order to fulfill its
mission.  To start with, we present a technology seminar in conjunction
with the CCB's semi-annual conventions.  These popular seminars
provide participants with information on a wide range of subjects. 
Seminar presentations have dealt with accessible household appliances,
telephone access to newspapers, tips for using Microsoft Windows, the
Internet, and more.  
     In recent years the committee ran the GBX Internet bulletin board
system, and we intend to support an active CCB presence on the Internet
for years to come.  The "Tech Talk" column in the BC, written by
Technology committee members, is an educational resource for blind
people throughout the state.  
     The committee looks forward to working on other exciting projects
in the future.  We plan to produce a small brochure listing sources of
adaptive technology information such as vendor directories, providers of
product reviews, education resources, and sources of information about
funding adaptive technology.  We also hope to put together a list of CCB
members who are willing to share their technical knowledge with other
blind Californians.   Finally, we are considering the feasibility of providing
Windows training seminars at future CCB conventions. 
     The committee welcomes your participation in its projects as well as
your suggestions regarding our activities.  You may direct your comments
to Frank Welte, Chair CCB Technology Committee, 1432 San Carlos Ave.
#6, San Carlos, CA 94070; Home Phone: 650-508-8329 (before 9:00
P.M.); Work Phone: 415-983-7656; E-mail: fwelte@crl.com 
     Join us again next time when "Tech Talk" begins a series on
techniques for financing the purchase of all those gadgets we've
been telling you about. 


       SUMMARY OF SPRING 1998 CCB CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS

                               by Jeff Thom


     As those of you who attended the Spring 1998 CCB Convention
are aware, we had only 7 resolutions submitted to the Resolutions
Committee, all of which were adopted.  This is, at least in my imperfect
memory, an all-time low number of resolutions.  I would, therefore, like to
take this opportunity to urge any of you who might have an idea for a
resolution for our Fall Convention, but who may feel uncomfortable about
drafting it, to contact me.  As chair of the committee, I am willing to write
a resolution for anyone, whether or not I agree with its content.  Here is
a summary of the resolutions from the last convention:
     98A-1 urges the Department of Rehabilitation to encourage
Rehabilitation Counsellors for the Blind and Counsellor Teachers to
attend meetings of consumer organizations of the blind and visually
impaired.
     98A-2 expresses our appreciation for the outstanding efforts of the
Spring Convention volunteers.
     98A-3 expresses our appreciation for the unusual expenditure of effort
on the part of the staff of the Oakland Airport Hilton Hotel.          
     98A-4 seeks to have the CCB train and utilize a panel of advocates
to assist blind and visually impaired persons in Supplemental Security
INcome (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) matters.
     98A-5 demands that the California Building Standards Commission
make its proposed and final regulations available in accessible formats.
     98A-6 requests the CCB President to utilize the assistance of
appropriate CCB committee chairs in undertaking convention planning
tasks.
     98A-7 urges Congress, in reauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
to adopt the Senate version with respect to requirements for the purchase
by the federal government of computer hardware and software only if it
is accessible to persons with disabilities.


                            CAREER CONNECTIONS

                           by Catherine Schmitt

     First impressions do count!  As blind and visually impaired
individuals, we must remember this fact.  During the first few minutes of
meeting a person in a social setting or an interview, the viewer is
deciding, consciously or unconsciously, whether you will be listened to
seriously since your personal image "sells" yourself.  Your image consists
of what and how you wear clothes, the manner in which you conduct
yourself, and personal hygiene.  
     Why is personal image so important?  Realistically we live in a
competitive society and companies want employees who will positively
promote the organization's image.  According to Dr. Jean Rosenbaum
(references listed at the end of this article), appearance, perhaps more
than anything else, acts as a non-verbal cue to the recruiter.  It tells a lot
about you--what externals you think are important, your role in life and
perhaps even how you feel about yourself.  Appearance is a visual
symbol to others about who you are.  In an interview, you want a recruiter
to remember only the positive things about you.  
     An individual with little or no vision may find it harder to recognize
and demonstrate a positive personal image than will a sighted peer, but
the fact remains that individuals are first judged on their personal
appearance.  Guidance from sighted friends or family members is
important.  Think critically about the feedback you receive when you ask
someone's opinion, conscious that the individual has your best interest in
mind.     A fellow CCBer (let's call her Joan), who is totally blind, once
told me that, when she was looking for her first job and receiving
assistance from a sighted counselor, the counselor suggested that she
wear sunglasses because of the unusual appearance of her eyes.  The
counselor had noticed that sighted folks had been distracted by her
features and paid less attention to what she had to say.  Joan was very
uneasy about the idea, not being sure how her family would respond. 
The counselor went to the store with her to choose glasses that would
complement her facial structure.  When Joan arrived home, her family
thought that the sunglasses were a great improvement.  The idea had just
never occurred to them because they were so accustomed to her
appearance; they hadn't realized the impression it made on others and
were delighted at the help their family member had been given.  
     Achieving a satisfactory solution to this problem had three aspects. 
First, a sighted individual explained how other sighted persons responded
in a non-verbal fashion to Joan.  Understanding how people react in a
situation of this kind can provide a key to what your personal image is
saying to others.  Secondly, the counselor had a constructive suggestion
and provided assistance in carrying it out.  This practical involvement in
solving a problem is perhaps unusual but certainly effective.  Thirdly,
Joan asked for feedback from family and friends, thus gaining a broad
perspective about how her image would be improved with others.  
     Sometimes friends who are totally blind have asked for my opinion
on whether a blouse and skirt match or if a pair of earrings complement
a particular dress.  They also say that they have several sighted people
from whom they regularly seek advice on their appearance.  
     If you are not sure whose opinion to trust, consider that in general
conversations you can gain a feel for the people in your  network of
contacts who tend to "look nice," dress well and have the same kind of
approach to life that you do.  These will be the people from whom you
seek suggestions.  Among them you will be able to identify individuals
who enjoy shopping and can assist you in the selection of items you need
to purchase.  You can start the process by asking a question like, "can
you help me?  I'm trying to decide if this blouse and pants really go
together.  What do you think?"  Don't, of course, use the same question
repeatedly or direct questions to the same persons if you are trying to
assemble a group of friends you can rely on for both advice and practical
help.  
     What are your personal image strengths and areas for
improvement?  Positive Impressions for Successful Interviewing (The Art
of Wardrobe Planning and Selection) suggests the following tips for
creating a positive personal image when interviewing: 

     *  Be clean and neat.
     *  Breath:- clean and fresh.
     *  Hair- clean and well styled for the shape of your face; no scalp
flakes on the shoulders.  (Men should be aware of particular company
policies regarding hair, beards and mustaches).
     *  Hands- smooth, not rough to the touch.
     *  Nails- clean and well shaped' not chewed.  (Women should avoid
chipped nail polish or nail lengths that might give the impression that they
would interfere with work).
     *  Perfume, cologne or aftershave should not be overpowering.  A
simple guide would be to put on half of the usual amount or none at all. 
     *  Coordinate suit, shoes and socks/nylons.
     *  Shoes should be closed toe in good shape; cleaned and
shined/polished.
     *  Plan ahead what clothing you will wear; try it on; sit down in it;
check it out in front of a mirror or another person.  Fit is important.  
     *  Underclothing and butt cracks should never show, sitting or
standing.
     *  Coordinate your outfit in line, color and balance.  You want to be
heard, not remembered for what you were wearing that was not
appropriate. 
     *  Accessories should be limited and have a business look that stay
in place and do not jingle.

     Dress for Men
     *  Wear a suit, coat or jacket; a dark navy blue or charcoal gray solid
or pinstripe tailored suit would be an excellent choice.  
     *  When interviewing, avoid large plaids and the color green. 
     *  A white or pale blue, long sleeve shirt is always good.         * 
Avoid a shirt pocket of pens and pencils.
     *  Wear a conservative tie; unless you have checked out the company
and know that it is acceptable not to wear one.  If in doubt, wear one.  If
you are not accustomed to wearing a tie, practice putting one on, tying it
and just wearing it ahead of time.  It will help you to be more comfortable
during the interview. 
     *  Check pant length.  When standing, pants should cover socks. 
Be sure pants do not cling to socks when sitting or standing.
          
     Dress for Women
     *  Tailored suit is the No. 1 choice for an interview.  
     *  Select a color that complements your skin and eyes--a solid or
pinstripe in navy blue, gray or black.
     *  Shoe height should be comfortable to walk in.  A pump type shoe
presents a more conservative look.
     *  When wearing a suit, dress or skirt, sit with legs and knees
together or crossed for a professional appearance. 

     As you have noticed, conservative is better when establishing a
professional image.  Remember, when in doubt, be conservative.  It is
better to be a little more conservative than less compared to the
interviewer.
     While some of the suggestions are meant specifically for interview
situations, many are good guidelines to follow on a daily basis. 
Discussion with others, personal shoppers, books and magazine articles
can provide more definition for creating your best personal image.  Good
luck!

     Here are some references you may wish to consult:
Employment Development Department, Positive Impressions For
Successful Interviewing (The Art of Wardrobe Planning and Selection):
Pamphlet available from Employment Development Department, State of
California

Rosenbaum, Jean, M.D.  Is Your Volkswagen a Sex symbol?  New york,
Hawthorn publishers (possibly available in the public library) 
     1972.                              



                       AN ADVENTURE IN SELF-ADVOCACY

                             by Teddie Remhild

     1998 started off with an advocacy alert for me.  An ongoing problem
for all of us in the blind community is access to transportation.  It is a
challenge which brings daily stress to our lives and often persuades us
to desperate action or depressed surrender.
     On January 9, I was scheduled to be interviewed at a State
Department of Rehabilitation office in Mid-City Los Angeles for the
position of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  I had a reservation to be
picked up at 1 PM for my 2:20 PM interview.  As often happens, the
vehicle was late.  Finally, after many calls to Customer Relations, it
showed up over an hour late and then proceeded to make a shared ride
pickup and delivery, which caused me to be an hour and 10 minutes late
for my interview.  I had notified the supervisor at the state office of my
circumstances, but she could not promise that I would be seen. 
Nevertheless, I stayed in that office until it closed at 5 PM.  No interview. 
The supervisor did not think I would be able to be rescheduled but said
she would decide about that a couple of days later.  Needless to say, I
returned home frustrated and discouraged, disappointed and feeling
victimized.  In fact, I spent the next  two days crying, especially after the
supervisor revealed that she had decided my interview could not be
rescheduled. 
     After a couple of days of feeling hopeless, I decided to take action. 
I wrote letters to the Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on
Disabilities, Nadia Powers; to Richard Derock, Director of the Access
Services, Inc.; to Steve Montes, supervisor of the Customer Relations for
Access Services and to all my local, state and federal representatives. 
I also contacted a member of the Commission on Disabilities, a District
Administrator for the State Department of Rehabilitation.  I was fighting
an advocacy battle on two fronts--first, the poor performance by the
paratransit service in this critical situation and second, the injustice of the
supervisor in refusing to reschedule my interview.  
     Things started to happen.  The networking process began to pay
off.  I had also written a letter to the Mid-City District Administrator to
appeal the decision not to reschedule me.  During my conversation with
the Director of Access Services, he promised to write to that administrator
in support of my having another opportunity.  In that letter, he guaranteed
my on-time arrival if I were given another chance.  I also received
responses from most of my state and national representatives resulting
ultimately in my being given another appointment for an interview. 
Intercession by the Deputy Director of the Department of Rehabilitation
was also an influential factor.  I did arrive on time, since Access provided
a special driver and vehicle which not only transported me, but waited for
me and brought me back home!  I did not get the job, but I did win the
battle of the day in self-advocacy.
     Today I received another letter of apology from the Access Services
giving a phone number to call if I run into further  difficulties, along with
a coupon book of ride tickets. 


                             YOUNG COURTSHIP 

                             by Richard Kinney

     Editor's note: Once again we include a poem by the deaf-blind poet,
Richard Kinney.  This being the summer issue with June the month of
weddings, the subject seems appropriate.

Her hopes are like three silent drums
Convulsed with thunder when he comes.
Her fears are like four candle wicks
Consumed by lightning when he speaks.
Her love is like a crimson scroll
Of choral music priests unroll
And little girls in white robes sing. 
Her heart is like a swallow's wing.

                                     
                         SUMMER LEGISLATIVE REPORT

                               by Cid Urena 

     Though the CCB did not directly introduce any legislation this year,
the California Senior Legislature is sponsoring SB1483 by Senator Ruben
Ayala, and we are co-sponsors of this bill which provides accessibility to
reading services for blind individuals receiving In Home Supportive
Services (IHSS.)
     On behalf of the CCB we have sent letters of support on the
following bills:
     SB1399 by Senator Richard Rainey: State law requires certain
medically needy persons to pay part of Medi-Cal costs for services.  This
bill would apply this provision to services in the home as well.  It is
presently being held in suspense until the following questions are
resolved: What are "long-term health care services?"  Are the income
calculations to be
implemented even if federal financial participation is not available?  How
is the personal and incidental needs allowance to be handled when it is
less than existing maintenance need levels for persons living at home?
     SB1403 by Senator Richard Polanco: Corneal transplants from
deceased persons would require family authorization, which is now only
required for transplants of other organs.  The bill is presently on the
Senate floor. 
SB1405 by Senator Barbara Lee would require the State Fire Marshall to
provide a pamphlet setting forth the facts concerning illegal burglar bars
(security bars) installation on homes.  At our request an amendment
concerning the print-impaired amendment was added requiring that the
pamphlet be produced in large print, Braille, diskette and cassette.  The
measure is to be heard in the Housing and Community Development
Committee on June 10.   (NOTE: Since Barbara Lee has become a
congresswoman, Senator Richard Polanco is now carrying the bill.]
     SB1412 by Senator Adam Schiff (and co-authors) would require
notice to parents concerning outdated textbooks and related educational
materials.  Money will be allocated from the General Fund for this
purpose.  The bill is now on the senate floor.
SB1686 by Senator Hilda Solis: The bill will change terminology in
California education code to conform with federal IDEA statutes.  At
present the bill is on the senate
floor.
     SB2038 by Senator Richard Polanco: The Department of
Information Technology shall report and make recommendations to the
Governor and the Interagency Commission on Technology Infrastructure
for the 21st Century on various telecommunications issues.  The purpose
of the Commission, with input from the Governor's office, will be to
determine the awarding of grants to new and existing community and
regional telecommunications networks.  Members of this Commission will
be composed of representatives from various agencies and community
colleges.  In response to many requests (including the CCB's), the
Department of  Education was added to the list by amendment on March
31.  The bill is currently being held in Senate Appropriations without
recommendation.
     AB1652 by Assemblyman Michael Sweeney: this bill extends the
Education Technology Act of 1992 and the Education Council until
January 2004 (includes all public schools).  Our
proposed amendment, which would have included "blind and disabled",
as written, was not accepted.  However, a weaker substitution, referring
to those with "special needs" was made which the CCB accepted,
believing it was the best we could hope for.  The bill is presently in the
Rules Committee.
     AB2463 by Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa: this bill would
provide food assistance for California legal aliens whose grants have
been cut by the new federal welfare law.  The measure is in Senate
Rules Committee.
     AB2637 by Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni: The bill would call for
the Teacher Credentialing Commission to review and require appropriate
staff development for teaching ages 4 to 6.  It is in the Senate Rules
Committee.
     AB2730 by Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni and co-authors, this bill
would require the Teacher Credentialing Commission to establish
standards for credentialing continuing education classes from out-of-state
schools.  The bill is on Assembly floor.
     Of special note: AB1866 by Assemblyman Mike Honda, which
would have allowed disabled individuals to remain in their homes rather
than be institutionalized, has been moved by the author to the inactive
file.
     AB1932 by Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni, this bill would provide
education technology staff development for teachers.  Our proposed
amendment to make this bill disability specific for those teaching the
disabled has not been included as
of this report.
     AB2468 by Assemblyman Roy Ashburn and co-authors which would
have provided a double cost of living increase (COLA) of for SSP/SSI
recipients, was withdrawn by the author since it failed passage.  However,
in large part because of the efforts of Assemblyman Ashburn and
Governor Wilson, besides the many letters from constituents, I can now
inform you that the COLA has been included as a budget item with a
2.84% increase.
     Please continue to use the 800 number (800-221-6359) for
additional information as these bills move through the legislative process. 
Have a good summer.  You will hear from me again in the fall.


                  THE SEEING EYE, A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
                                  PART II

                              by Connie Skeen

     (This is Part 2 of an article for which Dan Kysor took material from
the internet.  It was originally published in The Saturday Evening Post,
November 5, 1927.   It was written by Dorothy Harrison Eustis.  Connie
Skeen edited it for publication here.  We begin by repeating the final
paragraph of Part I.) 
     This is all class work, as the man's real schooling commences with
the practical work of brushing, feeding and making friends with the dog
that has been assigned to him.  On the man's arrival at the school, the
dog leaves the kennel where he has lived for four months and comes to
live with his master in the dormitory.
     The proud young scholar now turns teacher and through the same
streets which have so lately served as schoolrooms, with the help of his
own instructor, he teaches his new master the technic of a lead dog and
shows him how he can guide him safely and surely.  The course is all
carried out in an atmosphere of cheeriness, confidence; and security, and
in two or three weeks, even the most faltering has learned his dog's
signals.  Every day, under the direction of a teacher, the blind scholar
carries on his dog's lessons in speaking, fetching and carrying, so that he
may learn to put command into his voice.  
     The dogs were running loose and romping about in the park for
their half hour before working as I stood nearby talking with Mr. Liese, the
director.  I had come to the school a skeptic, but he laughingly excused
me on the ground that I belonged to the majority.  I had seen so many
so-called trained dogs which, put to the test, did mediocre work.  Because
of many excuses, I was more or less prepared to hear reasons for poor
work.  I had expected possibly to see an instructor with eyes bandaged
give an  exhibition with one special dog to the running accompaniment of:
"He's off his work today--didn't eat this morning; he was not exercised
yesterday; that's funny, he usually does that perfectly; there must be
something distracting him;" and so on--all kinds of incidents that would go
to prove my contention that, intelligent and full of courage as this grand
breed of dogs is, it is too much to ask of him to take the entire
responsibility of a blind man's life.
     I had read of the blind man who crosses the Potsdamer Platz in
Berlin with his dog twice a day, going to and from work, and had seen a
photograph of him there, but knowing how much the Potsdamer Platz
would resemble Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street if all the traffic
were allowed to circulate at the same time, I put it down to a good story
and a better photograph.  Consequently I was not prepared to have one
little incident open wide the door to my conversion.  
     It was nearly the end of a course and the men were gathering by
twos and threes outside their dormitory, canes and harnesses in their
hands, before their afternoon walk, and the tears came into my eyes as
I watched them go down the little path leading from their dormitory
straight to the park enclosure.  The men, during the four weeks, must
have gone along it eight or ten times a day, and yet their feet still faltered
and shuffled as they felt their way uncertainly.  As each man called his
dog, that dog came, regardless of what absorbing game of tag was going
on; and not another dog gave heed until he, too, was called; and, then,
all eager, with tail wagging and eyes shining, up he came to have his
harness put on, each dog laying his head in his master's hand to let him
know he was here. 
     I shall never forget the change that came over one man as he
turned away from that gate.  It was as though a complete transformation
had taken place before my eyes.  One moment it was an uncertain,
shuffling blind man, tapping with a cane, the next it was an assured
person with his dog firmly in hand and his head up, who walked toward
us quickly and firmly, giving his orders in a low confident voice.  
     I quickly asked permission to follow him on his walk, first getting a
few details about him.  He had never before owned a dog, and since his
blindness had been led everywhere by a member of his family; on arriving
at the school he had been particularly nervous, helpless and lacking in
confidence.  He was a man of about forty-five, thickset and husky, who
had evidently been accustomed to lots of exercise and had become
overfat through lack of it.  He passed us whistling through his teeth and
feeling for a cigarette, his dog looking us over with an appraising eye.  I
turned quietly and followed.  Walking at a good pace, the pair went down
the street to the first crossing, where the dog pulled back to indicate the
curb.     As I followed him, it seemed impossible to believe that the
man wasn't taking the dog for a walk and stopping for traffic of his own
accord, so quietly and evenly did they work together.  
     The walk lay through the crowded shopping street with all the traffic
of a big city, its noises and distractions, its scents and stray dogs on
mischief or business bent.  Understanding, responsibility and never-failing
protection radiated from that blind leader as he went about his work.  His
attitude was, "You mind your business and I'll mind mine," as he threaded
his way along the street, and the pair went much more quickly without
interference than I, who continually bumped into people in my efforts to
keep up.  I was amazed at the pace; I had started by walking briskly, but
found the distance ever widening between us, and the need to make it up
every so often on a jog trot.
     There was a big catch in my throat as I saw them turn into the
school grounds together with other pairs coming from different directions
and knew that I was converted.  It had not been a particular exhibition
staged for my special benefit, but just one of the many dogs turned out
every month with his blind master.  There were no fireworks, no display,
no excuses, no muddling, but honest work done by honest dogs, and my
hat was off to those who had worked out and perfected such a method
of sympathetic training.
     As always happens when you are interested in some one thing, you
find examples all around you, and the day after my visit to Potsdam I was
taking a respite from a big dog show and quenching my thirst with a
lovely long, cool glass of beer in a great public garden across the way,
when along came a blind man and his dog, threading their way between
the tables.  The man had apparently told his dog to take him to a table,
as she stopped beside one with her master next to the chair.
     I watched them for some time.  The waitress could come and go as
she pleased, and people could pass close by in all directions as long as
they did not show any interest, but let someone stop and look curiously
at them and a low warning growl issued forth immediately.  Captain
Schoenherr, of the Instruction School for Police Dogs at Gruenheide, was
with me and he invited the man to take a glass of beer with us, which he
accepted very pleasantly.  Picking up his harness handle and his cane,
he gave the dog the order to follow Captain Schoenherr, who, to test him,
took a curving course between the tables.  Step for step and curve for
curve, the dog followed him, saw her master safely into his chair and lay
down quietly beside him.  The man told us that he had had her for three
years and only once in all that time had she run him into anything, and
then he said it was largely his own fault.  Man and dog had such
understanding that they worked as one.  Later he went with us to the
entrance to show us how beautifully she worked, and after he'd said
good-bye gave the order to take him back to his table.  She took him
quietly and without hesitation back to the same table and the same chair,
although the way led across the whole garden, up some steps, through
a pergola and between tables crowded with people.  
     The future for all blind men can be the same, however blinded.  No
longer dependent on a member of the family, a friend or a paid attendant,
the blind can once more take up their normal lives as nearly as possible
where they left them off, and each can begin or go back to a wage-
earning occupation, secure in the knowledge that he can get to and from
his work safely and without cost; that crowds and traffic have no longer
any terrors for him and that his evenings can be spent among friends
without responsibility or burden to them; and last, but far from least, that
long, healthful walks are now possible.  Gentlemen, again without
reservation, I give you the shepherd dog.


                              BULLETIN BOARD

     Editor's note: Our Bulletin Bolard columnist has apparently
relinquished the task of assembling information from a variety of
publications.  We are searching for CCB members who will take on this
responsibility; but in the meantime, there are several interesting offerings
from helpful readers.
     From Janis Urena, taken from Modern Maturity: E-MAIL
UNIVERSITY: Some students have found a way to cut college costs. 
DON'T GO TO CLASS!  At least, not in the traditional way.  More than a
million students now take courses online, and that number could triple by
the year 2000.  The courses may not be cheaper, but there's no room
and board.  Plus it's convenient.  Students can go online day or night to
access lectures, get assignments and discuss material with teachers or
classmates via e-mail.  Plugged-in students may miss the social life, but
the trade-off is more than worth it.  (NOTE: Check with various colleges
whose course offerings fit your needs to see if they provide them online.)

*****          *****          *****           *****          

     The new SPEAK TO ME catalog has been released.  It has many
new and interesting products including a cordless phone with voice
recognition, a talking VCR, a talking caller ID box with Call Waiting
feature, talking heart rate monitor, singing alleluia clock, wild animal clock,
and many Christmas items for early shopping.  Catalogs are available in
print, on tape, or on IBM disk.  Call Denise Russell at 800-248-9965.


                         PROFILE: ROGER PETERSEN:
                          Roger's Rules of Order:

                             by Brian L. Hall

     Roger Petersen is working to define some new rules of the road while
respecting the old ways of navigation.  In his seventh year as a board
member of the California Council of the Blind, he continues pushing for
more usable technology for people with limited sight, not just for
computers but for automatic teller machines, cellular telephones and
home thermostats. 
     "Petersen can always be counted on when an articulate voice is
needed to speak on behalf of accessibility issues," commented Barbara
Rhodes, president of the Silicon Valley Chapter.  He is the immediate
past president of Silicon Valley, CCB's largest chapter, where he serves
as chair for both Program and Constitution and Bylaws.  During his tenure
as president there, Rhodes said, he helped initiate a lawsuit against the
Santa Clara County Transportation Authority, (now the Valley
Transportation Authority) for failure of coach operators to call out bus
stops.  The legal action resulted in Braille signs and enunciators that
automatically announce route numbers and the bus's direction of travel. 
"I take the engineer's approach," said Petersen, who is 56 and lives in
Mountain View.  "What's good for the blind can benefit everybody."
     "I'd like to think I've increased this organization's interest in fostering
accessible high tech such as audio description for movies and live
theater."
     Petersen belongs to the CCB Technology Committee but has a more
personal reason for wanting live performances to be understandable to
the visually impaired.   He is totally blind and holds a season ticket to the
American Musical Theater in San Jose.  He particularly enjoys "the oldies
but goodies" like "The Music Man," "South Pacific," "Carousel" and "the
King and I."  But he is no fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber."  "I like shows with
real music," he remarked.       
     Petersen, who is organizing California's Friends in Art Chapter,  is
an avid tandem bicyclist but represents the walking public on Mountain
View's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a group that is
lobbying city officials to make audible signals an integral part of every
street intersection.  If the sighted have the right to red, green and yellow
lights, he reasons that he has the right to chirpers and beepers signals.
  "Emergency vehicles don't have lights and sirens just for blind people's
benefit.  To get people to pay attention, it's important to trigger both
senses because drivers aren't always watching out." Petersen said.
     According to anecdotal evidence, audible signals help those with
perfect eye sight in the same way that curb ramps help not only
wheelchair users but the non-orthopedically impaired as well.
     "Roger is very knowledgeable and completely dependable," said CCB
President Catherine Skivers.  The Council's appointed parliamentarian,
he sees the importance of following meeting procedures that many might
consider unimportant or technical mumbo-jumbo.    
     "The rules have meaning because they protect the rights of some
group or a minority as when a two-thirds vote is required,"
Petersen said.  
     He has moderated political forums and floor votes where he used
"Robert's Rules of Order" as the organization's owner's manual.
     "Roger is very calm," said his significant other, Bernice Kandarian. 
"He listens to people and keeps meetings on track.  A lot of leaders in
positions of power in the blindness movement nationally and statewide
know him.  They look to him for answers and value his input."
     At the University of Oregon, Petersen majored in German with the
expectation of becoming a high school teacher.  He also studied violin
and piano and sang baritone in the school chorus.
     "At one point, I played baritone horn because I wanted to be between
Gerry Mulligan's baritone sax and Bob Brookmeyer's valve trombone.  I
even took up the autoharp during the folk era," he said.
     In his junior year, he switched his major to psychology.  after
attending Cornell University, he landed a three-year teaching job in the
psych department of Washington College on Maryland's eastern shore
and later worked as a research psychologist for the National Bureau of
Standards.
     He was employed for nearly 10 years by TeleSensory, Inc.  "I got into
computers, as someone else has said, out of self-defense."  I wanted to
make my own job accessible, to make it possible for me to read, write
and share documents with colleagues." 
     
      
                              ROSE GARDENING  

                          by Charles D. Nabarrete

     I have always enjoyed working in the yard.  As my visual acuity
dimished, though, I found it more difficult to mow the lawn or keep a
flower garden.  After repeatedly pushing the lawnmower off the curb and
pulling out more flowers than weeds, I decided to give up lawn mowing
and tending a flower garden; but I still get a great deal of enjoyment and
satisfaction from rose gardening. 
     With routine care and feeding, roses will produce many beautiful
and fragrant flowers for more than half of the year.  I have been able to
independently plant, grow, and maintain a rose garden that others have
admired.  
     GETTING STARTED  You need a patch of land or apartment
balcony which is in the sun for most of the day, although a full sun area
is preferrable.  You can grow several hybrids of roses in pots, especially
the miniature varieties, on balconies or patios.
     There are three basic types of rose plants that you can purchase
at a garden or home supply store, such as Home Depot or Home Base:
bush, tree, and climbing roses.  Most bare root roses cost around $10.00
or less.  
     There are two main rose bushes, the tea rose, which has a single
flower at the end of long branches, and the flora bunda, which has
several roses at the end of each branch.  The bushes are generally three
feet in height.  Tree roses are four to five feet tall and have a bowl-
shaped set of branches on top of a trunk which is two to three inches in
diameter and about two-thirds of the overall height of the rose.  Climbing
roses can cover either a wall or a lattice type patio cover.     
     PLANTING  Bare root roses are planted in December or January. 
Allow a space of two to three feet between plants in a garden, and space
roses two to three feet apart along walkways and driveways, planting
them a foot or so from the edge of the walkway or driveway.  The plants
are sold with their roots covered by a plastic bag that you cut away when
you are ready to plant.  After clearing the packing soil from the roots, you
need to dig a hole which will allow you to spread the roots and which is
about as deep as the length of the bag which covered the  roots.  I like
to mix mulch with the dirt I use for planting and also add a little bone
meal and vitamin B to the soil.  After planting, I water thoroughly each of
the first few days.  
     CARE: Rose plants need water regularly--at least twice a week
during the summer.  As my mother says, roses like their heads warm and
their feet cool.  In early spring, early summer and early fall, I mulch and
feed the plants.  There are several varieties of rose food which contain
a systemic pest control that permits you to feed the roses and control
pests at the same time.  After following the directions on the box for
feeding, you apply Gro-Mulch to the area below the rose, about an inch
deep and cover the area of the branch spread.  The roses appreciate
having their area cleared of weeds regularly, and it's not difficult to tell the
difference between a weed and the thorny base of the rose.
     PRUNING  Each year, during December or January, the rose plants
need to be pruned back heavily.  I use a pair of gardening gloves and
hand pruners for this task.  Rose bushes have three to five main
branches growing from the base; these branches are cut back to a point
about twelve to eighteen inches above the base.  Then you cut away
small branches growing from these branches and any other smaller
branches growing from the base.  When you are finished you will be left
with the three to five branches growing from the base and not much else. 
Tree roses are pruned by cutting the main branches to a length of about
twelve inches and removing the other smaller branches.  Don't worry
about cutting most of the rose plant away; it will grow vigorously during
the rest of the year.  In those months you also need to cut off the dead
flowers and shape the rose plant to your preference.  

     I have had a wonderful return on my investment of time and effort
when working with my roses.  Not only do we have fragrant flowers, but
I also have a stress-relieving activity.
                                

                             AROUND THE STATE

     NEW GARDEN FOR THE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED OF THE
NORTH BAY AREA: The Napa Valley Chapter of the California Native
Plant Society has created a Sensory Garden within its Native Habitat
Garden of the Martha Walker Garden.  The Sensory Garden, thriving
within a large field stone planter, is designed to aid those with low vision. 
Plants have been selected for their shape and the texture and aroma of
their foliage.  The Sensory Garden is located at Skyline Wilderness Park,
Napa.  Though March through May is the optimal time to visit, guests will
continue to derive pleasure throughout the summer.  To arrange a visit
to the Sensory Garden, contact the Curators, Ralph and Evelyn Ingols at
707-254-7672.  Although Skyline Wilderness Park charges admission,
those visiting the Sensory Garden who identify themselves as visually
handicapped will not be charged. 

*****         *****          *****          *****          *****

     From The Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, April, 1998:
E-mail Messages through the Phone: JE Mail-Call from JE Software
makes it possible to listen to e-mail messages by dialing a touch-tone or
cellular phone.  Users dial into a central server, enter a personal
identification number, and listen to the messages.  The e-mail can then
be sent automatically to any FAX machine.  The messages stay in the
user's computer in-boc so they can be processed later from a computer.
The price for subscribing to the JE Mail-Call service is $99 per year, $54
for six months, $30 for three months, or $10.99 for 30 days.  A free demo
is available by dialing 
888-462-4348.  

*****          *****          *****          *****        *****

     (This information was taken from an article in the news letter of the
Folsom Project for the Visually Impaired.) An inmate at Folsom State
Prison, William Cloud, is the state's first inmate to earn certification as a
braille transcriber from the Library of Congress.  He joins more than
23,000 volunteers nationwide who transcribe books into braille for
students and other visually impaired individuals. 
     Cloud learned how to transcribe braille in the Folsom Project for the
Visually Impaired (FPVI), a non-profit organization operated by Folsom
State Prison inmates and staff and sponsored by the Folsom City Lions
Club.  To become certified by the Library of Congress, Cloud completed
18 lessons and transcribed a 35-page braille test manuscript.  He sent his
lessons to a volunteer instructor, Winifred Downing, for correction and
comment.  Three other inmates are now in training to learn braille
transcription, a course that normally takes 18-24 months.  William Cloud
has begun the process of learning the Nemeth Code, a code for
transcribing mathematical material into braille which is so demanding that
only some 150 individuals have been certified in the entire country.   
     Established in 1989, FPVI got underway by recording books onto
audiotapes.  Since then, inmates have recorded more than 800 books
and are now taping about 200 books a year.   These tapes are available
to blind and visually impaired individuals who send in requests through
schools, state agencies and volunteer groups.     The FPVI catalog of
recorded books contains authors ranging from Charles Dickens to Steven
King.  Many of the tapes are for the California Department of
Rehabilitation, the California Department of Education and local schools
throughout the state.  Some of the tapes are in Spanish. 
In addition to recording audio books and transcribing books into braille,
the program's 11 inmates also produce large type books and use a
lensometer to gauge the prescription of donated eyeglasses.  They then
clean and repair the eyeglasses for distribution to those in need.  FPVI
donated more than 450 pairs of eyeglasses to victims of the Oklahoma
bombing.

*****          *****           *****          *****          *****          *****

     If you are a blind or visually impaired California resident who needs
assistance with college or employment-related expenses (including
expenses related to self-employment), the Lillie Perry Memorial Fund and
the Lillie Perry Foundation may be able to help. 
     These nonprofit organizations offer loans, with no interest other than
a 5% surcharge amortized over the repayment period.  For an application,
contact Jeff Thom, 7414 Mooncrest Way, Sacramento, CA 95831, or
telephone at 916-429-8201.


                                 CCB OFFICERS

President:  Catherine Skivers, 836 Resota Street, Hayward, CA 94545

First Vice President: John Lopez, 3925 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023 

Second Vice President: Jeff Thom, 7414 Mooncrest Drive, Sacramento, CA
95831 

Secretary:  Kenneth Frasse, 141 Del Medio Ave., Apt. 223, Mountain View, CA
94040

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

                           CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Jerry Glass, Redlands
Brian Hall, San Pablo
Dr. Martin Jones, San Francisco
Jane Kardas, Ukiah 
Patricia LaFrance, Temple City
Charles Nabarrete, West Covina
Roger Petersen, Mountain View
Mitch Pomerantz, Los Angeles 
Teddie Remhild, Anaheim
Eugene Lozano, Sacramento  

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


                          CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Joan Black, Chair: 4925 Coke Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712; 
   562-630-2304

Bernice Kandarian, Vice Chair:     2211 Latham St. #120
   , Mountain                   View, CA 94040; 415-969-1688

Ruth Dean: 1535 Westgate Ave., #4, Los Angeles, CA 90025; 
                         
310-826-8106

Winifred Downing: 1587 38th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122; 
                         
415-564-5798

Brian Hall: 2724 21st St., San Pablo, CA 94806; 
510-235-7790

Maria Lopez: 3925 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90023; 213-268-4526

Daveed Mandell: 2720 Del Monte ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530;   
510-236-8715

Teddie Remhild: 200 N. Gilbert, #3, Anaheim, CA 92801; 714-533-6051

Catherine  Schmitt: 348 S. Prospectors Road, 
   #9,                   Diamond Bar, CA 91765 909-861-1653

Connie Skeen: 3250 Maple Ave., Oakland, CA 94602; 510-532-7687


