

                         THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                      Quarterly Magazine of the 

                    CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Summer, 2000, Volume 44, 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, CA 94541
                             800-221-6359
                             510-537-7877
                            e-mail ccotb@earthlink.net
                           Fax: 510-537-7830
                           www.acb.org/ccb



                 Los Angeles Area Office, John Lopez 
             3925 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023 
                             323-780-3500


                   Sacramento Area Office, Dan Kysor
                       2657 Truxel Road, No. 41
                         Sacramento, CA 95833
                             916-648-3936
                           Fax 916-929-8370
                       E-mail dankysor@jps.net 


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


                       Editor: Winifred Downing
                           1587 38th Avenue
                        San Francisco, CA 94122
                             415-564-5798
                     E-mail wdowning@primenet.com




Call the CALIFORNIA CONNECTION at 800-221-6359 for an update on
legislation and CCB events Monday through Friday after 4 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 Hayward office for other suggested forms.
Thank
you.


                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

PRESIDENT'S CORNER, by Catherine Skivers . . . . . . . . . . . .2

CCB SPRING 2000 CONVENTION REPORT,  
     by Catherine Skivers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE, by Melita Waters  . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

TECHTALK: A REVIEW OF THE LISTENING TO 
     WINDOWS 95 TUTORIAL, by Frank Welte . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SUMMARY OF SPRING, 2000, CCB CONVENTION 
     RESOLUTIONS, by Jeff Thom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PRESENTATION OF CCB AWARDS FOR THE 
     YEAR 2000, by Roger Petersen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! by Ellenie Wong . . . . . . . 17

ACB TESTIMONY ON HR3590, submitted by 
     Roger Petersen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

TALKING ATMS FROM WELLS FARGO BANK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

RICK BOGGS, THE MAN AND HIS DOG, 
     by Brian Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

REHABILITATION CHANGE, by Catherine Campisi  . . . . . . . . . 28

TALKING ATMS FROM BANK OF AMERICA  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

MID-YEAR LEGISLATIVE REPORT, by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . . . . 33

REMARKS BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN HELEN THOMSON, submitted
     by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

BULLETIN BOARD, by Keith Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE AWARDS, by Joan Black . . . . . . . . . 42

CALIFORNIA CHALLENGES THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 
     ACT, submitted by Ralph Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

FEDERAL LEGISLATION, by Ahmad Rahman . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

BLIND STUDENTS OF CALIFORNIA BACK ON THE MAP, 
     by Richard Rueda  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

REPORT OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE, by Rhonda King . . . . . . 46

AROUND THE STATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43


CCB OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

                   CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE  . . . . . . . . 55

  



In accepting material for The Blind Californian, priority will be
given
to articles concerning the activities and policies of the
California
Council of the Blind and to the experiences and concerns of blind
persons.  Recommended length is under 3 pages; if space
constraints
make it necessary to divide an article, every effort will b made
to
discuss the matter with the author before publication.   

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

                         FROM THE EDITOR

                       by Winifred Downing

     From April 1 to April 15, I had the pleasure and privilege
of being in Rome on an Elder Hostile tour.  The Elder Hostile is
an organization for people over 50 who seek an educational
experience connected with travel.  Some of the tours feature
opportunities to work at museums, historic monuments, and
national parks; to teach in foreign countries; and to do other
similar tasks while other tours are associated only with travel
and the classes involved with the place being visited.  
     We stayed for the entire period in one hotel and had all our
meals there.  The food was nourishing but not dramatic--bowls of
oranges, apples, and pears for dessert at meals; a substantial
soup at least once every day; marvelous pasta; and vegetables at 
both the noon and evening meals.  Rooms were adequate but not
luxurious.
     What was just wonderful, though, were the daily activities
and classes.  Since I couldn't view the art or architecture, I
appreciated classes that explained the characteristics of the
various kinds of columns used in building and of the major
artistic periods like the Romanesque, Renaissance, and baroque. 
Then each day we visited examples of what we had studied the day
before, taking in churches, villas, the Forum and the Colosseum,
St. Peter's, the Vatican Museum, and a catacomb.   We had
classes, too, in the history of the papacy, Italian politics, and
the changing characteristics of Italian society.  We heard the
St. Matthew Passion sung at the pantheon; went to Ostea, a
seaport dating from several hundred years before the birth of
Christ; and visited Pompeii, the city excavated from volcanic ash
only about 150 years ago after having been buried for more than
1800 years.  We ate gelato (ice cream) at two different piazzas,
one in view of the Trevi Fountain, famous in the song "Three
Coins in the Fountain."  
     None of this was easy, though.  My sighted companion, an old
and dear friend, will, I think, be canonized for her patience and
forbearance in dealing with Roman streets and traffic.  The
sidewalks were often so narrow that I had to walk behind her; and
when mopeds were parked along the outside edge, we had to move
sideways.  Traffic is fierce; I actually prayed aloud several
times as we threaded our way among moving cars so close that I 
 could touch them.  
     The word Elder in the name of the organization might suggest
some consideration in the pace maintained, but the truth is that
we ran across Rome, up steps and hills, and along the tortuous
streets.  If it poured rain, we just kept sloshing along.  The
terrain in the ruins like the Forum and the Colosseum was beyond
belief, composed entirely of large clods of earth, rocks, and
parts of demolished structures of various kinds.  There was not a
single level place to put a foot, and sliding off a rock or earth
clod would mean a drop of inches and the possibility of a
sprained ankle.  
The chariot tracks that we followed had ruts so deep that I
wondered how any horse could have drawn a wheeled structure along
and how any charioteer could have remained inside the cart at
all. 
     There were many interesting sidelights.  Italy is not a
wealthy country and so is extremely careful about the use of
electricity and gas (Its natural gas comes from Russia.) 
The government dictates when it is cold enough to allow heat in
buildings, and clothes dryers are not permitted at all.  Even the
hotels must hang their towels and linens for drying.  In spite of
these restrictions, however, the Colosseum is kept lighted all
night when an execution is scheduled anywhere in the world as a
protest against capital punishment.  
     All in all, the whole experience was one of the truly
wonderful events of my life and an opportunity for which I shall
ever be grateful. 
     Now I must return to practical matters to  thank all of you
who keep the BC going with your articles and ideas.  We need some
new blood on the Publications Committee because several people
have had to withdraw, so please consider taking an even more
active part in producing the magazine by joining the committee
which supervises and supports it.  The deadline for the fall
issue is September 1.  Happy summer!


                       PRESIDENT'S CORNER

                      by Catherine Skivers 

     Energy and enthusiasm, according to many of us,
characterized the California Council of the Blind (CCB) spring
convention in Sacramento.  It was wonderful to see so many people
who had not been with us for some time and to see a good number
of first timers.  Attendance was excellent, enabling us to meet
all our room and meal guarantees.  We had 21 exhibitors who used
39 tables.
     138 people were present at the Saturday evening banquet. 
Several members who never miss a banquet were unable to be with
us, making the number who did attend the convention all the more
gratifying.   
      Charlie Crawford, Executive Director of the American
Council of the Blind,  was our featured speaker at the banquet.
His talk, "The Last Time I Looked At The Future," was
outstanding. Charlie never writes his speeches, but we taped his
address, and, if the recording is clear, a copy will be sent to
every chapter and affiliate president.  The awards that were
presented will be covered elsewhere in these pages.  A lot of
hard work goes into the preparation of the awards and the
planning of conventions, and carrying out those plans once we
arrive at our destination.  My thanks to the staff and volunteers
who helped make this gathering a great success!
     At every convention we ask that people pre-register with a
$10 fee.  This practice not only helps us to estimate the number
of rooms and meals we will need but enables the person
pre-registering to pay one dollar less for most functions.  Those
who do not pre-register pay $15.  At this convention some people
who came only to see the exhibits did not feel that they should
pay the registration fee.  Should everyone pay a registration
fee, or should we not charge those who come only to the exhibits? 
I will be asking the Board to help arrive at consistent practices
concerning this matter.  My apologies to anyone who felt he or
she was not fairly treated, but registration fees help defray the
cost of conventions, which are becoming ever more expensive.  
     CCB is in a solid financial position. We recently received
$40,000 from American Way Thrift and Bill Ashe as a partial
settlement of our difficulties with our former thrift stores.  We
will be receiving additional quarterly payments over the next six
years, bringing  to a conclusion the last of the legal struggles
that have dragged on since the early 1990s. 
     For the last three years CCB has been a part of a consortium
made up of organizations of the Hearing Impaired, Developmentally
Disabled and the Hemophilia Council.  We have just received a
grant for this consortium for the next three years. Through this
effort, we have been educating disability groups in particular
about the HIV-AIDS virus.  Our success no doubt accounts for why
we received another 3-year grant. 
     I keep a calendar of my activities, and staff keeps copies
for me so that I am certain to meet all my commitments, and thus
we have a paper trail of CCB activities for anyone to see. 
Another measure of our activity is the audit for 1999, which got
underway on May 30th.  It is being performed by Gilbert
Accountancy, the same firm that did such a fine job for us last
year. 
     There have been many meetings in the last year with
representatives from the California Department of Rehabilitation
(CDR) and the California Department of Education (CDE).  The
Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change (BARC) Steering
Committee sent a list of concerns to Dr. Catherine Campisi,
Director CDR, to which she has responded in a letter to be found
later in this issue of the BC.  Dr. Campisi gave a lengthy talk
about her plans for the improvement of the department that was
very well received at our convention.  We will long remember her
stories about her own experience with a disability.
     Three teleconferences were held in which Jim Willows,
President, NFBC; Jane Vogel, representing JAC and LIDAC; and
myself representing CCB conferred with Henry Der, Deputy
Superintendent, CDE.  We discussed the crucial need for a
consultant for the blind and visually impaired in the Department
of Education.  The blind and visually impaired of this state were
the second group to have consultants in California, and we have
had them for more than 40 years. Last year the CDE abolished this
position while retaining two consultants for the deaf.  A new
consultant position is being announced which calls for the person
assigned to spend 50 percent of his or her time with the blind
and visually impaired and 50 percent with the orthopedic
impaired.  The word "credentialed" does not appear in the
announcement.  Jane, Jim and I found this arrangement
unacceptable.  I asked the Secretary of Education in Sacramento
for an appointment to discuss this matter, and  she designated
Christine Aranda to meet with Jane, Jim and me on May 23rd.  I
was able to present her with a copy of Resolution 2000a-4 that
was passed at the convention asking that a consultant be promptly
appointed or we shall go to the Legislature to establish this
position.  Jim Willows had a similar resolution that he handed to
Ms. Aranda and Jane had a great deal of material that she also
presented.  For someone who has been working on behalf of the
blind for as many years as I have, it is very disappointing to
find that, in both Rehabilitation and Education services, we are
at the bottom of the heap.  When I first began with the Council
we were number one for anything and everything having to do with
the blind and visually impaired community. 
     On a completely different matter, the CCB has purchased a
van that we began to use on January 3rd.  We have had  painted on
it our CCB logo, name, address and 800 telephone number.  It not
only looks great but is also excellent advertising for us as we
drive around the state taking care of our many projects.
     I am pleased to announce that Bakersfield is in the process
of establishing a chapter that should be chartered at our next
convention, if not before.  My thanks to Pat LaFrance-Wolf and
Perry Wolf for traveling to Bakersfield to help organize.  I am
looking forward to increasing the number of members during the
year 2000.   Rhonda Marshal-King, our new Membership Committee
Chair, is going to do great things for us.  Those of you who
enjoyed the hospitality in the President's Suite met her and her
husband, Lonnie King, who handled things there in grand style. 
We thank him very much for his help. 
     For the first time the Northern California Chapter of the
California Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists
(NCAOMS) met in conjunction with our convention.  The
organization has expressed an interest in working closely with
us, And we certainly welcome this group.  
     In August our Scholarship Committee will be meeting.  CCB
really has had some tremendous support from that committee.  Phil
Hallford, a committee member, has contributed $500 to the
Scholarship Fund for two years in a row.  Abbie Vincent, another
committee member, has also given $500.  These donations mean that
$1,000 is being added to the Scholarship Fund.  We hope that many
Californians will apply because education is so important to
anybody trying to obtain employment, especially people with a
disabilities.
     We are proud of Richard Rueda, Treasurer of Blind Students
of California (BSC) who is going to be an intern in the American
Council office in Washington, DC this summer.  The students held
a very successful Comedy Night at the convention, enabling them
to double their treasury.  Congratulations for having such a fine
show and thanks to everyone who attended! 
     We were especially glad to have at the convention Flora
Beck, the wife of Barry Weintraub, who passed away since our last
convention.  Barry always helped Perry Wolf with the sound system
and gave his time everywhere.  We missed him very much.  Flora is
concerned, now that Barry is not with us, that Perry needs more
assistance, so she has contributed $250 in Barry's memory to be
used to pay someone to work with Perry at our next convention. 
We thank her so much for this gift, and we are grateful to Perry
for all the work he does for us.  With members like Flora, it is
no wonder that CCB is a top-notch organization.  I feel fortunate
to have a leadership role in such an outstanding organization. 
If each of you keeps an interest in CCB and participates in our
various programs, we'll just keep getting bigger and better. 
     A list of committees was printed in our convention program
though there are some errors in it.  For those of you who are
computer enthusiasts, I want to say that, sometimes new lists
have a strange way of disappearing, leaving older lists.  In any
case, some committees have been reconstituted, and others are
being  worked on at this writing.  If you are interested in 
serving on a committee, please contact me at your earliest
convenience.  We still have seven  months to go in this year, and
there is plenty of work to be done, so the more the merrier.  I
hope to hear from you soon and to see many of you in Los Angeles
at the fall convention which will be held from November 2-5,
2000, at the Crown Plaza Hotel near the LAX airport.  


                CCB SPRING 2000 CONVENTION REPORT

                by Catherine Skivers, President 

     The person who had volunteered to do the spring convention
report became ill the day before the convention opened.  I had
hoped to ask someone else who was skilled in journalism to cover
for me, but, for the first time in many years, he could not be
present.  
     Tapes of the entire convention are available from the CCB
office.  We have charged $15 for the complete set in the past,
but I hope to be able to give these to people for the cost of the
cassettes, which is approximately $10 for a 13-tape set.  We do
not want anyone to be unable to hear what happened at the
convention because of inability to pay for the tapes.  If you
want to obtain a copy, please call the CCB office and let us know
what your needs are.  It is my intention to send to each chapter
and affiliate president a copy of the address given on Friday by
Dr. Catherine Campisi, Director of the Department of
Rehabilitation, and the one given at the banquet by Charles
Crawford, Executive  Director of ACB.  Those tapes will also be
available for anyone requesting them.
     The convention was well attended, and the Council met all
its commitments for room and meal totals for special events.  138
people attended the banquet.  We were all pleased with the
success of the students' Comedy Night.  They were able to
increase their Treasury substantially.   
     It is not possible to attend all the events that take place
at one of our conventions.  Committee chairs and presidents of
affiliates have been asked to put reports in the BC.  
     Exhibits were extremely well attended with 21 exhibitors at
39 tables.  
     A number of Board members were unable to attend the
convention this time.  Dr. Martin Jones was in Georgia at the
college graduation of one of his daughters; Ahmad Rahman was in
Berkeley attending the college graduation of his son; Al and
Connie Gil, who had not missed a convention in decades, were back
east at their niece's graduation; and Kenneth Frasse and Sylvia
Munoz were vacationing in Mexico.  David Parker was not able to
be present because of business commitments; and Peggy Martinez,
who had been in Ohio working during the week, could not get to
the hotel until after the Thursday evening board meeting.   
     Burt Boyer, Executive Director of the Oakland Lions Blind
Center, told the Board about the efforts being made by his
organization to obtain employment for blind people in the Bay
Area.  The Center has some assembly contracts and hopes to obtain
more.  CCB donated $500 to the Center to be used to help keep the
program going.  
     The Board heard a Treasurer's Report presented by Peter
Pardini.  Reports on our legal and financial positions were
discussed. Two students will be sent to the ACB Convention, and
Richard Rueda has been appointed as an Intern in the ACB
Washington, DC, office and will also be going to Louisville.  
     At each general session, we had our usual Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag and heard from clergy of different faiths. 
The first speaker on Friday's program was Dr. Catherine Campisi,
appointed in November, 1999, as the new Director of the
California Department of Rehabilitation.  Catherine developed
arthritis at the age of 10 and, by 15, was in a wheelchair.  She
told us, just as many disabled people have, that she was in
denial of her disability for many years. She credits her family
for their support and high expectations in helping her to achieve
all that she has.  She married Ralph Black, a blind attorney and
the Chief Counsel for Community Colleges in California, ten years
ago.  Ralph is the son of Keith and Joan Black--long-time CCB
members.  Catherine believes that the only way really to know how
a disability affects someone is to have the experience yourself
or be close to a disabled person on a daily basis.
     Dr. Campisi recognizes the need for specialized services for
blind and visually impaired persons.  She understands that
generic services will not work for us.  She will be seeking the
services of qualified people with disabilities to occupy
leadership positions in rehabilitation.  Wages are currently not
competitive in the Department,  accounting for the problem in
attracting people with Masters Degrees.  She is also advocating
changes in the Order of Selection Process.  She strongly supports
technology and the importance of braille in bringing about
successful employment outcomes. 
     Hal Dassinger, represented the Chief of Elections Division
John Mott-Smith.  He said that the division is investigating new
technology to plan for better voting procedures.  He said there
had been little sensitivity to the importance of privacy in
voting procedures but that the new touch screen technology,
though expensive,  will solve that issue and serve a large part
of the population.  Currently there are 3 certified systems in
place.  On June 20th, a meeting will take place at the office of
the Secretary of State for a discussion of voting machines and
other concerns.  We should all contact our county registrars now
to alert them to these issues.  Dassinger reminded us that
audiocassette tapes containing all the ballot information,
including the pros and cons of all measures and details of all
the people running for election, can be obtained from the office
of the Secretary of State.  
     Linda Dardarian is a member of the legal team involved with
CCB's success in getting talking ATMs installed in California. 
Articles on the specific banks involved appear elsewhere in  this
issue of the BC.  Linda said that CCB has emerged as a national
leader in accessibility of ATMs and that dealing with the
American Express and 7-11s will be the first time this
accommodation is being attempted outside of the banking industry. 
She urged people to use talking ATMs now that we finally have
them.  As noted in the article on awards, CCB formally
acknowledged its gratitude to the cooperating banks.  
     Linda Bardis was the last speaker on Friday afternoon.  She
is the Chief of Services for the Blind, Department of Social
Services.  At one time she was the legislative representative for
the Council and continues to applaud its efforts at advocacy. 
She is proud to be a CCB member.  She commended  Dan Kysor for
his work in the passage of the bill to allow people with low
incomes on SSDI to receive the same guide dog expense allowance
as those on SSI.  The Governor has taken an active interest in
the passage of this bill and has asked manufacturers to send dog
food and other supplies to help people with their dogs.  Two
companies will be giving coupons for dog supplies.  These are
available to eligible recipients but will not affect their SSI or
SSDI in any way.  
     Linda understands the importance of access to electronic
media but doubts that state officials are fully aware of what
access really means.  She urges us to write to the Governor to
remind him to make sure that all new equipment is accessible. 
     She brought with her some pamphlets in braille on Social
Security and other services.  The telephone number for Social
Services is 916-657-3327.  For resource information call
916-653-1177.  The address of the Social Services Department is
744 'P' Street, Sacramento, CA  95814.  
     Before each general session, John Lopez, CCB Past President
and a great musician, played the piano for us.  Everyone enjoyed
hearing from John and was happy to have John and Maria at this
convention.  The chapters were most generous in contributing to
the General Fund, the Scholarship Fund and the Fogarty Fund.  Our
office manager, Larry Seiber, won $50 that he contributed to the
Scholarship Fund.  Our Administrative Assistant, Ed Branch, won
$25 that he contributed to the CCB Crisis Fund.  We thank our
chapters for their financial support.   
     On Saturday, at the general session, Dr. Tasha Dean,
President of the California Association of Orientation and
Mobility Specialists (CAOMS), spoke to us about her work.  She
believes that CAOMS and CCB have many common goals and hopes we 
can work together to improve accessibility for the blind and
visually impaired of California.  The Association was formed in
1966 and recently became a California non-profit corporation.  It
was formed to allow Orientation & Mobility Chapters to keep in
contact and to work on professional development.  The members
stress the importance of professional training and advocate for
needed legislation. They appreciate input from the people they
serve so they can become more aware of what is needed.  They are
focused on pedestrian safety and access to transportation.    
     Teddie Remhild and David Arocho spoke to us about the
Personal Assistance Service Council (PASC), a new public
authority in Los Angeles County.  60% of their staff have
disabilities of some kind and three of the members are visually
impaired.  The Council has been established to help senior
citizens and people with disabilities to stay in their own homes. 
 They work with people who are on IHS and stress the importance
of obtaining services when they are needed.  It is necessary for
a person seeking in-home service assistance to find out how many
hours they are entitled to.  If these hours do not meet their
needs, they should appeal.  Other cities in the state are
considering this new type of authority.  Workers' unions are
interested in making this program a success.  
     Frank Welte chaired the Nominating Committee, which met
Friday evening.  Those nominated to be voted on in the fall were:
President, Catherine Skivers; First Vice-President, Jeff Thom;
Treasurer, Peter Pardini; Directors: Rhonda Marshall -King,
Barbara Rhodes, Ardis Bazyn and Ahmad Rahman.  As always, people
can be nominated from the floor.  Make your plans now to come to
the fall convention. 
     Dan Kysor finished out the Saturday afternoon session with a
detailed report on legislation.  Because Dan has tapes on
legislation available, because we treat the subject frequently on
the California Connection, and because Dan has a detailed report
in this issue of The Blind Californian, his talk will not be
covered here.
     Before the banquet we heard from Bob Ringwald, a jazz
pianist who came to us courtesy of Tri-Visual Services of
Sacramento.  His music was great and we really enjoyed his work
and his company.  
     Ken Metz was the banquet Master of Ceremonies and did his
usual fine job.  Roger Petersen, Awards Chair, presented several
awards which are discussed in detail in the article,
"Presentation of CCB Awards for the Year 2000" later in this
issue.  
     Following the announcement of chapter contributions, Charles
Crawford, ACB Executive Director and our featured speaker of the
evening, gave an inspiring speech which, as I said earlier in
this article, will be available to everyone on tape and probably
in printed form in the next BC.  This was one of the best
messages of hope for our future that we have heard in a very long
time.   
     A representative from Wells Fargo Bank received our thanks
and a plaque for Wells Fargo's leadership in making talking ATMs
available in California.  
     On Sunday morning Carol Blake, member of the VIP Chapter of
San Luis Obispo, led the devotional services.  We were delighted
to see Carol again and to know that she has been instrumental in
keeping the chapter going with assistance from Commander Donald
T. Rohde.  
     At the general session later, we heard the Treasurer's
Report given by Peter Pardini.  It is available from the office
upon request by any CCB member.  
     Ardis Bazyn made her debut as the Constitution and ByLaws
Chair.  During the convention, one proposed constitutional
amendment was voted upon in addition to three bylaws.  The
constitutional amendment allows the authorizing person who does
our vouchers (in CCB it is the President) to sign checks in
emergencies and to notify the Board of Directors.  One bylaw
adopted established that Membership-at-Large dues will be $10. 
There is also a clarification of Life Membership dues.  Life
members, having paid dues to CCB, will pay only chapter dues
minus the $3 that ordinarily go to CCB.  The chapters will send
to the office the names and addresses of their Life Members.  
     Fourteen resolutions, summarized in the resolutions report
later, were passed.  Jeff Thom did his usual outstanding job of
chairing the Resolutions Committee and presenting the information
to us at the meeting.  There were some lively discussions and, as
always, the members present demonstrated their ability to take
care of the issues that are so vital to the blindness community.
     Unfortunately, no report on the convention can ever be as
good as being able to attend in person.  That's why you are all
urged to get the tapes that are available in the CCB office. 
Chapters and affiliates will find that some of the presentations
will make excellent program material for their meetings.  
     The fall convention of the CCB will be held at the Crown
Plaza Hotel near the LAX Airport, Nov 2-5, 2000.  We were
delighted to see so many newcomers at the spring convention. 
This means we are growing.  It was also wonderful to see many of
our old friends.  Those of you who have frequently attended
conventions have the ability and the knowledge to share our goals
and aspirations with new members.    


                       OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE

                       by Melita Waters, President 
                  Guide Dog Users of California

     This time we are doing something a bit different.  This
article appeared in the winter, 1999,  issue of FORWARD, the GDUC
magazine.  We present it here for the information of all guide
dog handlers.  Please contact Sheila Styron or me with any
feedback.  Sheila can be reached at 323-822-9872 or via e-mail at
sharkent@aol.com.  I can be reached at 714-836-4993 or via e-mail
at mjwaters@surfree.com.  Your comments are essential.  Something
is going to have to happen, and this is your opportunity to have
a say in what it is.  We get pretty tired of hearing that this or
that needs to be done and then nothing at all occurs.  If you
have an opinion or a position, please share it with us.  GDUC is
California's primary voice for the guide dog handler and we would
like to have all of you join us.  Read on to see what Sheila has
to say; react if you dare.
                
     "Where do we go from here?" By Sheila Styron
     At the beginning of the 20th century, there was no
legislation regarding access rights for dog guide handlers.  In
fact, there weren't even any guide dogs as we know them today. 
We have come a long way, that's for sure.  Yet, with all the
access laws currently on the books, we still face an uncertain
future.  Prejudice, poorly written, unenforced  legislation and
ignorance of the law are just some of the challenges we as guide
dog handlers must overcome. 
     In preparing for the future, we must take strong action to
protect existing access rights, as well as strengthen these laws
and educate the public.  We must also examine our rights and
responsibilities as guide dog handlers to determine our position
on all service animal issues as they relate to guide dog access. 
     The guidelines surrounding these broader service animal
issues are vague as currently set forth in the ADA and even less
clearly defined in California state law. The state and federal
laws provide access rights for all service animals but do not
address requirements for their training or quality control for
any of the components necessary to this process.  
     Rewriting the portions of the ADA pertaining to service
animals could possibly help in spirit to improve our situation. 
At present, there are only two questions which can be asked of a
person with a service animal: Do you have a disability? and What
service does your animal provide?  The Department of Justice is
responsible for producing policy guideline bulletins where we
would be able to require some changes.  
     There are no regulatory bodies for certification of service
animal training facilities or their personnel except for The
International Federation Of Guide Dog Schools and the California
State Board of Dog Guide Schools.  Other than these facilities,
all other service animal providers are self-regulated.  There is
also no licensing or certification process for service animal
handlers except through the schools themselves.  Perhaps if
handlers were required to be licensed or otherwise certified,
providers of service animals would have appropriate standards and
skill levels to guide them to graduate only qualified teams. 
     Another area of concern centers around the pros and cons of
presenting service animal identification tags or cards.  Opinions
range from pride in producing ID to fear of having to show papers
just to go anywhere.  Although most of the guide dog schools
provide identification as well as copies of relevant legislation,
handlers are not required to produce these items under current
law.  Additionally, service animals are not required to wear
items which identify them, such as harnesses or jackets in order
to be eligible for public access.  
     Incidents of access denial, however, have escalated in 
cases where a guide dog was not properly licensed as a pet in its
local jurisdiction.  Often handlers report that, once an access
denial is in progress, producing identification is of little or
no value.  There is some legislation in California for service
animal ID.  Yet, with no standardization between municipalities
and no provision for out-of-state visitors, faking these
documents or making false claims in order to gain access with a
so-called service animal is too easy and would not make
identification a plausible solution. 
     Most dog guide handlers believe that as a group we should
demonstrate our rights to access by competently working our dogs,
keeping them under control in public and maintaining them in a
well-groomed state.  However, if all handlers of service animals
do not voluntarily adhere to these standards, and legislation
addressing these important issues is nonexistent, how should we
define our position as guide dog handlers in supporting access
rights for other service animal teams?
     Strong negative opinion is often publicly expressed by guide
dog handlers toward illegitimate, untrained or poorly trained
service animals.  It is feared that, with all service animal
teams receiving equal protection under the ADA, we as guide dog
handlers actually run the risk of losing, rather than gaining,
access in the future.  Should all service animal teams be
protected under the provisions of the ADA without having to meet
eligibility standards commensurate with ADA prescribed rights?  
     It was 27 years from the time of the first failed resolution
attempting to end the Hawaii quarantine until we finally won the
settlement allowing guide dog teams to travel back and forth
between the mainland and Hawaii.  Thanks to those who worked
tirelessly to make the Hawaii settlement a reality.  These
efforts on behalf of guide dogs, as well as the valuable
contributions of others to the guide dog movement, should neither
be taken for granted nor diminished by inappropriate
establishment or irresponsible interpretation of service animal
and access legislation. 
     We have come a long way this century in securing legal
rights for blind people and their guide dogs.  I believe that we
can solve our current access problems as well as assist in
guaranteeing these same rights for other persons with true
disabilities who have appropriately trained service animals.  
     To be successful, however, it is essential for all of us to
work together on the large issues such as revising the ADA,
establishing training standards for all service animals and
requiring certification of handlers and providers within our
states.


   TECHTALK: A REVIEW OF THE LISTENING TO WINDOWS 95 TUTORIAL

                         By Frank Welte

     The American Printing House for the Blind is marketing a
computer-based Windows training package called "Listening to
Windows 95."   I recently went through the tutorial and came away
with the following observations:
     The package consists of a single CD-ROM disk, which contains
the entire tutorial, along with the user's manual in large print,
braille, cassette, and electronic formats (the electronic format
placed on your computer when the tutorial is installed), and a
set of 14 raised line drawings depicting various Windows 95
screens.  These items are all housed in a nice binder; at a price
of $150.00 one would expect nothing less.
     The user's manual contains the software license agreement
and warranty; system requirements; tutorial installation
instructions, including procedures for making Windows 98 act like
Windows 95; and a nice list of commonly used Windows keyboard
commands.  I found the manual easy to understand.
     In order to run the tutorial, your computer must meet the
following minimum specifications:  You need a computer with an
80486/66 MHz or faster processor, at least 8 Mb of RAM, a CD-ROM
drive, a Windows-compatible sound card, and Windows 95 or Windows
98.  At this writing, I don't know if "Listening to Windows" will
work with the soon-to-be released Windows Millennium operating
system.  The tutorial is designed for use with speech, but it
would work with large print or braille displays as well.
     The tutorial is divided into seven units covering an
overview of the tutorial; basic Windows concepts; an overview of
Word Pad, which is a simple word processor; bundled with Windows,
the use of the Windows Explorer application to find and organize
files on your computer, the Windows help system, configuring
certain aspects of your Windows system, and the Internet.  Each
unit includes lessons (35 in all), practice exercises, and
quizzes.  Actually, units 1 and 7 have no exercises or quizzes.  
     Two things become apparent when one installs and begins to
use the tutorial.  First, the polish of this product isn't
limited just to the package.  The audio portions of the tutorial
are recorded by talking book narrators Kerry Cundiff, who reads
most of the text of the lessons in a clear, pleasant voice that
we can listen to for hours on end without tiring, and Bruce
Huntey, who reads quizzes, section headings, and general tutorial
instructions with equal dispatch.  The tutorial is geared toward
speech users, so it makes heavy use of clear verbal descriptions
of the Windows graphical user interface with recourse to just 14
raised line and large print drawings depicting particular 
graphical elements.  Also, the tutorial is not specific to any
particular form of access software so the student can use the
commands taught regardless of the screen reader in use.
     The second positive thing that stands out about "Listening
To Windows 95" is its ease of use.  Installation is a no-brainer,
and you can easily move between units and lessons with a couple
of function keys, and forward and backward or pause reading
within a lesson with just a few more simple keystrokes.  You can
stop a session at any time, and the system is smart enough to
pick up where you left off when you get back to work.  Because it
isn't geared to a particular piece of adaptive software, you can
handle the exercises even if you are barely able to use your
adaptive software.  The exercises make heavy use of standard
commands and functions employed by nearly all Windows programs so
the skills you learn will carry over to all your computing
activities.
     The tutorial has the following weaknesses:  The $150.00
price tag is higher than most computer training products for
blind users; and, since the CD-ROM must be inserted in the
computer to run the package, you can't get away with spreading
the cost over a classroom of students.  People using software
synthesizers may have trouble running the tutorial unless they
have multi-channel sound cards in their machines.  Actually, this
is not a big problem because the tutorial pauses while you work
through each exercise, so it rarely talks at the same time as
your screen review program.  Because the instructions are
generic, you will still have to go through the tutorial that
comes with your adaptive software to learn its particular command
structure.
     While the first half of the tutorial is perfectly
appropriate for either Windows 95 or Windows 98 (my system uses
the latter), I found Unit 5 on the Windows 95 help system to be
nearly useless because the layout on the Windows 98 help system
doesn't match that described in the tutorial.  Also, unit 7 on
the Internet, while giving a nice overview of the Internet for
computer novices, is becoming outdated.  Unfortunately, a sales
representative at APH told me that there are no plans to release
an upgraded version of "Listening to Windows."  
     Product Summary:  "Listening to Windows 95" CD-ROM based
Windows tutorial, Product Number: D-64550-00, Price: $150.00
Source: American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort
Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206-0085; phone: 800-223-1839.  Pros:
The program is well organized, easy to use, and easy to listen to
as well.  Cons: The $150.00 price tag may be too high for some
people.  Software synthesizers may not like sharing your sound
card with this tutor.  Some units need a face-lift.  Last word:
"Listening to Windows 95" is best suited for libraries, schools
and agencies that can afford the product's price, and where it
can be used by students regardless of the adaptive software they
are employing. 

                           Tech Notes:
     In the previous TECHTALK column, we told you about training
sources in California.  Since then, more providers have come to
our attention.
     The Living Skills Center in San Pablo, CA, includes computer
training as part of its curriculum.  For further information call
the Center at 510-234-4984.
     Cathy Anne Murtha, an access technology specialist at the
Sacramento Society for the Blind 916-452-8271, is expanding her
existing training activities by providing computer training via
the Internet.  For further information check out her web site,
www.cathyanne.com.
     During the spring, 2000, CCB convention the CCB Technology
committee hosted a successful technology seminar which featured a
report by Mike May of the Sendero Group on developments in high
tech orientation devices; a demonstration of the use of links
within Microsoft Office documents by Gale Robison and Barbara
Manipod from the Sensory Access Foundation; and sharing of
technology news and advice by seminar participants.  Start making
your plans to attend the next technology seminar, which will take
place on Thursday, November 2 during the fall CCB convention in
Los Angeles.  We plan to focus on the important issue of
maintaining our access to household appliances.


       SUMMARY OF SPRING, 2000, CCB CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS

                          by Jeff Thom

     14 resolutions were submitted during this convention.  All
resolutions were adopted by the convention, except for Resolution
2000a-9, relating to physician-assisted suicide, which was
defeated, and Resolution 2000a-14 relating to the U.S. Census,
which was withdrawn by the author with the intention of
submitting it again at the Fall CCB Convention.
     2000a-1 calls upon the organization to seek the enactment of
state legislation to establish a Revolving Loan Fund from which
loans could be made to Business Enterprise Program vendors for
the purchase of inventory and equipment.
     2000a-2 seeks the enactment of state legislation to include
guide dog expenses within allowable work expense deductions for
personal income taxation purposes, and refers the resolution to
the ACB Convention to consider proposing similar federal
legislation.
     2000a-3 seeks the enactment of legislation raising the level
of the state SSDI recipient assistance dog allowance to the level
of the state assistance dog allowance for SSI recipients.
     2000a-4 urges the California Department of Education to
reestablish the full-time consultant position on special
education services to the blind and visually impaired, and
provides that, if the department does not reestablish this
position, the CCB shall seek legislation to accomplish this goal.
     2000a-5 urges local CCB affiliates to actively advocate with
local government entities to provide for methods of voting
accessible to the blind and visually impaired. 
     2000a-6 expresses the CCB's appreciation to the volunteers
who provided assistance at the convention.
     2000a-7 expresses the organization's appreciation to the
Sacramento Arden West Hotel staff for their assistance at the
convention.
     2000a-8 applauds the efforts of individuals with
disabilities in Sacramento, including the blind and visually
impaired, to design a curb ramp that meets the needs of the
entire disability community, and instructs the CCB Board of
Directors to take any action which may be necessary to support
the CCB Capitol Chapter in its efforts to ensure the adoption of
this curb ramp design for the city of Sacramento.
     2000a-10 calls upon the organization to re-affirm its
support for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other
disability rights legislation by actively participating in
INITIATIVE 2000 and THE SPIRIT OF ADA CAMPAIGN.
     2000a-11 urges the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board and the California Division of the State
Architect Access Compliance Program to amend accessibility
standards to require that, to the extent technically feasible,
there be two curb ramps on each corner at which curb ramps are
installed and that all curb ramps and curb cuts on opposite
corners and pedestrian islands be in alignment and within the
intended path of travel and refers the resolution to the ACB
Convention for its consideration.
     2000a-12 strongly urges the Department of Rehabilitation to
issue a directive instructing its rehabilitation counselors
serving blind and visually impaired clients to initially procure
assistive technology--and especially the adaptive aspects
thereof--essential to secure a job.
     2000a-13 directs the Department of Rehabilitation to
require, at a minimum, that district administrators and
rehabilitation supervisors engage in a two-day training program
on the specialized needs of blind and visually impaired clients,
including such areas as independent living and assistive
technology.


        PRESENTATION OF THE CCB AWARDS FOR THE YEAR 2000

                   by Roger Petersen, Chair, 
                        Awards Committee

     At the CCB convention banquet on May 20, the Awards
Committee unveiled its 2000 CCB awards.
     One additional name was added to the CCB Hall of Fame, that
of Leslie Schlingheide, now deceased.  
     The Humanitarian Award was presented to Ellennie Wong, a
teacher of vision-impaired children who also gives extensively of
her time to enrich the lives of people who are blind and/or
deaf-blind.
     The CCB Merit Award was presented to Joan Sikkens, who was
the vital force behind the Radio Reading Service in Humboldt
County.
     The CCB Community Service Award was given to Betsy Rowell,
who has been instrumental in getting blind and visually impaired
people involved in integrated outdoor recreational activities
including Sierra Ski for Light.
     This year, we presented our most prestigious award, the CCB
Distinguished Service Award, to Donald Queen, who, as a
Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind for the past
quarter-century, has always believed in his clients and gone to
bat for them, even when it did not make him especially popular
with the Rehab hierarchy.
     The CCB Publications Committee presented some awards, too,
which are described elsewhere in this issue of The Blind
Californian.
     I want to thank Gussie Morgan of Compton, Joe Smith of
Sacramento, and John Lopez of Los Angeles for their service on
the Awards Committee these past three years.  I especially want
to thank Bernice Kandarian, who, in addition to serving on the
committee, saw to the preparation of the award plaques and
certificates.
     In closing, I want to add some names to the list of the CCB
Hall of Fame that I did not list in the article in the Winter
issue of the BC and to apologize for those omissions.  They were
the Hall of Fame inductees in 1998 and I inadvertently left them
out.  They are:

Henry Bindt,
John Hebner,
Harriet Fielding,
Judge Donald Wilkinson, and
Norma Schecter. 

     Besides our annual awards, the Committee, in collaboration
with the Board of Directors and the Resolutions Committee Chair,
developed a resolution which was given to each of the banks that
have agreed to deploy talking ATM's and make other access
changes.  We also presented "Special Advocacy Awards" to the
attorneys who worked with us on the bank negotiations.  The banks
are Wells Fargo, Citibank and Bank of America.  The attorneys are
the firm of Saperstein, Goldstein, Demchak and Baller and Elaine
(Lainey) Feingold.  We were able to present the award for
Saperstein, Goldstein, Demchak and Baller in person to Linda
Dardarian of that firm, who was with us on Friday afternoon.  A
representative from Wells Fargo was at the banquet to receive a
framed copy of the bank resolution.  The rest of these awards
were conveyed to their recipients.
     

                THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

                        by Ellennie Wong

Dear CCB Family,
    Thank you so much for the Humanitarian Award.  I was so
shocked and overwhelmed that I do not feel that I expressed my
gratitude sufficiently.  I was sitting at the banquet listening
to Roger and trying to figure out who had the same bio as I,
while my boy friend kept saying, 
"That's you honey, get up!"  
     As I walked forward, I kept thinking, "is there another
Ellie Wong in this room?  Is this really for me?"  
     Please allow me to express my appreciation.  First, I thank
God, for He is the source of my strength.  He has provided
resources to meet needs on many occasions.  
     I have been an active CCB member since I was in college in
the mid-80's.  I thank you for the privilege of working with you. 
I have learned so much from you all and often tell my students
about many of  you.  I look forward to getting to know more of
you.  
     Lastly, a special thanks to the San Francisco Chapter which
has been such an encouragement to me.  My students often hear
about David learning braille as an adult, Peter's amazing talent
with numbers, Rob's incredible knowledge of technology, Tami's
crazy gadgets/toys, Winifred raising a family single-handed, and
the list goes on.   As I said at the banquet, I love what I do, I
love you all and I'm here for you.  Thank you, Awards Committee
for such an incredible honor and thank you all for your support!
You are all an inspiration to me!

Gratefully,
Ellie Wong


                     ACB TESTIMONY ON HR3590

                  submitted by Roger Petersen 

     The following text is that of a letter from ACB to the
Congress on the issue of HR3590 prepared by Charles Crawford, ACB
Executive Director. 
 
  May 17, 2000
The Honorable Charles Canady, Chair
United States House of Representatives
Committee on the Judiciary
Subcommittee on the Constitution
362 Ford House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Canady:
     Please accept this brief testimony from the American Council
of the Blind in the serious matter of HR 3590 and your
committee's review of its substance.  ACB is a national
organization of blind persons dedicated to fostering the
well-being of our community; and, within that context, we ask
that your committee reject any forward movement of the bill.
     It is our understanding that HR 3590 would unnecessarily
require legal notice of 90 days prior to suit in alleged
violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
While we understand that the purpose of the bill is to prevent
the unethical enrichment of attorneys at the financial expense of
business and the emotional expense of people with disabilities,
the reality is that, in almost every case of which we know,
businesses were advised of problems and either ignored or
disingenuously negotiated around their ADA responsibilities
before legal action was taken.
     Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, we point out that
the proposed legislation only encourages those who violate the
law by providing them with another 90 days to continue avoiding
what has already been a ten year obligation.  While the
proponents of HR 3590 might bring in movie star witnesses and
their world of fantasy, let us never forget the reality of the
true victims of discrimination and the real world pain they face
when denied even the simplest activities, such as entering a
restaurant, getting a room for the night, using the public
facilities, shopping for groceries, buying clothes to wear,
renting a video, or catching a movie.  These are not trivial
things; they are the stuff of everyday living that all Americans
take for granted, and it is this that the committee must uphold
and not the arrogant whining of movie stars or the misplaced
priorities of certain business interests.
     In closing, ACB believes that it is best left to the courts
to determine what mitigating circumstances may exist with
relation to an ADA complaint than to add the insult of notice to
the injury of discrimination that people with disabilities have
endured for century after century while others offered sympathy
for their tragedy and little respect for their person.

 
               TALKING ATMS FROM WELLS FARGO BANK      

     San Francisco, April 19, 2000:  Wells Fargo and the
California Council of the Blind announced today that 20 Wells
Fargo Talking ATMS are now up and running in the Bay Area, Los
Angeles and San Diego areas.  A list of the Talking ATM locations
is at the bottom of this message.  Through voice instruction, the
new Talking ATMs tell users who cannot read information on an ATM
screen how to deposit money, withdraw cash, transfer funds and
buy stamps.  The ATMs have audio jacks to deliver voice
information privately to protect the security of blind and low
vision users.  
     Working with the California Council of the Blind to meet the
needs of an important and under-served segment of customers who
are vision-impaired, Wells Fargo announced on June 23, 1999, that
it would pilot 20 Talking ATMs in the Bay Area and Los Angeles
and San Diego counties this year.  After the successful
completion of the pilot,  Wells Fargo will install a Talking ATM
at each of the more than 1,500 Wells Fargo ATM locations in
California.
     Catherine Skivers, president of the California Council of
the Blind, said, "We are excited that Wells Fargo's Talking ATMs
in the pilot locations are ready for use by blind and visually
impaired people, and we applaud the work that Wells Fargo has
done over the past months to make these machines a reality." 
     "We are proud of our commitment to serve our diverse group
of customers, including those who are blind or have low vision,"
said Terri Dial, Wells Fargo's head of retail banking in
California.  "We were the first in the country to draw up a plan
for developing and installing Talking ATMs, and we look forward
to testing and rolling them out and to working closely with the
California Council of the Blind to improve ATM access for vision
impaired customers." 
     The California Council, with 46 chapters statewide, is an
affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.   Four blind
individuals; the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund,
Berkeley; the law firm of Saperstein, Goldstein, Demchak &
Baller, Oakland; and the Law Office of Elaine B. Feingold,
Berkeley also participated in the planning.
     In California, Wells Fargo, a diversified financial services
company, provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgages, and
consumer finance from more than 1,300 stores and other
distribution channels.
               20 PILOT LOCATIONS FOR TALKING ATMS
BAY AREA METRO
Berkeley Main, 2144 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
Castro Valley, 3452 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
Danville, 585 San Ramon Valley, Danville
Elmwood, 2959 College Ave., Berkeley
Hopyard-Hacienda, 4767 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton
Market California, 1 California St., San Francisco
North First Street, 1705 North First Street, San Jose
Orinda, 80 Moraga Way, Orinda
Paseo Padre, 39265 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
San Francisco Main, 464 California St., San Francisco
LA METRO
Hollywood Main, 6320 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Los Angeles Main, 333 S Grand Ave., LA
Miracle Mile, 6245 Wilshire Blvd., LA
North Alhambra, 1910 W Main St., Alhambra
Whittier Main, 7202 S Greenleaf Ave., Whittier
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY REGION
Encinitas, 276-A  N  El Camino Real, Encinitas
La Jolla, 7714 Girard Ave., La Jolla
Rancho Bernardo, 16901 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego
Solana Beach, 245 Santa Helena, Solana Beach
Wells Fargo Plaza, 401 B St., San Diego

Media: FOR WELLS FARGO: Daphne Larkin (415) 396-6020
FOR CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND: Lainey Feingold 510-848-8125
Lfeingold@california.net
<mailto:Lfeingold@california.net> )
Linda Dardarian 510-763-9800 ( bank@sgdblaw.com
mailto:bank@sgdblaw.com> )


                RICK BOGGS, THE MAN AND HIS DOGS

                         by Brian Hall

     "You're an animal, Ricky" came to be Rick Boggs's catch
phrase.  And his guide dogs helped him break into show biz, but
it wasn't all animal magnetism.  Boggs's very human charisma,
humor and an ability to communicate clear messages landed him his
groundbreaking role as radio and TV pitchman for AirTouch
Cellular.  
     Boggs, totally blind since the age of 5, belongs to Guide
Dog Users, Inc., a special interest affiliate of the American
Council of the Blind.  He presented a body language class at the
summer, 1999, ACB convention to help other blind and visually
impaired people to get their messages across without sending
mixed signals.
     "I've been very fortunate because I couldn't have road-
mapped a better career for myself," Boggs, 37, of Los Angeles
modestly remarked.
     He entered the entertainment industry almost coincidentally. 
His first guide dog, Brent, went to school longer than most
guides because he trained and worked part-time on the TV show,
"Dynasty II, The Colbys."  Brent, a German Shepherd, appeared on
the evening soap opera as the guide dog for a blind attorney. 
Filming for the program occurred in the fall of 1985, and Brent
began working with Boggs the following summer when the shows were
in rerun.
     "It was weird.  I trained with Brent during the day and
watched him in the TV series at night," Boggs recalled.
     A year after graduation from guide dog school, thanks to
Brent's performance background, Twentieth Century invited Boggs
and Brent to audition for a CBS show for young people called "The
Wizard." According to the episode's premise, the lead character
creates a robotic guide dog and wants to compare his invention to
the real thing.
      When the star and the dog portraying a robot canine went
down the line of auditioning guide dogs and their owners, some of
the guide dogs growled or bared their teeth, but not Brent.    
     "I heard the director yell, "I'll take the guy with the
Shepherd," Boggs said.  "Next thing I knew, a guy from makeup was
wiping my face with a sponge."
     Boggs had auditioned, expecting at most to be hired as an
extra.  Instead, he appeared in a scene saying hello and shaking
hands with the star.  His speaking role made him immediately
eligible for a Screen Actors Guild card.  He began taking acting
classes and became a supporting character in the film version of
"Follow My Leader" about a man whose life is changed by getting a
guide dog.  In 1990, he appeared in his first commercial, touting
Liberty Bank's braille account statements.  By the time the
AirTouch opportunity came along in 1996, he'd taken a star turn
on stage at the Northridge Little Theatre in the play, "Specks,"
in which he portrayed a visually impaired, time-traveling
detective.  He felt technically ready for the cellular ads, but
he put too much pressure on himself.
     "I did a lousy audition because I was so nervous," Boggs
said.  "I thought I had to get the commercial, that it would be
the answer to all my life's problems."  The AirTouch casting call
was the largest audition to date for blind actors.  More than 150
performers from the United States and Canada tried out for the
part.  Months later, Boggs learned that his worst fears had come
true.  The advertising agency handling the campaign had marked
him off the list of those to be called back for a second screen
test.  Boggs said the ad agency didn't think he would be able to
handle the media attention that would go along with such an
unprecedented and doubtlessly controversial campaign.
     Ninety percent of the AirTouch executives opposed the idea
of having a blind spokesman, but a key 10 percent were in favor,
Boggs said.  Tom Bobich, then AirTouch's director of advertising
and direct marketing, asked to see the videotaped auditions. 
Bobich liked Boggs' on-camera sincerity.
     Boggs got the job.  But before shooting started in May of
1996, his guide dog, Brent, died.  Stand-ins had to be used until
he received his new dog in September.
     Boggs's guide dog in real life isn't named Jake.  And for
practical reasons, Boggs doesn't publicize Jake's actual name. 
He is called Jake only for purposes of the commercials, as were
all of the dogs used in the spots.  Occasionally, the producers
asked his guide dogs to do things that guides aren't trained to
do such as barking on command or looking out a window.  A total
of six stand-ins or "stunt dogs" were employed for the
commercials that ran through the end of 1998.
     Whichever animal was being used, Boggs was there, conveying
his sly, dry wit and a solid, down-to-earth attitude, said
officials for AirTouch, which is now known as Verizon Wireless.
     "The theme was that buying cellular is about trusting things
you can't see, like the quality of the network and the sound as
well as the customer service, so who better to speak for it than
somebody like Rick," Bobich said.  "He was a very popular
spokesman and was also popular with the AirTouch employees.  We
got a lot of positive response."
     At first, however, some of the reaction was negative. 
People wrote letters and called the company saying that the ads
"used and belittled the challenge of blindness," Bobich
recounted.  "But when they found out Rick really is blind, their
attitudes changed 100 percent."
     One ad upset some guide dog users.  It shows Rick standing
in a natural history museum near a dinosaur skeleton.  His guide
dog, Jake, walks up in harness with a huge bone in his mouth.
     "People asked why I allowed that to happen.  It was my call. 
I felt it was humorous," Boggs said.
     In some instances, he had to educate makers of the ads.  He
diplomatically persuaded them to change an ad in which a chef was
to reach down and pet Jake.  "Technically, you're not suppoed to
pet a guide dog in harness," Boggs said. "I just wouldn't want to
have answered the phone calls on that one." 
     In the most well-known commercial, Boggs is wearing
sunglasses and sits behind the wheel of a 1962 Ford Thunderbird
convertible with his guide dog beside him.  Because of the camera
angle, it looks as if he is driving the car.  Boggs says that if
he got a flat it'd be no problem, because he'd have roadside
assistance through Airtouch.
     The camera then reveals that a tow truck is pulling the
T-Bird.  And Rick adds, "But if my buddy, Jack, didn't own a tow
truck, I'd probably never get to drive."
     Jack, the trucker, leans out the window and shouts, "You're
an animal, Ricky!"
     "Kids in schools across the country started repeating Jack's
words.  In advertising circles, the phrase, "You're an animal,
Ricky," became a classic like Burger King's "Where's the beef?"
Boggs said.
     Because Boggs is a big baseball fan, his favorite commercial
was the one in which he stands in a batting cage swinging at
pitches.  He talks about "411 Connect," a directory assistance
service for cellular users.  He mentions the fact that he can't
look up numbers in the phone book.  Then his bat connects and
smacks the ball hard.
       "Having a blind spokesman was historic," said Amy
Damianakes, who was the Director of Media Relations for AirTouch. 
"We broke all the rules.  He personally embodied our values of
honesty and integrity.  He communicated those messages
perfectly."
     The campaign, which ran from 1996-98, garnered national and
statewide awards including the Media Access Award from the
California Governor's Committee for the Employment of Disabled
Persons; the Retinitis Pigmentosa International's Corporate
Vision Award; the Southern California Community Service Award
from the Los Angeles Project with Industry and a Certificate of
Recognition from the California Department of Rehabilitation.
     Ray Charles had done Pepsi spots, but Boggs said he was the
first blind, corporate spokesperson who didn't also happen to be
a celebrity.  Boggs became famous as a result of his humorous TV
and radio commercials.
     "Rick had a big fan club," remembered Damianakes, who
accompanied Boggs on many of his publicity trips.  "He couldn't
walk down the street without somebody stopping him and telling
him how much he'd inspired them."
     As a part of the campaign, Boggs gave motivational speeches
to AirTouch employees.  In one commercial, he plays basketball so
he traveled to schools and taught the children to shoot hoops
while blindfolded.
     Boggs, who lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife,
Priscila, has appeared on TV shows such as "Veronica's Closet,"
and "Sabrina The Teenage Witch."  In March, he also played the
pharoah in a Canton, Ohio production of the musical, "Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."  His favorite TV roles were
on "The Net," a spin-off of the movie, in which he played a
villain who ran a pornographic Web site, and "Living in
Captivity," where he portrayed a smart-talking, dart-throwing
blind guy.
     "Those roles went against the stereotypical images of the
blind as always heroic and squeaky clean," Boggs said.
     Vic Sutton, the commercial agent who signed Boggs after
seeing his AirTouch work, called Boggs "very talented," and he
hopes the commercials will open the door for other actors with
disabilities.  
     From his AirTouch earnings, Boggs built a 64-track recording
studio.  He produced a CD by the hard-rock band "Hecklers Veto,"
which will soon be available on-line.  He works with the
California Department of Rehabilitation to steer blind people
into the field of recording production and engineering.
     "I was a musician before I was an actor," said Boggs, who
played guitar, keyboards and saxophone, among other instruments. 
"But acting is more valuable to me.  I could make hit records all
day and not have as great an impact on society and the evolution
of attitudes toward the blind and disabled."


                      REHABILITATION CHANGE

                      by Catherine Campisi

     (President's note): The Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation
Change (BARC) Steering Committee submitted a list of concerns to 
which Dr. Catherine Campisi, the new director of the California
Department of Rehabilitation (CDR), has responded.  Here is the
text of her response In its entirety.  

Alliance for Rehabilitation Change (BARC) 
Steering Committee
578 B Street
Hayward, CA  94541
May 24, 2000

Dear BARC Steering Committee Members:
     I am writing this letter in response to your memorandum
dated April 10, 2000, in which you listed specific
recommendations to improve employment outcomes for blind and
visually impaired clients served by the Department of
Rehabilitation.  I would like to thank you for giving me the
opportunity to meet with you in February to discuss these issues
which are so very important to all of us.  I also look forward to
meeting with you again in the near future to further discuss your
recommendations and our actions for improvement.  I am committed
to working with you, as representatives of the blind and visually
impaired community, to enact positive change that will benefit
blind and visually impaired recipients of vocational
rehabilitation services in California.
     In your memorandum, you suggested many strategies to help
achieve these benefits.  I would like to take the time to address
these strategies in the order they are presented.
     The department agrees with BARC's objective to increase the
level and quality of competitive employment outcomes for the
blind and visually impaired.  While the statistics show that in
recent years there has not been progress in this area, we are
initiating measures to improve our performance.  As director, I
am committed to maximizing the potential for all recipients of VR
services in California.  While your recommendations are directed
specifically towards improving outcomes for the blind and
visually impaired, our actions, as the agency responsible for
administering the Federal VR Program, are intended to improve the
outcomes for all disability groups.  The statistics you reference
from RSA do show that California needs to improve its performance
with blind and visually impaired persons.  Our mission is to
provide equal access and give equal priority to all eligible
persons with disabilities so that they can fully maximize their
employment and earnings potential.
     As my new upper management team is put in place, we will
undertake strategic planning with our manager, other staff, and
stakeholders.  During this process, we will discuss the viability
of setting a numerical goal for the increase of job placements. 
Such a discussion needs to be undertaken in the context of the
needs of all clients as well as the impact of setting such a goal
on counselors and other staff.
     Administrative/Supervisory 
     1.  I agree with your recommendation that a senior
management level position is needed to oversee specialized DR
services, including those for the blind and visually impaired. 
In addition, I believe that there is a greater need for
coordination and interface between the various departmental
programs and activities for persons who are blind.  I have
addressed this concept in my proposed reorganization of the
department.  When the reorganization is approved, I will be
seeking someone with managerial experience as well as knowledge
of the needs and capabilities of persons with specialized
disability needs to fill this position.
     In addition to senior management staff, administrative
support for blind services is provided by the DR Program Manager  
for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Manuel Urena, and Program
Coordinator, Alice Hackney.  Manuel and Alice both possess
managerial experience and are aware of the needs and capabilities
of blind and visually impaired persons.  They are responsible for
ensuring that there is equal knowledge, access to resources and
information available to blind services staff, such as
Rehabilitation Supervisors, Counselors for the Blind,
Counselor/Teachers, and Orientation Center for the Blind and the
Business Enterprise Program.
     2.  While we believe that Rehabilitation Counselors for the
Blind (RCBs) and Counselor Teachers (CTs) need to function as
partners in the local rehabilitation service delivery system, we
do concur that we need to strengthen the support RCBs and CTs
receive from specialized services staff.  Activities to support
this goal may include statewide RCB and CT meetings, discussion
of issues related to RCBs and CTs at District Administrator
meetings, and specialized training for these staff.  We are also
exploring ways to assure significant involvement and decision-
making in the hiring of RCBs and CTs by statewide blind services
staff.  Finally, related to personnel development, we are
actively working to develop methods to assess the knowledge of
RCB and CT applicants related to specialized service needs of
blind and visually impaired clients BEFORE they are hired for
these positions.
     3.  I have proposed significant strengthening of statewide
support focused on job development and placement activities as
part of our reorganization effort.  The department is aware of
our need to increase the number of successful employment outcomes
for all disability groups.  To achieve this objective, we will
look at the possibility of dedicating a number of staff positions
to focus on enhancing job development and placement activities
for all consumers on a consistent basis throughout the state. 
When these staff are onboard, they will be directed to work
closely with blind services staff to support the job development
and placement needs of blind and visually impaired clients.

Accountability for Outcomes
     1.  In the wake of recent audits that have recommended
across the board increases in the number of competitive
employment outcomes, the department is looking to establish
annual goals for these outcomes.  In terms of the blind and
visually impaired, the new upper management staff will work with
the Program Manager, Program Coordinator, and the field to set
the goal for competitive outcomes based on staffing levels and
community resources.
     2.  The department agrees with your recommendation to
establish a separate caseload management report specifically for
blind and visually impaired clients.  This report can provide
pertinent data necessary to achieve the goals for competitive
outcomes and can also contribute towards ensuring that there is
consistent service delivery to blind and visually impaired
clients.  The Program Manager and Program Coordinator will be
responsible for producing and distributing this report on a
quarterly basis to appropriate staff.
     3.  Your recommendation to establish a number of employer
contacts for each unit and monitor for compliance at least
annually will be among the possible activities considered by DR
as we increasingly focus on job development and placement.  At
this time, each district submits a comprehensive plan describing
their job development and placement goals for the year.  These
placement plans include the activities and goals for all
disability groups.  The increased statewide support for job
development and placement activities will allow for increased
focus on how the districts are using and monitoring these plans
as well as the identification, evaluation, and implementation of
other cost efficient and effective ways to monitor job
development and placement activities for all clients.

Streamlining Procedures
     As you know, in an effort to increase productivity and to
provide more consumer responsive services, the department is
initiating a comprehensive reengineering effort.  This
reengineering effort will look at how the department operates and
will identify strategies and processes that are streamlined, less
bureaucratic and more consistent.  Our reengineering plan will
include a comprehensive review of the department by outside
consultants who specialize in maximizing performance while
minimizing waste.
     In regard to specific streamlining activities you refer to
in your letter: 
     1.  The department is currently finalizing a directive that
will repeal the personal interview requirement for readers. 
Clients will be required to work with their counselor and their
reader(s) to assure that appropriate paperwork about their
reader(s) is on file in their client folder.  We will rely on our
internal controls to monitor the legitimacy of bills received.
     2.  The revision of the procedures for the Level of Severity
of Disability (LSOD) is a major priority for this administration. 
The department has established a work group which has been
working on revising the LSOD process.  This work group does have
blind and visually impaired representation.  At this time, the
department feels confident that the revised LSOD process
adequately assesses the functional impact of vision loss.  Our
intent is to have the revised LSOD procedures statistically
validated and made available for public comment as soon as
possible.
     3.  Your recommendation to establish a revolving loan fund
for Business Enterprise Program Vendors is being forwarded to
Bill Campagna, Deputy Director for the Program and Community
Services Division, which includes the Business Enterprise Program
(BEP.)  I will ask Bill to present this idea to the California
Vendors Policy Council (CVPC) as well as to BEP staff for their
consideration.  As you may know, we are also undertaking
streamlining and program improvement initiatives with relation to
BEP.

Training and Support
     1.  The department agrees with the recommendation that all
RCBs and their Rehabilitation Supervisors should be trained on
the issues, needs, and resources related to blind and visually
impaired client's attainment of competitive employment.  As part
of our reengineering effort, we will be addressing the current
needs and knowledge of our counseling staff, including specialty
counselors such as RCBs, in the area of job development and
placement for all clients.  Based on the results of this needs
assessment, the department will take necessary actions to promote
and increase the aspect of job development and placement for all
clients, including the blind and visually impaired.
     2.  The department also agrees with the recommendation to
hold statewide meetings of blind services staff, community
agencies and consumer organizations.  The Program Coordinator and
Program Manager for the Blind and Partially Sighted will be
responsible for scheduling such meetings.  We see these meetings
as a method to increase communication and the flow of ideas and
experiences between our staff and the blind and visually impaired
community.
     We also agree that as part of our ongoing administrative
function, we will continue to evaluate the need for case service
contracts and other purchase of service mechanisms as well as
monitor such efforts for effectiveness and accountability.

Statewide Uniformity and Equitability of Services
     1.  The department fully agrees with the need to provide
uniform DR services statewide related to the evaluation,
provision, and training on assistive technology (AT).  To help
support this goal, we have proposed increased coordination and
focus on AT services for clients as part of the departmental
reorganization.  This structural change, along with the
initiation of the AT Advisory Council and better communication
and coordination of specialized services statewide, is expected
to yield improvements in this area.
     In conclusion, I appreciate your concerns about the quality
of services that the department is providing to blind and
visually impaired persons in California.  I also sincerely
appreciate your suggestions for how we can improve the number of
competitive employment outcomes.  I am a firm believer in the
notion that the department must collaborate and cooperate with
the disabled community in order to be as efficient and effective
as possible.  Many of the issues you raised in your memorandum
are going to be addressed by the department.  While your
recommendations are specific to improving competitive outcomes
for the blind and visually impaired, my charge as director is to
enact changes that will improve outcomes for all recipients of
our services.
     While some of your recommendations can and have already been
implemented easily, others are more complex and speak to major
shifts in the way the department has traditionally operated. 
Although some of the recommendations you have presented cannot be
made immediately, the department is committed to working together
with the BARC Steering Committee as we look for ways to
streamline our processes and increase the number of competitive
employment outcomes for all disabled Californians.
I look forward to meeting with you on June 2nd and working with
you in the future.


               TALKING ATMS FROM BANK OF AMERICA 

     SAN FRANCISCO (June 2, 2000): Bank of America today
announced that its first 15 talking ATMs, of the 1,600 the bank
will put in California, are now operating.  The first cities to
receive the machines are:  San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles,
Sacramento, Westminster, Berkeley, Oakland, Woodland Hills and
West Covina.  (Exact locations are listed below.)
     Talking ATMs provide audible instructions to persons who
cannot view information on an ATM screen.  These machines make it
easier for blind users to withdraw cash, deposit money and
perform other transactions.  The ATMs have audio jacks that
deliver spoken instructions privately to protect the security of
blind and low-vision users.
     Bank of America, in conjunction with the California Council
of the Blind and several blind individuals, announced its
decision in March to install talking ATMs at each ATM location
throughout its national ATM network.  Over the next three years,
more than 2,500 talking ATMs will be installed in California and
Florida--the first states to get the machines.
     "In addition to serving our blind or low-vision customers
with talking ATMs, we are striving to make printed information,
such as bank statements, available in alternative formats and we
are working towards making our website accessible to persons with
vision impairments," said Bill Raymond, manager, ATM Channel
Strategies and Development.  "We consider these steps integral to
our commitment to serving this community."
     "Today Bank of America continues its leadership role in
providing accessible services to the blind community," said
Catherine Skivers, President, California Council of the Blind, an
affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.  "We congratulate
Bank of America on bringing these talking ATMs on line so
quickly."
     For more information about talking ATMs, customers may
contact Bank of America at 1-800enableu.- for assistance.  
     Bank of America, with $656 billion in assets, is the largest
bank in the United States.  It has full-service operations in 21
states and the District of Columbia and provides financial
products and services to 30 million households and two million
businesses, as well as providing international corporate
financial services for business transactions in 190 countries.
     Contact the California Council of the Blind through Lainey
Feingold, 1.510.848.8125; e-mail lfeingold@california.net 
Saperstein, Goldstein, Demchak & Baller (Linda Dardarian),
1.510.763.9800, ldar@sgdblaw.com

         First 15 Bank of America Talking ATM Locations
Berkeley Main, 2129 Shattuck Avenue 
Los Angeles Main, 525 South Flower Street
Los Angeles Civic Center, 100 S. Broadway
Oakland City Center, 500 12th St., Suite 117 
Sacramento Downtown Plaza, 547 L Street
San Diego Airport East, 3665 N Harbor Drive-East Terrace
San Diego Airport West, 3707 N Harbor Drive-West Terrace
Mission Valley Center, 1640 Camino Del Rio North
San Francisco Market-Van Ness, 1525 Market Street
Market-New Montgomery, 33 New Montgomery Street
Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Avenue
One Market Plaza, 45 Spear Street
West Covina Fashion Plaza 2, 1200 West Covina Parkway
Westminster Mall, 9104 Westminster Mall
Woodland Hills Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.


                   MID-YEAR LEGISLATIVE REPORT

                     by Dan Kysor, Director
                    CCB Governmental Affairs 

     Since I addressed you last, I have been keeping quite busy. 
I have truly enjoyed meeting many of you as I have traveled
around California and will see many more of you throughout the
year in your chapters.
     During the legislative break, I developed the Web site and a
listserv for our Internet members; one can easily get anything
from The Blind Californian and the convention registration packet
to updated legislation and access to our information library.  I
have been working also on a book of legislation and a book of
resolutions still in progress.  
     Rehabilitation Issues: Rehabilitation issues are an utmost
priority; I eagerly attended the swearing-in of the new CDR
director and will also attend the confirmation hearing of Dr.
Campisi.  
     The Bureau of State Audits released a report on the
Department of Rehabilitation this last February.  The report
concludes that, although federal requirements have contributed to
its rising costs, the Department has failed to manage certain
aspects of its program adequately.  Specifically, it has not
tracked the cumulative costs of its cases and sometimes has spent
far beyond what is reasonable.  Additionally, it does not always
promptly close expensive, unsuccessful cases.  Further, it has
not fully used its existing management tools to monitor the
program.  Finally, the department's current method for evaluating
the severity of clients' disabilities favors clients with
learning and mental disabilities.
     I took part in a meeting with Dr. Campisi, her staff and the
Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change when the Alliance
submitted short-term, achievable goals we believe can be reached
by the Department.  We listed 17 items including a 10% increase
in the competitive employment outcomes and weekly earnings of the
blind and visually impaired.  
     We urged establishment of a senior management position
responsible to the director with specialized supervisorial units
of rehab supervisors, rehab counselors of the blind, counselor
teachers, the Orientation Center for the Blind, and  the Business
Enterprise Program.  Each unit would set forth competitive
employment outcomes.
     We argued for setting up a separate caseload management
report for clients whose major disability is blindness or visual
impairment with employer contacts for each supervisorial unit and
the establishment of 5 to 6 positions within the Department
specifically focused on job development and employment outcomes.
     We asked the Department to repeal the directive requiring
documentation and personal interviews of readers and suggested
that, if necessary, the Department review its accounts receivable
practices.  
     We suggested establishing revolving funds for BEP vendors,
location stock loans, and improving  methods for RCB training in
proven methods of finding competitive employment.
     We urged that the Department ensure that services are
provided equitably throughout the state, especially with respect
to assistive technology and training, making sure that case
service contracts and fee-for-service agreements are honored.
     Finally, timely access to Department documents in
alternative formats and holding meetings around the state for
blind services staff to discuss employment outcomes, management
and support strategies rounded out the list of short-term things
we feel are readily achievable by the Department. 
     The Work Force Investment Act: The Workforce Investment Act
is another crucial development in California Rehabilitation which
requires our attention.  I attended the first board meeting of
the state body and have been monitoring the developments of the
one-stop plans.  I was able to speak at that first meeting on
behalf of the CCB, emphasizing the need to provide access to the
blind and visually impaired at future one-stop employment
centers.  I also discussed the need to put materials coming from
the board in accessible formats including their Web site.  Many
legislators were present including Dion Aroner, Darrell Steinberg
and the HHS secretary Grantlun Johnson.
     Special Education: The California Special Education System
is rated last in the United States, according to Judy Heumann,
Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education Office of
Special Education.  Because of its many problems, California must
produce a "Corrective Action Plan" to the Federal Government or
face stiff monetary penalties.  Many horror stories surfaced
regarding warehousing of students with disabilities in
overcrowded classrooms, parents filling out blank Individual
Education Plans (IEPs), and lack of monitoring of the schools by
the Department of Education.
     At a reception for Ms. Heumann that Jeff Thom and I
attended, she spoke of the deplorable situation here in
California, saying that it is only the parents who are driving
enforcement of access to the same quality of education that every
student is entitled to.  Unfortunately, the California Department
of Education is most lacking in this area.  Many parents spoke
about the millions of dollars spent by school districts
litigating against parents who are trying just to provide their
children the kind of education which is their right by federal
and state laws.  I then told Ms. Heumann about the elimination of
the consultant position for the blind and visually impaired and
asked her how California could comply with any corrective action
plan if there is no technical support in the field for teachers
of the blind and visually impaired.  I urged Ms. Heumann to write
Governor Gray Davis, the "education governor,"  on the deplorable
state of special education in this state. 
     The following day, March 1, Judy Heumann and California's
Special Education Director, Alice Parker, testified at a special
hearing on the "Corrective Action Plan" in the Assembly Education
Committee.  A cassette tape is available of this very interesting
hearing from the CCB Office for anyone who is interested.  We are
still working on getting back our consultant.  President Skivers
will have more information on this front.
     Legislation 1999-2000: 1. The California Commission for the
Blind and Visually Impaired: Our efforts are still undaunted,
though the Governor has not supported this development, wishing
instead to give his new Rehab Director a chance to solve some of
the problems which fuel the insistence on a separate commission.
We are gearing  up for another push this next January to find an
author for our Commission Bill--and yes, Matilda, we have had
some interest from some legislators.
     2. Tactile Sign Bill:  Our stalled Tactile Sign Bill is
expected to be heard finally in committee in June.  SB1242 by
Senator Ortiz has encountered much opposition over the last year;
but just when all sides are coming together, the Department of
General Services Legislative person has added opposition.  The
bill seeks to have all public buildings, before they are
certified to open after an initial inspection, inspected for the
existence of Tactile Signage and other accessible features.  The
problem is that many leased buildings have a high occupancy
turn-over rate.  We have explained to all parties what access
means: features such as tactile signs that may be installed from
the building's entrance to a program access and its path of
travel.  We hope to prevail  in this matter.
     3.  Partially Sighted Persons and Prosthetic Devices (AB368
by Kuehl):  As many of you know, this Bill has been revived
because of consumer pressure.  You may remember that Ms. Kuehl
withdrew the bill citing the governor's unwillingness to sign it. 
Current law allows Medi-Cal and health care service plans and
group disability insurers to offer coverage for orthopedic and
prosthetic devices.  This legislation would expand coverage of
prosthetic devices for low vision individuals.
     4. Telephone Reading Service: We are co-sponsors of AB2757,
the Kevin Starr Information Act of 2000.  This legislation, which
is a committee bill, has passed the Assembly and now moves  on to
the Senate.  The author is the committee chair, Roderick Wright. 
The legislation places a surcharge on intrastate telephone
service to recover 20% of the fund devoted to the telephone
reading service, including newsline for the blind.  All portions
of the state would be covered by an 800 toll-free line.  The bill
is expected to be heard in the Senate Utilities Committee.
     5. Optometrists' Practice: As you know, every year we find a
bill or two that attempt to expand the scope of practice for
optometrists.  SB929 by Senator Richard Polanco has been stalled
in the Assembly Health Committee where it is expected to be heard
sometime in June.  We are opposed to the expansion of practice
for optometrists because their training is not adequate for
prescribing drugs, conducting surgical procedures, and diagnosing
complex eye conditions.
     6. Newborn and Infant Eye Screening, AB2185 by Martin
Gallegos: This bill  seeks to catch early eye diseases like
retinal blastoma and prevent forms of blindness such as glaucoma. 
Newborns are already part of a tracking, screening and
intervention program for hearing problems.  The bill has already
passed the Assembly Health Committee policy hearing and now moves
on to the Appropriations Committee.  This legislation is
sponsored by the Los Angeles Children's Hospital (Dr. Arnold
Murphrees, Chief Ophthalmologist) and the American Retinal
Blastoma Association.
     7. ADA Threat Defeated: A potential threat to the ADA here
in California was defeated.  AB2189 by Steve Baldwin would have
imposed a 90-day postponement of suit by anyone seeking to sue
for violations of planned access and have prohibited the recovery
of attorneys' fees . As I stated in my opposition letter, this
would have a chilling effect on reasonable accommodation and set
up a class system whereby the largest unemployed group in
society, the disabled, would not be able to afford legal access
under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  
     8. Protecting the ADA: On the other hand, Assemblywoman
Sheila Kuehl has introduced AB2222 which will compensate for
three Supreme Court decisions unfavorable to various aspects of
Title I and Title II of the ADA.  Specifically, the measure will
ban the practice of employer discrimination on the basis of past
medical conditions or conditions which have been deemed
rehabilitated.  The bill closes loopholes pertaining to
"Mitigating measures" preventing employers from saying that a
disabled employee's "reasonable accommodation" has removed that
person's obstacle to performing his or her job, since he is not
disabled and does not require the reasonable accommodation.  In
many cases, this odd catch 22 has led to the termination of
disabled employees.  The bill basically strengthens "Reasonable
Accommodation" in the work place.
     9. Disabled Parking Placards: AB1792 by Antonio Villaraigosa
strengthens Disabled Parking Placard laws by increasing fines for
illegal use of parking and  use of the placard sign by
non-disabled persons.  The bill has passed the Assembly and will
move next month to the Senate.
     10. The NFBC "Braille Bill":  AB609 by Scott Wildman
requires instruction in braille to "functionally" blind
individuals unless the IEP team determines that the instruction
is not appropriate.  The bill would also authorize the school
districts to allow a "braille instructional aide" to "reinforce
braille instruction."  The aide must meet certain criteria and be
supervised by a credentialed teacher of the visually impaired. 
The bill would also require a publisher or manufacturer to
provide computer files and electronic versions of print materials
for each state-adopted literary title in a timely manner and non-
literary titles, such as science and math books, when appropriate
technology is available.  The CCB is in support of this
legislation.
     11.Special Education Bill:  AB1795 by John Dutra is the
Special Education Bill.  We support portions of this bill such as
language identical to the NFBC braille bill relating to the
publishers' responsibilities.   However, the bill goes a step
further by requiring the California Special Media and Technology
Center (CSMT) to place assistive devices in the depository to be
designed for use by pupils with visual impairments.  With this
provision the CDE recognizes the need for assistive technology by
our blind and visually impaired students.  


             REMARKS BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN HELEN THOMSON 

     (This is a summary of the address given on April 28, 2000,
to the Solano Chapter.)
     Good morning!  Thank you for inviting me to be here today. 
It is always a pleasure to discuss the latest events at the
capitol.  The Assembly District I represent, the 8th, covers Yolo
County, Solano County including the Delta, and a portion of South
Sacramento County along the Sacramento River.  
     As a legislator, I sit on five standing committees:
Agriculture, Appropriations, Health, Local Government, and Water,
Parks and Wildlife.  I also serve as Co-chair of the Legislative 
Ethics Committee and as Chair of the Select Committee on Mental
Health and the Joint Committee on Mental Health Reform.  I
currently serve, too, as the Assistant Speaker Pro Tem appointed
last year by our former Assembly Speaker, Antonio Villaraigosa.
     This is such an exciting time for those of us who advocate
on behalf of health care issues.  Since I was elected to the 8th
Assembly District in 1996, I have made it my top legislative
priority to see that California leads the nation in providing
appropriate health care services.  In the last two years several
of my colleagues have placed health at the top of their
legislative agendas as well.  In fact, the Assembly Health
Committee has reviewed over 300 measures in the last two years
related to health.  Let's face it: the entire system is in
desperate need of an overhaul.  That means we have a lot of work
to do!
     Our efforts were recognized last year when Governor Davis
signed the most comprehensive HMO reform package in the nation,
The Patient's Bill of Rights.
     As you know, the statistics for those who are visually
impaired are disturbing: one person goes blind every 11 minutes
in the United States.  There are approximately 550,000 visually
impaired Californians; over half of all visually impaired persons
are over 65 years of age.
     The bad news is that the Governor's proposed budget does
little to augment services for the blind and disabled.  He has
asked for $4.8 million to implement a new program providing
Medi-Cal eligibility for working disabled persons with incomes up
to 250% of the federal poverty level; and $47 million for a $500
personal income tax credit for taxpayers who are caring for
elderly or disabled individuals in their homes.
     The good news is that several members of the Legislature are
working to improve services to the blind and disabled.  The
following are just a few pieces of legislation which will
positively affect those who are visually impaired: 
     AB685 (Thomson) I am excited to say that, with your help,
AB685, which establishes a certification process for detectable
warning and directional surfaces, was signed into law by the
Governor last fall.
     AB1792 (Villaraigosa) expands the requirements placed on the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue disabled person
placards and license plates, and establishes minimum fines for
fraudulently using or obtaining such placards or license plates. 
This bill will provide DMV with the tools necessary to combat
disabled placard abuse by strengthening the application process,
imposing mandatory minimum fines, and requiring an annual audit
by DMV.
     AB2185 (Gallegos) would establish the Newborn Eye Screening
Program administered by the State Department of Health Services. 
Existing law provides for the newborn and infant hearing
screening, tracking, and intervention program.  This bill would
expand the current newborn ocular screening with the dilated
pupillary screening.  These combined screenings will better
prevent pediatric congenital ocular abnormalities that lead to
premature death, blindness, or vision impairment unless treated
soon after birth.  The costs in time and supplies for the
pupillary dilation test is negligible, but the long-term benefits
are significant.
     AB2757 (Rod Wright) requires California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) to establish and implement a toll-free number
to access telephonic reading systems for individuals with print
disabilities.  Persons who cannot read print because of a
disability often have to forego timely access to newspapers,
magazines, and other periodicals.  In recent years, technological
advances have made the difficulty of making time-sensitive
material available to the print disabled more practical and
cost-effective.  Telephonic reading systems, allowing the caller
to hear the reading of various printed materials, can be accessed
by using a standard touch-tone telephone.  
     SB1242 (Ortiz) requires a building occupied by any state or
local government entity to be accessible to persons with
disabilities.  Currently, the sporadic and inconsistent use of
braille tactile signage results from the issuance of certificates
of occupancy before these signs and other accessible features are
installed.  These features are usually considered cosmetic or
finish work and often do not meet California Building Code
standards.  In some cases, the signs never are installed.  The
misuse of these signs makes them of no value to the blind and
visually impaired.
     Commission for the Blind: I understand the push in the blind
community for the establishment of a Commission for the Blind and 
Visually Impaired.  25 states already have such Commissions. 
Currently the Department of Rehabilitation is overseeing people
who are blind or disabled.  Apparently, under the former
Republican regime. the Department of Rehabilitation's office for
the disabled went from 1st in the nation to 48th.  I am very
interested in this concept.
     Finally, I do want you to know how much I appreciate this
opportunity to serve in the State Assembly as your
representative.  It is a great responsibility and privilege; and
I love it.  I appreciate very much the time many of you have
spent in communicating with me and my staff.  I want to thank
each of you here who phoned, e-mailed, met with me or my staff,
or wrote letters on legislation this past year.  Your input is
always considered by me before any vote I make on a bill.  Please
keep up the good work.  Thank you again for inviting me here
today.


                         BULLETIN BOARD 

                         by Keith Black

     Dot's Right! is all you need to know for all your braille
transcription needs.  Check us out at http://www.dotsright.net
Whether it's restaurant menus, personal documents, brochures, or
general information, you will love our affordable rates.  
     In addition to our superb transcription services, we also
offer a fabulous line of attractive and fragrant homemade candles
for sale!  Choose from an extensive selection of colors, shapes,
and scents.  You will get precisely what you want because we make
all our candles to your exact specifications!  Contact Liz Conejo
at 323-254-9213 or e-mail at lconejo@concentric.net.
          From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, March, 2000: Home
Page Reader.  IBM has developed a text-to-speech technology that
will allow blind and visually imppaired people easier browsing on
the Internet.  By combining the capabilities of the IBM Via Voice
Outloud text-to-speech synthesizer and Netscape Navigator, Home
Page Reader reads aloud Web-based information just as it is
presented on the computer screen.  From graphics descriptions and
text in column format to tables and data-input fields, Home Page
Reader acts as a Web browser and audibly provides the needed
information.  It can even read pages in different languages
automatically and uses a male voice to read text and a female
voice to identify links.  Also, Home Page Reader includes an
integrated E-mail feature.  Contact IBM Special Needs Systems,
11400 Burnett Road, Austin, TX 78758; 800-426-4832, or 800-426-
4833 (TTY); or www.ibm.com/sns.  
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, April, 2000: Accessible
Worship.  The National Organization on Disability's Religion and
Disability Program has announced that more than 550 congregations
in all 50 states are paarticipating in the "2000 by the year
2000" Accessible Congregations Campaign.  The goal is to increase
the religious participation of disabled adults and children.  By
joining the campaign, a congregation acknowledges its barriers to
disabled people and commits to begin the process of removing such
barriers.  Contact National Organization on Disability, 910 16th
St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; 202-293-5960.  
     From Dialog Magazine, Spring 2000: The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed that commercial
television broadcasters in the top 25 television markets and
large national video programming distributors introduce video
descriptions into their transmissions that would make the
programming more accessible to people who are visually impaired. 
The video description would be available to television viewers
who have Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) capability in their
televisions or VCR's.  In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
FCC asked for comment on a proposal that the initial video
description rules provide a minimum of 50 hours per calendar
quarter (roughly four hours per week) of described prime time or
children's programming no later than 18 months from the effective
date of the video description rules.  For more information,
contact  Meryl Icove, Director, Disabilities Issues Taskforce,
445 12th St. SW, Washington, DC 20554; 202-418-7200; E-mail: 
micove@fcc.gov; Web site:  www.fcc.gov/dtf.  
     Future Forms, Inc., a division of Pummill Business Forms,
Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, has introduced Verbal-eyes (patent
pending), a new assistive technology which enables visually
impaired persons to fill out forms online.  Since many visually
impaired people use a screen reader, the Verbal-eyes program is
designed to scan the user's PC to determine if a screen reader is
present and active.  If a screen reader is active, the software
will actually decipher the form on the screen for the user.  If
no screen reader is active, the software will remain quiet and
allow the user to complete the form.  The Verbal-eyes program was
mentioned by BUSINESS WEEK as one of the most promising new
products for the year 2000.  For additional information on
Verbal-eyes (patent pending) and other electronic form solutions,
visit www.futureforms.com or www.pummill.com and link to Future
Forms.  
     Parrot's Voice Mate talking organizer is designed to allow
people who are blind or visually impaired to store and retrieve
information by using voice commands.  According to the
manufacturers, the Voice Mate has the following features: 40
minutes of recording time, high voice recognition quality (in
version 10.5), non-volatile flash memory, a head set, eight
levels of volume control, a PC link for data storage and software
updates from the Internet, a personal identification code, 10
recognizable languages, a personal appointment book, a reminder
for periodic and repeating items, a talking calculator with
foreign  currencies, a talking alarm clock, dialing assistance,
and a voice prompt that accompanies each keystroke.  The retail
price for Parrot's Voice Mate is $259.  For more information,
contact Parrot SA, 28 Rue Meslay, 75003, Paris, France; 888-936-
0001 or 33-1-44-78-81-10;  E-mail sales@parrot.fr; Web site: 
www.voice-assistant.com.  
     The Speech Expressor is a speech compressor for American
Printing House for the Blind or National Library Service Talking
Book tape players.  The unit is designed to allow people to
digitally adjust the pitch of voice to compensate for a change in
speed; this can be helpful when you're listening to an audio
recording at a slower or faster speed than the one in which it
was recorded.  The Speech Expressor comes with four standard AA
ni-cad replaceable, rechargeable batteries, a power supply and
recharger, headphone jack, and a manual in print and cassette. 
It is compatible with any sound source that has variable speed
control.  The cost is $125.  For more information, contact: 
American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue,
P.O. box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085; 800-223-1839; Fax: 
800-899-2274; E-mail:  info@aph.org; Web site:  www.aph.org.  

 
                  PUBLICATIONs COMMITTEE AWARDS

                      by Joan Black, Chair
                     Publications Committee

    The high point of the year for the Publications Committee is
the selection and presentation of the Best Article awards, an
event which occurs in the spring.  Each committee member submits
nominations and then the final choices are  made during a
telephone conference call.  
     This year we continued with the policy we adopted last year-
-presenting two awards, one for the Best Lifestyle Article and
the other for the Best Issue-Oriented Article.  
     There were several nominations in both categories; but when
the final vote was tallied, Daveed Mandell's article "How Will
They Ever Learn? Educating Blind Students in Today's Public
Schools" was selected as the winner in the Best Issue-Oriented
category.  
     The Best Lifestyle Article Award went to Joan Black for "The
Old Ball Game," which was a piece about baseball's place in
American life and its ease of enjoyment for visually impaired
fans.     There were several other articles which received votes
including "Profile: John Lopez," by Brian Hall; "One Hundred and
Twenty-five Miles from Kosovo," by Jane Kardas; "Technology,
Braille and Higher Education," by Jeffrey Singe;  the "Career
Connections" article on mentoring by Catherine Schmitt; and the
"Techtalk" column entitled "Information Means Power: Accessing
California Legislation on Your Computer,," by Dan Kysor.  
     Thanks to everyone who submitted articles in the past year,
and please keep them coming in the future.  Finally, a word of
appreciation to Winifred Downing for all the time and effort
which she gives to making The Blind Californian a great success.  


       CALIFORNIA CHALLENGES THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                       submitted by Ralph Black

     (Reprinted with permission from The New World for Persons
with Disabilities, Spring, 2000, a publication of Californians 
for Disability Rights.  by George Moore)
     In recent weeks, many in the disability community have been
concerned about the prospect that the United States Supreme Court
would be asked to hear cases raising constitutional challenges to
Title II of the ADA which requires states and local agencies to
make their facilities and programs accessible to persons with
disabilities.  A few months ago, the Supreme Court had announced
that it would hear cases in which Florida and Arkansas argued
that the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars suits
against the states under Title II.  Fortunately, both cases were
settled and the appeals were dropped after the disability
community convinced the states not to pursue their challenges to
the ADA.
     Now, however, the State of California has asked the Court to
hear a similar challenge.  The case is Dare v. State of
California, in which two individuals argued that the $6 fee
charged for disabled parking placards by the Department of Motor
Vehicles violates the ADA'S ban on surcharges.  The Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals held that the placard fee does violate the ADA,
and the State has appealed to the Supreme Court.
     In its petition, the State argues that Congress lacked
authority to enact a law which bans charging fees for
accommodations and that, as a result, the Eleventh Amendment bars
suits against states on this issue.  Since this case addresses
only the surcharge provision, it does not present the sort of
sweeping challenge to the whole of Title II that was involved in
the Arkansas and Florida cases or in a more recent case from
Alabama which the Court has agreed to hear next year. 
Nevertheless, the Dare case is a serious threat to the ADA.  If
the surcharge provision is invalidated, public entities would be
able to charge fees for all sorts of accommodations such as sign
language interpreters, braille materials, or lift-equipped
transportation.
     In addition, there is a significant risk that the Supreme
Court could go beyond what the State has argued and render a
decision holding that all suits under Title II are barred by the
Eleventh Amendment.  The conservative majority of the Court
recently came to just this conclusion in a case involving the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act.   The constitutional standards
applied to age discrimination are the same as those applied to
disability discrimination, so it is entirely possible that the
Court would take the opportunity to continue its expansion of
state's rights and rule the same way on the ADA.
     Technically, this would not completely invalidate Title II,
but it would mean that individuals with disabilities could not
file suit to enforce its provisions.  This would leave federal
enforcement agencies as the only avenue for redress, and we all
know very well that this approach is rarely effective.
     So what can the disability community do to head off this
challenge?
     One possibility is that we could try to persuade the
Legislature to discontinue the placard fee and redistribute the
costs by very slightly increasing the fees it charges to all
drivers.  This would render the case moot and probably avoid
having it heard by the Court.  
     However, we should also try to convince the State to settle
the case and drop its appeal.  To do this, advocates should write
or call Governor Davis and Attorney General Lockyer and tell them
that we don't want California to be one of the states that
challenges the ADA.  This sort of campaign worked in Florida and
Arkansas, and we need to make it work here.  California gave
birth to the disability-rights movement, and it would be sad and
shameful to allow our state government to play a leading role in
efforts to dismantle the ADA, especially in a year when we will
be celebrating the tenth anniversary of this landmark
legislation.
     Contact information for the Governor and the Attorney
General is provided below.  Let's be sure they know we won't
tolerate attacks on our civil rights!

The Honorable Governor Gray Davis, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA
95814; 916-445-2841; FAX: 916-445-4633;  E-mail:
graydavis@governor.ca.gov

The Honorable Bill Lockyer, Office of the Attorney General,
Department of Justice, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA
94244-2550; 916-445-9555; by George Moore       


                       FEDERAL LEGISLATION

                         by Ahmad Rahman

     Medicare Coverage for Vision Rehabilitation Services,
Services,H.R. 2870:  the Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Act, provides
Medicare reimbursement for the services of orientation and
mobility specialists, rehabilitation teachers, and low vision
therapists.
     Under current law, the specialized training essential to the
rehabilitation of people whose functional ability is impaired by
vision loss is not covered by Medicare. Similar training for
people whose functional ability is affected by another physical
disability such as a stroke, is covered.  Access to basic
rehabilitation services for the newly blind person, such as
training in spatial orientation and independent travel, daily
living skills and the use of optical devices, can enhance that
person's safety, independence and quality of life.
     Congressional Support for Descriptive Video Programming on
Television: Members of Congress are urged to thank the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) for recognizing the importance of
descriptive video programming as a means of giving a significant
part of our population increased access to the public air waves. 

     On November 18, 1999, the Federal communications Commission
issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) mandating that the
major television networks include descriptive video programming
in their regularly scheduled broadcasts.  Descriptive video
programming involves the broadcast of audio descriptions of
visual images.  The information is inserted at points in the
program where there is no other audible activity or dialogue to
give the visually impaired "viewer" an idea of what is taking
place on their television screen.  The Federal Communications
Commission has recommended the use of the Secondary Audio
Programming (SAP) channel to broadcast this information.  Use of
this channel would make accessing the descriptive video
programming voluntary on the part of the viewer.
     Increased Funding for Making the U.S. Capitol Grounds
Accessible: The increased funding would be for installation of
"talking signs" and other measures that would make the U.S.
Capitol grounds more accessible to people who are blind or
visually impaired.
     Millions of Americans visit the Capitol grounds each year. 
Thousands more are employed there each day.  Most of these people
can rely on signage that is posted throughout the grounds to
provided them with information and direction to the location they
wish to visit.

    However, this information is currently inaccessible to the
hundreds of people who are blind or visually impaired visiting 
the  Capitol regularly for pleasure and business.  The situation
could be easily remedied by the installation of talking signs
technology throughout the Capitol grounds.  This technology
involves the recording of information on infrared transmitters,
which would then be posted throughout the grounds.  Individuals
wanting access to the signs carry a small, hand-held receiver on
which they can listen to the information being broadcast by the
transmitters as the individual passes by each one.  This
technology is currently in use in a number of public buildings
across the country.  In most cases, visitors are given receivers
when they enter the premises and are provided with a place to
drop them off when they leave.  Those who use them on a regular
basis, such as employees, may retain them permanently.

     Update on Section 508 Regulations: The U.S. Access Board has
released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Electronic and
Information Technology Accessibility Standards.  The deadline for
public comment on the proposed rules is May 30, 2000.  The
document is available electronically from the Access Board at
wwwaccessboard.gov  For copies in other formats, or for
additional information on the U.S. Access Board, call
1-800-872-2253.
     Idea Legislation: On April 6, an amendment to a Senate
budget resolution was voted on, which would have increased
funding for services and programs under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  At the time, Hill staffers
informed ACB that this amendment failed.  However, these staffers
were mistaken.  Instead, an extremely watered down version of the
amendment passed the Senate.  This amendment offered no increase
to special education funding levels but simply expressed the
Senate's sentiments that IDEA should be fully funded.  Although
we are disappointed by the amendment that was adopted, ACB will
continue to support efforts on behalf of IDEA.


          BLIND STUDENTS OF CALIFORNIA BACK ON THE MAP

                        by Richard Rueda

     The Blind Students of California, a NABS affiliate, held
their student seminar and business meeting during the spring
convention of the California Council of the Blind in Sacramento. 
We had several good speakers discussing a variety of student-
related topics including Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic,
Guide Dogs, Department of Rehabilitation issues, Mobility
International, and state legislation.  
     Our featured guest speaker was Dr. Catherine Campisi, the
newly appointed Director of the Department of Rehabilitation. 
Dr. Campisi shared with our student group the ways in which the
Department will strive to better serve the blind and disabled
community at large.
     At our business meeting we elected two members to the BSC
board.  Jason Corral of Alameda was elected Vice President and
Tereas Christian Schell was elected Treasurer.  At our fall
convention in Los Angeles, we will choose the President and
Secretary.  
     Along with the meetings, we held a comedy fundraiser which
brought in close to three hundred dollars.
     We also set up a student Listserv for BSC members within the
state so that we can work on stimulating more activity in our
affiliate.  The Listserv will bring our members and serious
supporters together to discuss strategies for increasing
membership state wide along with the establishment of ongoing
student seminars of perhaps two each year in addition to the
conventions.  
     The CCB has been very supportive of BSC and has helped us
regroup.  We have a ways to go, but with our new members and
support from the CCB Board, we are looking at a good and
challenging year ahead.  
     If anyone reading this report knows of students in
California, please tell them about our organization and give us
their names.  The BSC Listserv Internet URL is
http://www.egroups.com/group/CA_BlindStudents
 The BSC e-mail address is bss2000@hotmail.com
President Hayley Burman can be reached at 310.373.1693 and/or via
e-mail at hburman1@csulb.edu.


             REPORT OF THE CCB MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

                         by Rhonda King

     I have to admit that I was fairly nervous serving as chair
of the CCB Membership Committee for the first time, but I think
the meeting went very well since there was extensive input from
all who attended.  Committee members included Rhonda King, Nancy
Ungar and Dominic Martinelli.  Others in attendance were Ardis
Bazyn, Norbert Rodriguez, Rose Deterding, Frank Welte and Herbert
Clayton.  Dan Kysor and Catherine Skivers were also present for
part of the meeting.  I thank everyone for attending and helping
to make the session as productive as I believe it was.  
     I began by presenting a list of items that I felt were
important, each of which we discussed in detail.  The topics
included the following:
     Responsibilities and Duties:  Our first responsibility as
membership committee is to our individual members, chapters and
affiliates.  We must make sure that concerns of members are met
and handled in a timely manner.  We also agreed that it is our
responsibility to be available whenever the need 
occurs.  It is our duty, too,  to offer support to those
requesting it and to provide information regarding CCB.  
     Objectives and Goals:  One important objective of the
Membership Committee is to increase the membership by providing
an outreach program to assist all chapters, affiliates and
individuals.  Our committee must develop a team approach which we
shall call MOAT, Membership Organization and Advancement Team. 
We would like to encourage at least one person from each chapter
to become a member of this team to help promote the mission of
CCB by building the membership within that team member's own
chapter, offering  assistance to nearby chapters, and helping CCB
continue to advocate for our causes on all levels.  
     Membership Handbook:  Years ago, a book was put together
regarding CCB and different categories of importance.  The
membership Committee will be receiving this book and will be
preparing an outline for a new one.  The former book is quite
large; we will attempt to condense it and yet include other
information we feel is important, including a list of all
committees within the organization and a variety of special
interest groups which are involved with CCB.  We hope this book
will help new members--and maybe even experienced members--to
understand CCB more thoroughly. 
     Quarterly Report:  If all goes well,  we will begin mailing
a quarterly report to all chapters and affiliates concerning
developments in membership, new ideas being considered in the
committee, and the progress of MOAT.  We also hope that each MOAT
member will maintain regular contact with the committee on
progress of his or her chapter membership and other exciting
news.     
     Newsletters:  Many chapters in this organization have their
own newsletters.  This is a great idea and is quite helpful for
many reasons.  It reminds members of the next chapter meeting,
special events or fund raisers being held, and information for
members who have not been attending meetings regularly.  The
newsletters can also be distributed to various businesses,
doctors' offices, and other chapters, informing recipients of
chapter events and other items of importance.
     Incentives:  The committee is also considering a number of
incentives to increase membership for individual members, as well
as chapters.  One idea is to present a trophy and/or a monetary
bonus to recognize a particular chapter for its growth in
membership.  By the time the fall convention
arrives, we hope to have some concrete plans to announce.  If you
have any suggestions to offer, please give them to the MOAT
member in your chapter to be forwarded to the committee.  If your
chapter does not have a MOAT member, please send your ideas to
me, Rhonda King, 6426 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights, CA 95621;
916-722-7337; E-Mail jodeanking@earthlink.net 
     When the meeting ended, we left with a great sense of
accomplishment and camaraderie.  We are really excited about the
direction the membership committee is taking and want all CCB
members to join in the excitement.  We will soon be contacting
each chapter about our intention to implement MOAT and ask that a
MOAT representative be chosen.  


                        AROUND THE STATE

          California Chapter, Library Users of America
     CALUA elected new officers at its meeting in Sacramento on
May 19, 2000: President, Debbie Rogers; Vice President, Nancy
Unger; Treasurer, Peter Pardini; Secretary, Sharon Benefiel.
     At the luncheon, we had our usual fascinating discussion of
books; following are titles suggested by luncheon guests from
their own reading experience.  Please allow for some
misspellings; lack of full information about some books; and a
few instances in which Martin Magid, the subregional librarian in
San Francisco, was not able to furnish RC numbers--often because
of inadequate identifying information.

Nancy Unger, David Pelzer: A CHILD CALLED IT and THE LOST BOY, 
Johnson, Michael Palmer: CRITICAL JUDGMENT RC45957
Connie Schoeman, Kellerman: A DAY OF ATONEMENT, RC36304
Jill O'Connell, Nancy Friedman: THE SEVENTH STONE, RC37167
Maria Mitchel, INDIA GATE, RC34449
W.E.B. Griffin: LINE OF FIRE, THE CORPS BOOK, RC34199 and
     SEMPER FI: THE CORPS, BOOK 1, RC250064
Pipes: THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION rc32799
Dunne: THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION, RC38845
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, RC23282
Grace Livingston Hill, RC45402
Carol Blake, Mary Higgins Clark: The Atlanta Series, RC46009
Debbie Rogers, Fern Michaels: FINDERS, KEEPERS, RC47416
Rob Turner, Alister McClain, (The title has the word Ulysses in
     it), RC32261
Hayslip, WHEN HEAVEN AND EARTH CHANGED PLACES, RC31643
Connie Bateman, Pilcher: SNOW IN APRIL, RC42485 AND COMING HOME,
     rc40840
Leslie Thom, Michaels: SEASONS OF HER LIFE rc44286 and
     Blackman, SEASONS OF HER LIFE, RC49511
Winifred Downing, Lillian Jackson Braun: THE CAT WHO SAW STARS,
     available on cassette from the ordinary public library
Donine Hedrick, Michael Sharra: KILLER ANGEL, RC45457
Maria Mitchell, Audio Books Central in Belmont, California, has
     an extensive collection of taped books for rent or purchase.

*****          *****         *****          *****          
                   The San Francisco Chapter      
     Ours is a small chapter of under 25 people, but the level of
activity belies its size.  A substantial proportion of members
attend conventions regularly, and at least once each year the
chapter holds a workshop of general interest to the blindness
community.  
     We were especially proud at the CCB spring convention
because three of our members won awards: the Distinguish Service
Award for Don Queen, the Humanitarian Award for Ellie Wong, and
the distinguished writing award for an issue-related article for
Daveed Mandell's "How Will They Ever Learn."  
     For its March meeting, the San Francisco Chapter hosted a
workshop on earthquake preparedness to which all Bay Area and
Peninsula chapters were invited.  Those who attended were advised
to get ready for an earthquake by having available 72 hours of
water, a good supply of canned food, a well-stocked first aid
kit, a flashlight and batteries, any necessary medications, and
emergency phone numbers.  A cane should be kept close to the bed
and also a pair of shoes that can be put on promptly to avoid
walking where there may be broken glass or plaster.  Blinds and
drapes should be closed routinely to protect against flying
glass, and heavy overhead objects should be kept away from beds
and much used living areas.
     While people are warned after a quake from turning off gas
unless there is a strong odor indicating that it is escaping or
someone available who can check the meter and see that it is
behaving erratically, it is also important to know how to turn
off the gas if that is necessary.  Pacific Gas and Electric made
available a typical turn-off mechanism, and everyone who attended
the workshop learned how to use a wrench for that purpose.   
     A full-sized dummy was on hand to help those who attended
learn how  to care for an injured person.  Such an individual
should be covered to retard shock, and the airways should be kept
open while help is sought.  
     Everything at the workshop was available to be examined with
recommendations for specific brands and types of things when
appropriate.  Questions and discussion were vigorous. 
     For adequate plans to be made after an earthquake, it is
important to have phone numbers for family and friends outside
the area where there will be less confusion and duplication of
information.  
     Paul and David Jackson were in charge of the workshop with
valuable assistance from Patty Ewing, Office of Emergency
Services and associated also with the San Francisco Fire
Department.  


                  CCB OFFICERS, January 1, 2000

     (Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who
updated and corrected the list of CCB officers and board members, 
cluding the number of the term each is presently serving and the
years covered by that term.  The presence of an asterisk (star)
indicates that the individual began by filling out an unexpired
term.  We shall publish the list this way at least in issues just
preceding elections and routinely if members wish.)  

President, Catherine Skivers (98-00, 2nd term)
     836 Resota Street
     Hayward, CA 94545
     510 357-1986
     e-mail ccotb@earthlink.net
1st Vice President,Charles Nabarrete (98-00, 1st term)
     5559 El Monte Avenue
     Temple City, CA 91780
     626 579-1150
2nd Vice President, Jeff Thom (99-01, 2nd term)
     7414 Mooncrest Way
     Sacramento, CA 95831
     916 429-8201
     e-mail jeff.thom@lc.ca.gov
Secretary, Kenneth Frasse (99-01, 4th term)
     141 Del Medio Avenue, #223
     Mountain View, CA 94040
     650 941-2421
     c-mail kfrasse@concentric.net
Treasurer, David Parker (*98-00, 3rd term)
     1600 Florida Street
     Vallejo, CA 94590
     707 557-3157
Past President, Mitch Pomerantz
     1344 North Martel Avenue
     Los Angeles, CA 90046
     323 851-5148



             CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS, January 1, 2000

Al Biegler, (99-01, 1st term)               
     819 Colusa Street
     Chico, CA 95928-4116
     530 893-8840
     e-mail albiegler1@juno.com
Martin Jones (99-01, 3rd term)
     730 V730 Victoria 
     San  San FSan Francisco, CA 94127
     415 469-8048
Jane Kardas, z(*99-01, 1st term)
     810 Maple Street
     Ukiah, CA 95482
     707 468-5510

Rhonda Marshall King (98-00, 1st term)
     6426 Greenback Lane
     Citrus Heights, CA 95621
     916 722-7337
Pat LaFrance-Wolf (98-00, 4th term)
     5640 McCulloch Avenue
     Temple City, CA 91780
     626 445-4142
     e-mail servicetogo@earthlink.net
Eugene Lozano, Jr. (99-01, 2nd term)
     3701 Whitney Avenue
     Sacramento, CA 95821
     916 485-8307
     e-mail lozanoe@csus.edu
Peggy Martinez (99-01, 1st term)
     2510 Cropley Way
     Arcata, CA 95521
     707 822-3122
e-mail pegmar1@earthlink.net
Peter Pardini (98-00, 1st term)
     267 Cardinal Road
     Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618
     415 381-9211
Ahmad Rahman (98-00, 1st term; served a partial term before first
     full term)
     19616 Leapwood Avenue
     Carson, CA 90746
     310 327-0463


                   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; 650-969-1688
Winifred Downing: 1587 38th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122; 
     415-564-5798
Brian Hall: 5722 Abraham Ave., Westminster, CA 92683; 
     714-894-3497 
Maria Lopez: 3925 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90023; 213-268-4526
Daveed Mandell: 1921 Francisco, #7A, Berkeley, CA 94709-2105; 
     510-665-9260
Teddie Remhild: 1100 W. Olive, #220, Burbank, CA; 818-848-2475
Catherine Schmitt: 1356 B South, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond
     Bar, CA 91765 909-861-2931
Connie Skeen: 3250 Maple Ave., Oakland, CA 94602; 
     510-532-7687
Dorothy Vallerga: 15361 Norton, San Leandro, CA; 94579; 
     510-352-0522