



                         THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                      Quarterly Magazine of the 

                    CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Winter, 2003, Volume 47, No. 1



      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.ccbnet.org



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


                   Sacramento Area Office, Dan Kysor
                       225 15th St. 
                         West Sacramento, CA 95691
                             
                            916-371-1514
                                                 Fax 916-371-7630
                       E-mail dan@ccbnet.org 


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 wmdowning@mindspring.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
n----n) 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

REPORT ON THE FALL CONVENTION, 2002 by Catherine 
	Skivers 	6

PRESIDENT'S CORNER, by Catherine Skivers 	12

BLIND AMBITION LEADS TO BIKE CLUB,  
	by Keith Lair 	14

OPEN LETTER FROM JOY EFRON 	16

AWARDS NOMINATIONS SOLICITED, by Roger
	Petersen 	19

SUMMARY OF FALL 2002 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS,
	by Ken Metz 	20

COURT STRIKES DOWN AUDIO DESCRIPTION RULES,
	submitted by Sue Ammeter 	23

TRAVEL TO IRELAND AND ENGLAND, by Jane
	Kardis 	23

REPORT ON THE SENIOR BLIND, BY bONNIE rENNIE 	25

ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN REVIEW, by Joan Black 	27

INTERNETSPEECH, by Jeff Griffin 	10

CCCLVI FALL CONVENTION PROGRAM, BY bERNICE 
	kANDARIAN 	29

TO HONOR YOU, by Bonnie Rennie 	30

CANE OR DOG, submitted by Sue  Ammeter 	30

SOUNDS OF SUCCESS: SUNSET WOMAN HELPS
	TEAM WIN WORLD TITLE IN SPORT FOR BLIND ATHLETES, 
	by Cicero Estrella	33

BULLETIN BOARD, compiled by Keith Black 	35

MEMBERESHIP COMMITTEE REPORT, FALL 2002, 
	by  Rhonda King 	38

FROM THE CAPITOL, by Dan Kysor 	39

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE, by Jane Kardis 	41

TOURS, ANYONE? submitted by Barbara Rhodes 	42

CCB OFFICERS 	42

CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS 	43

CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 	43



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 be made to discuss the matter with the author
before publication. 

	FROM THE EDITOR

	by Winifred Downing

	With this first issue of the 47th volume of 
The Blind Californian, I begin my editing assignments with the third president of the California Council of the Blind.  47 years!  That means that our publication is one of the oldest continuously published magazines by and organization of the blind in the country.  The only ACB-related publication that I think is older is The Illinois Braille Messenger, and I'm not sure about that.  
	Publishing this magazine is a major accomplishment of our state organization, and I am going to propose to our new president Jeff Thom some procedures that I think will help ensure the continued production of the magazine.  Right now if for some reason I became suddenly unable to produce the BC, there is no one in the wings ready to take on that responsibility.  
	What I hope Jeff will consider, therefore, is establishing a really active Publications  Committee, each member of which will take on writing an account of one of our conventions as an exercise in reporting.  Keith Black did it admirably a few times; but the practice of assigning a reporter before each convention hasn't been followed much in recent years.  
	Members of the committee should also scout articles, suggest columns, remind members of articles they are pledged to submit, and write some themselves.  I should be able to suggest that each committee member edit an article that I receive to gain experience in receiving e-mail submissions and tailoring them for inclusion in the magazine.  We should have conference calls to establish what each committee member is doing a month or so before deadline, and CCB members should contact those on the committee with their suggestions and reactions.
	If we follow these procedures for the next year, we shall have in place an editorial staff from which a new editor can be drawn or who can ably assist an editor who may have to be hired.  An outside editor would need lots of help from members to learn how CCB operates, something of the history of the blindness movement, and what priorities, and attitudes motivate us.  Please, therefore, don't just read this message and dismiss it; instead, think about whether you can work on the Publications  Committee and give your name to Jeff if you are interested.  
	The deadline for the spring issue of the BC is March 1, 2003.     


	REPORT ON THE FALL CONVENTION, 2002

	by Catherine Skivers

	The fall convention of the California Council of the Blind was held at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2002. As usual, I can only highlight here what happened in those three days of varied activities.  
	Twenty-five exhibitors offered everything from the latest technology to interesting gift items.  The exhibit area, this year co-chaired by Obbie Shoeman and Peter Pardini, was open all day Friday and Saturday.  These two gentlemen deserve many thanks from all of us for the hard work they do for CCB, not only on exhibits, but in many other areas as well. 
	A meeting of the Rehabilitation Services and Technology Committee and the Technology Workshop attracted interested members on Thursday afternoon; and that evening The Braille Revival League of California held a board meeting just prior to the CCB Board of Directors  meeting.  
	At that gathering, all board members were present. The minutes were reviewed after which Peter Pardini gave us a Treasurer's Report which demonstrated that CCB is in a better financial position now than ever before.  Treasurers' Reports are always available to members upon request.  The audit for FY2001 has been completed and we have a very good report. Reports were given on the Newell Perry and Ellen Murphy Funds. The trustees for the Newell Perry fund are Pat LaFrance-Wolf, Catherine Skivers and Richard Rueda who took the place of the late Allen Jenkins.  Trustees for the Ellen Murphy fund are Pat LaFrance-Wolf, Catherine Skivers and Teddie-Joy Remhild.  The Newel Perry fund has recently made two grants to help people with employment. 
	We voted to assist the American Council of the Blind with its financial needs by contributing $10,000.  We also voted to support a suit against the city of Sacramento which is contesting making sidewalks accessible.  The case may go as far as the Supreme Court, and CCB will do everything it takes to ensure safety for our members and other disabled persons in our state capitol.  
	Dan Kysor's legislative report to the Board will be printed later in this issue of the BC.  
	Jessica Lorenz, president of the Blind Students of California, spoke to the board about her experience in Brazil where she participated in a goal ball tournament that secured the gold medal for the United States for the first time since the 1980s.  You can read a complete account of Jessica's accomplishment elsewhere in this publication in an article taken from the San Francisco Chronicle.  We are all very proud of this young woman.    
	After the board meeting the Public Relations Committee hosted a Halloween party in the hospitality suite.  Prizes were given for the most interesting costumes and also for the best Halloween dressed guide dog and the best Halloween decorated white cane.  The party was great fun.
	Many of the 22 committees in the organization conduct their own meetings and programs Friday and Saturday morning and Friday and Saturday afternoon following the general session.  I have asked committee representatives to submit to The Blind Californian brief reports on what happened.  
	The first of several special events at the convention was the Welcome to Irvine party hosted by the Orange County chapter.  On Friday, the Library Users and the Association for Multicultural Concerns held luncheons for their members and guests, and that afternoon the AMC sponsored a pizza party fund raiser. The Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni and the Guide Dog Users of California had their luncheons on Saturday.   
	Before the evening general session on Friday, the Presidents' Dinner was held, and it was gratifying to hear about the many innovative programs being carried on by our chapters.  We welcomed especially Annette Carter, the President of the new chapter in Fresno, the Greater San Joaquin Valley chapter.  
	Our special guests at this convention were M.J. Schmitt, Second  Vice President of the American Council of the Blind, from  Forest Park, Illinois, and Dr. Ed Bradley, and his wife Linda, from Houston, Texas.  Ed, a chiropractor by profession, is a member of the Board of Directors of ACB.  These guests spoke at several committee meetings, attended the general sessions, and spoke at the banquet.  
	We try to have some one from different faiths begin every general session in order to accommodate all our members.  Often the invocations are done by our own members, Father John from St.  Thomas More church in Irvine being our only guest clergyman this time.  We also heard from the Mayor Pro Tempore of Irvine who welcomed us as did Julie Cantrell, President of the Orange County host affiliate.
	The Friday general session began with a presentation  by Shari Fleischman who talked about the accessible out doors.  She, people from NASA, and some professors from two universities have been working on a program to acquaint blind and visually impaired persons with stars, planets and other things dealing with astronomy which we do not have the opportunity to enjoy.  Some of our chapters have had programs where they have been able to touch maps and scale models enabling them to get an idea of the distance between planets and stars.  Shari is interested in perhaps exhibiting at our next convention.  
	The next item on the program was a discussion of SB105, the bill to set up a separate division within the Department of Rehabilitation.  Representatives from the Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change (BARC) were on hand to talk about their part in BARC and their thoughts on the future for blind and visually impaired people with the new division.  We heard from Bob Ralls, Executive Director, Foundation for the Junior Blind, Los Angeles; Anita Aaron, Executive Director, Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind, San Francisco; Gil Johnson, Executive Director, American Foundation for the Blind-West in San Francisco; Dan Kysor, Director of Governmental Affairs, CCB and Catherine Skivers, President of CCB.  They stressed the involvement of all the organizations working together and the importance of the Alliance which made it possible to get this bill passed.  They commended Senator John Burton, who authored the bill, and also Dr. Catherine Campisi, Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, who had been helpful during the many meetings that had to take place for the successful passage of this bill.  
	We were sorry that Dr. Campisi was unable to be present; Melinda Wilson, Chief Deputy Director of the Department; Lynda Bardis, Deputy Director of Specialized Services; and Jim Armstrong, the new Program Director for the Blind (replacing Manuel Urena who retired this year) talked about the changes that are being made in the Department and how they are attempting to provide better services to blind, visually impaired and disabled people.  Their presentations allowed time for many questions from the audience.  I suggest using the convention recordings to discuss this subject at chapter meetings.  
	The report of the Credentials Committee and the President's Report, given in detail in "The President's Corner" later in this issue, opened Friday evening's proceedings.  Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation for the Blind in New York, delivered the keynote address, delighting the audience with stories about some of his experiences as a blind person coping with accessibility problems in hotels and other places serving the public.  He also outlined eight points to be considered when dealing with challenges confronting the blindness community today.  His presentation would be a great program item at any chapter meeting and will be available for that purpose since Paul Merrell (himself visually impaired), assisted by Bill Palshewski, did an excellent job tape-recording our convention.  The tapes turned out well, and you may want to order some of the programs for your own listening or for chapter meetings.  Carl presented me with a bottle of champagne for my retirement at the end of his speech.  He could be with us only for Friday evening and Saturday morning, but he took time to attend a meeting of our Senior Committee and the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision.  	Next on Friday evening came the exciting business of elections.  Jeff Thom of Sacramento was chosen President; Mitch Pomerantz, Los Angeles, first Vice President; and Peter Pardini, San Francisco, Treasurer; The four directors elected were Rhonda King, Sacramento; Ahmad Rahman, Carson City; Barbara Rhodes, San Jose; and Frank Welte, San Mateo.  
	Every evening while we are at convention, we get together in the hospitality room after general sessions.  This is a great time to get to see old friends and meet new ones.  
	Dr. Ed Bradley began Saturday's general session by telling us about the importance of building relationships in our communities.  Members of the audience were interested in the fact that he has been a chiropractor for twenty-three years and asked many questions concerning his work and the fine relationship the ACB chapter in Houston has with the city government.  
	The next speaker was Dena Diamond who is a writer and an actress.  Dena worked in public relations in the film industry and had aspirations of some day becoming a director until she began to lose her sight.  She sees very little now but has written several things that have been published and has decided that she will continue working in the film industry.  She has been troubled by the fact that, when motion pictures are made, sighted people are hired to portray blind persons.  She heard of a film about the blind that was going to be made in Canada beginning in February of 2003; and, through using some contacts she had from the past, she will be acting in that picture as a blind person.  Nine people will be involved in the picture, three of whom will be blind while six sighted people will portray the other blind people.  This lady is enthusiastic and has not let her blindness interfere with her plans for the future.  We all wish her well in her career.  Many people commented on what a pretty girl she is and how well she presented herself.  
	The final segment of Saturday afternoon featured the members of the Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Committee.  Panel speakers pointed out how important it is to let people know if you are being threatened or intimidated by anyone at any time.  They performed some sketches showing situations in which blind and disabled people may find themselves.  One of these scenes was about a woman whose husband had taken her guide dog away and was threatening to dispose of it.  Some scenes like that one might seem extreme; but for those of us who hear constantly about increased threats of violence against blind and disabled individuals, the situations seemed all too real. 
	The banquet that evening began at 7 o'clock after the usual no-host cocktail hour.  162 people attended the dinner.  I realized that the banquet was going to be a lot about me when I was given a lei of flowers that had been flown in from Hawaii.  Coletta Davis presented it to me and then introduced three of my sons who were on hand. Darryl and Eric are usually at our conventions, but I was really surprised when one of my two older sons was introduced.  My sons had some very nice things to say about me.  Jeff Thom and Coletta Davis had arranged the banquet.  Jeff said that we were not having the cheesecake I had chosen for dessert because they had ordered a chocolate one, my favorite in cakes.  On it was written "Happy Semi-retirement Catherine".  
	We had introductions of our scholarship winners and learned a little about them.  One of them is from India and plans to go back and teach in his country.  He was very pleased to be a part of the convention and to observe all the things we are doing.  
	A CD prepared by Jeff Thom was played consisting of calls to people who talked about their association with me.  Many people I had known in the past were there including Lucille Fierce, a girl with whom I had attended elementary and high school.  There were messages from Al Gil, Audrey Hebner, Jim Willows and Lon Sumner.  It was very hard to keep my composure with all the complimentary things that were being said; and just about the time I thought I would break down, my son Don whispered in my ear, "Hey, Toots, you sure have snowed a lot of people around here haven't you?" Of course, I laughed and it helped a lot.  I was given some very nice gifts including one from Jeff Thom; his wife Leslie; and daughter Andie.  They gave me a little crystal lion which Jeff said stood for my strength, a little crystal owl which he said stood for my wisdom, and they are sending me a crystal dove which stands for the love I have for all of you and you have for me.  As I said, it was sure hard to keep back the tears.  Many people from the audience then came forward with more kind words.  Sometimes I wasn't sure they were talking about me.  With all the flowers, gifts and comments that were being made, I thought, "My goodness, I wonder if I died, and somebody forgot to tell me!"
	After some drawings, Ed Branch read the list of contribu-tions to CCB, and John Lopez played some beautiful piano music.  For quite a few conventions now, John has provided his music prior to the general sessions to the great pleasure of our members.  
	M.J. Schmitt was the main speaker at the banquet.   I had worked with her and with Ed Bradley through many years of ACB's history, so it was story-telling time for all of us--and guess who the stories were about! The tape of the banquet turned out well, and I think some of you may enjoy listening to it.  I have a copy which I will treasure always.  As I commented at the time, it was hard for me to understand why so much was being done for somebody who just had tried to do the job for which she had been elected.  Back in July, I thought that, when the Board of Directors had purchased a life membership in ACB for me, nothing could ever exceed the feeling I had when it was presented to me.   I can't begin to express how I felt at this banquet, and for that matter, through the whole convention.  
	Given to me during the banquet was a Resolution by Senator John Burton concerning my work on SB 105 and other things I have done on behalf of blind people.  Jeff Thom, I am sure, had a large part in preparing it because there were a lot of things in it that I don't think Senator Burton could have known.  One was my birth date, which surprised a lot of people, though I have known how old I am for some time!  Since the banquet is being broadcast on ACB Radio, everyone in the world will soon know my age.  
	Of the many gifts I shall treasure is a disk prepared by the students with excerpts from the banquet on one side and greetings and good wishes from them on the other.  	
	Sunday morning began with our usual devotional service to remember those we have lost since the last convention, those who are ill and those who are having particular difficulties that we know about.  Members speak on behalf of those they wish to remember; we sing hymns and say some prayers.  Michael Williams wrote a lovely poem for me in which I was called an angel.  I commented that I had been called many things in my life but not an angel, and there probably are those who would take exception to that designation for me.  I was presented with a beautiful basket of flowers.  Gussie Morgan, a Minister in the Apostolic Church, conducted our program assisted by Dr. Martin Jones who brought the program to a close by singing one of my favorite songs, "Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen." Sometimes in the past I thought that song might have been written just for me! 
	At 9 o'clock, our last session began.  Since Peter Pardini had given a detailed treasurer's report at the meeting of the Board of Directors, he delivered a summary only.  Ken Metz, Resolutions Committee chair, presented 14 Resolutions which will be summarized elsewhere in these pages.  Dan Kysor's legislative report will also be included later in the BC, as will Rhonda King's comments on membership.  She awarded $50 from the committee to the chapter which had the greatest increase in membership this year, the Humboldt County chapter with a 100% increase in its membership. We also heard from the Committee on Access and Transportation and the Senior Blind Committee.  
	The spring convention will be held at the Arden Hilton West in Sacramento, April 9-13, 2003.   The date for the fall convention is Oct. 15-19, 2003, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.  The rate for the spring convention will be $70 per night.  
	Throughout the convention there was a feeling of enthusiasm, great warmth and strength.  M.J.  Schmitt and Ed Bradley felt that they had never seen anything quite like it in their visits around the country.  I am privileged to have served you these last six years.  Please begin making plans to come to Sacramento in the spring and give our new President your complete support.  


	PRESIDENT'S CORNER

	by Catherine  Skivers

	This is the last time I will be making a report to you as CCB President, and I want to outline some of the things I put in my report at the convention.  
	Success is not an entitlement, it comes from planning, energy and hard work.  CCB has demonstrated this truth, and I believe most of our members agree that we are a strong organization that has brought many improvements for blind and visually impaired people.
	In the last six years, we have settled some legal issues in which CCB was involved.  Although the outcomes were positive for our organization, we also have achieved financial stability and are probably in the best position we have known in many years.  	We have identified many people who have become leaders within CCB and who are currently successfully chairing committees and bringing some dynamic programs of their own to our conventions.  After many years all our committees are functioning well resulting in some great gains for CCB.  
	We can look at a number of "firsts" that CCB has accomplished since 1997.  We joined with the hard of hearing; the Hemophilia Council; the developmentally challenged; and, for a time, the National Alliance for Mental Illness to form the first program to bring education concerning the HIV virus to our populations.  Hundreds of people were trained in twenty counties in California, the only program of its kind in the country.  
	We are all familiar with our success in bringing talking ATMs to many banks in this state.  Talking ATMs are now available throughout the country, and many of them speak both English and Spanish.  
	Our most important accomplishment was to join with the National Federation of the Blind of California and most of the agencies serving the blind in the state to form the Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change (BARC) culminating in the passage of SB105,  the bill establishing within the California Department of Rehabilitation a division responsible for services to the blind and visually impaired with line authority to the Director of the Department.  This action represented a first in cooperation in the history of the organized blind in this state and was carefully watched by people in our work all over the country.  
	When special classes for blind, visually impaired and 	disabled children were put at risk in the Los Angeles Unified School District, we joined with parents and state and national organizations to support the Frances Blend school and other schools for disabled children.  We realized another success there, and classes are going forward in the special schools as they should.  	
	We are continuing to work through the Blind Advisory Committee with the California Department of Rehabilitation.  I have enjoyed being a member of that committee and will continue in that capacity.  In another involvement with a department in the state, we took part in a task force with the California Department of Education to work on plans to correct problems faced by blind and visually impaired children receiving inadequate training especially in blindness skills.  
	We have been working with the Sensory Access Foundation and other agencies which concentrate on employment for blind and visually impaired individuals.  We supported the Earl Baum Center, an excellent facility offering many opportunities and services in and around Santa Rosa.   
	Our semi-annual conventions have provided a forum for our members to come together to learn about and influence what is happening in the blindness community.  We have had some excellent programs featuring  blind men and women in interesting endeavors.  At this last convention, we had the good fortune of having Paul Merrell record the proceedings for us.  The banquet has already been presented on ACB Radio and other portions of the convention will be aired soon.  
	I am certain that my decision not to remain as president of CCB for another two years was the correct one for me to make.  Needless to say, I am going to continue to work for CCB.  It is time, however, for someone with a new perspective on helping us grow to take over.  Jeff Thom is, in my judgment, the ideal person to do this.  He is a caring, intelligent and responsible person with a distinguished history of work in the organization. For many years, his direction of the Resolutions Committee has helped set policy for CCB.  He is quick to recognize ability, and I know he will be making some fine appointments of members and recommendations for future actions.    
	Jeff will come to the Hayward office during December so that we can continue work on a smooth transition of duties.  He has informed me that he would like for me to continue the California Connection and become chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee.  I have agreed to do that; and,  when you stop to think about it, he and I are switching positions.  I have been President, and he has been Governmental Affairs Chairperson for a long time.  We have both fostered pedestrian safety and presently concentrate on having local jurisdictions oppose having the Segway Scooter function as an ordinary pedestrian on our sidewalks.  
	Many of you have been kind enough to say that you think I have done well as your president and have indicated your wish to do something for me.  The one thing I would like to see is for each and every member to bring in at least one new member by our next convention.  CCB has a lot to offer to the blind and visually impaired of California and the country.  We are democratic and welcome new ideas.  We have many excellent committees doing fine work, and Jeff Thom would like for you to notify him if you are interested in participating in one of these committees.  When you talk to people about joining CCB be sure to tell them about the California Connection and our fine quarterly publication, the "Blind Californian".  You also can point out that, through our Crisis Committee and our no-interest California Employment Assistance Fund, we have helped many people and can help many more.  Our Scholarship program is outstanding and  contributes to the education of many people If you know of someone who needs a scholarship, have him or her contact the office after the first of the year to obtain an application.  
	When I retired from IRS in 1990, and became CCB president, I found myself busier than I had ever been in my life; and as I retire again, it looks like I am not quite making it.  In reviewing what is ahead for me in the coming year, I think I will be just about as busy as ever.  Being your President has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.  In the convention report, you will learn about the honors that were given to me which I keenly appreciate.  One of the things that happened at the convention was that my birth date was given on a Resolution presented from Senator John Burton.  It surprised a lot of people, and I was actually surprised myself to see how far along in years I am.  However, yesterday I heard a report on TV that gave me great encouragement, for Strom Thurman, Senator from South Carolina, retired from Congress at the age of 99.  Just think, I  may have another 20 years to work for CCB, and I think it will take about that long to do all that needs to be done. 
	Although I will be on the Board as Immediate Past President and will see all of you at conventions and probably hear from many of you, leaving office will be quite a change.  
I am glad I am not too far away from the Hayward office.  If I have done well, it is in large measure because of the tremendous support I have had from our staff.  It was a lucky day for CCB when Ed Branch joined us.  I think people just don't realize what an excellent job he does and how much work is involved in keeping things running smoothly.  Marilyn has also been really valuable to us and I appreciate all she does.  Ed and Marilyn are used to hearing from me with phone messages somewhere between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.;  and, just so they won't feel that I have gone far away, I'll quite often leave a message or two early in the day. 
	I thank you all for your support.  By the time you get this the holidays may have just passed, and I hope they will have been a happy time for all.  I wish each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year and hope that the future will be bright.  Please join me in helping CCB continue to be the wonderful organization we have built together.


	BLIND AMBITION LEADS TO BIKE CLUB

	by Keith Lair 

	From The Daily News of Los  Angeles, Thursday, September 26, 2002.
	ORANGE: Bicyclists passed each other along the Irvine Park off-road trail, exchanging pleasantries.  Nothing unusual on a typical sunny Saturday in Southern California.  Except this time, it definitely was uncommon.  One of the groups was  TeamBat, an informal blind mountain-bike club.  "
	"We'll have eight riders and seven will be blind," said club founder Andy Griffin, a Pasadena native.  "People will have no idea that most of our group is blind."
	TeamBat is the nation's only blind mountain bicycling club.  Griffin, who is sighted, and Dan Kish, who is blind and the executive director of World Access for the Blind, formed the club four years ago when they began working together at the Blind Children's Center in Orange County.
	The club meets twice a month at Irvine Regional Park, where trails can be both easy and difficult.  "This should not amaze anyone," Griffin, 36, said.  "But I think this is the best pure thing in athletics."
	Sighted riders lead blind riders single file down the trail.  Another sighted rider trails.  "Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat," echoes from each bike.
	Each cyclist has a plastic tie, used to seal plastic trash bags, sticking into the rear spoke, creating a sound much like when kids put baseball cards in their spokes.  "You develop a type of radar in which sounds become a visual preview," Griffin said.  "You listen to the bike in front of you."  Hence the club name: TeamBat.
	The leader tells the others what is ahead.  He warns of streams, hills and drop-offs.  Sand is met by a loud "Brrrrrrrrrrr," like a motorcycle would do when spinning its wheels in the sand.
	"Everyone else can ride a bike, so why can't you?" said Brian Bushway, a Pepperdine student who has been called "the best blind mountain-bike rider" by a leading cycling magazine.  Bushway, 20, lost his sight six years ago after his optic nerve atrophied.  But that hasn't kept him from being outdoors.  Bushway and Kish frequently take 25-mile, multihour rides where they try to outdo each other.
	Bushway, who is studying nonprofit management, also takes numerous rides with sighted Pepperdine friends in the Santa Monica Mountains, located above the campus.  "My bike was sitting in my garage collecting dust," he said.  "I started from the get-go.  It's definitely something I wanted to do.  I've kept at it.  It's fun."
	Crashes are not uncommon.  Cyclists get too close and bump wheels.  Uncambered terrain certainly can lead to harrowing experiences.  "It's no fun unless you fall at least once," Bushway said.  "I do not consider it a challenge unless I've fallen at least once."
	It took only an hour for Sam Garcia of Anaheim to decide the bimonthly rides would be a permanent fixture on his schedule.  Although the program was established for the blind, limited-sight riders like Garcia are more than welcome, too.  Garcia said he can see only shadows, about 2 feet in front of him.  He rides slowly with his children.  But one time, when riding by himself, he ran into a tree.
	"They moved the street," he joked.
	 Actually, a similar scenario about six years ago led Griffin to form the club.  He was working at Montrose Cyclery in Glendale when a man losing his sight entered the store.  The man explained he wanted to buy a bike to ride in the street at 2 a.m., when there was little chance he would be hurt.
	But Griffin said the episode backfired when the Crescenta Valley division of the L.A. County Sheriff's office stopped the cyclist, thinking he was intoxicated.  Griffin said the man was told never to ride again.  "It planted the seed," Griffin admitted.
	Rain or shine, there is no shortage of riders.  "People find every excuse in the world not to exercise, and these people have the best excuse of all," volunteer Larry Wiersma said.  "But that's not stopping them.  It almost makes you feel guilty when you don't go out there with them."
	Much of the club's gear is donated.  So far, it means enough bikes and helmets for each rider.
	The advanced riders made the trips look easy.  But beginners have problems at first.  Armando Lira of Anaheim frequently went off course and fell in his first outing.  But after having his gears readjusted, he finally got the hang of it. "I woke up and I was nervous," admitted Lira, who had not ridden in three or four years, when he rode on a football field with relatives.  "But it was a lot of fun."
	Griffin continuously encouraged Lira, even when it appeared Lira might have given up on himself.  "I'm getting it!" Lira said as he pedaled steadily behind Griffin.


	OPEN LETTER FROM JOY EFRON TO CCB

3234 Durand Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
October 27, 2002

Cathy Skivers, President
California Council of the Blind
Dear Cathy and CCB Members,
	I have started this letter many times but have had an extremely difficult time finding the right words to express my deep appreciation to the California Council of the Blind.  
	I am enormously grateful for, and humbled by, the great honor that you have bestowed upon me.  Receiving the California Council of the Blind Humanitarian Award is a great privilege; I thank you with all my heart.  This award has touched me like nothing else I have ever received.  As a matter of fact, the plaque has been traveling with me, displayed in my office and moved to my home; in my car so that I could share it every place I go! 
	I shall always cherish this award because it comes from an organization for which I have great respect and in which many friends.  CCB is truly committed to quality education for blind students, and I have valued our partnership for decades.  
	The writer of the plaque coined a chillingly descriptive phrase, "mindless extreme inclusionism."  (The Blend staff copied the wording and gave me a shirt which says, "Joy of Arc: defender against mindless extreme inclusionism.")  
	The MEI's (mindless extreme inclusionists) are zealots who, in the name of civil rights, are not concerned about education and skills needed by blind and visually impaired students.  We must all be prepared to defend quality specialized services for blind children and adults whenever and wherever they are seriously threatened. 
	With the incredible assistance of the California Council of the Blind, we have successfully prevented the closure of Frances Blend School!   At every step throughout this difficult process, CCB has been at the forefront of keeping our school open for generations of blind students.  Mitch Pomerantz and Sharon Sacks have been extremely effective in meetings, public forums and written media.  Other CCB members have actively participated in meetings and shown their support in a myriad of ways.  We could not have been successful without CCB!  The entire Frances Blend community is grateful!  
	This latest attempt to close special schools in Los Angeles was the fourth attempt in the last 20 years.  Each time, members of CCB have effectively communicated the necessity of maintaining the entire continuum of educational placement options to the Board of Education, including a special school for blind students.  Now that the Federal judge has signed a mediated agreement keeping Frances Blend and the other special schools open, I thank you and the many CCB members unknown to me who effectively wrote wonderful letters defending our school.  Those letters led to the LAUSD Board of Education's appeal to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court.  
	In late 1995, the proposed Chanda Smith Consent Decree referred to the special schools, including Frances Blend, as "segregated" and recommended that they be closed.  Before the consent decree was finalized and approved by a Federal judge in March, 1996, the decree was dramatically changed.  This was due to three major factors, all of which had a strong CCB presence and leadership: 
	1. Hearings were held by the Board of Education in January 1996.  There were many letters and speakers from the blindness field.  Mitch Pomerantz powerfully represented CCB, threatening the Board of Education with court action by the CCB if Frances Blend School were to be closed.
	2. A packed hearing at Frances Blend School held in February, 1996, and attended by consumers, parents, educators, and representatives of agencies of and for the blind, convinced attorneys to change the wording in the consent decree. 
	3. Mitch Pomerantz and Robin Rosso, a Blend parent, met with attorneys and helped finalize wording in the consent decree.  That wording stated that the law would be followed in regards to maintaining a full continuum of options, including special schools.  It also stated that the school district would ensure that all plans be consistent with the U.S. Department of Education Policy Guidance on Educating Blind and Visually Impaired Students.
	Despite the guarantees in the consent decree, Mary Falvey, an "extreme inclusionist," was hired to write a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) plan.  Her plan called for the closure of the 18 special schools, including Frances Blend.  The school district rejected her plan multiple times.  However, the Federal judge ruled that the LAUSD attorneys failed to delineate specific objections to the plan.  As a result, in September, 2001, the judge ordered implementation of the plan, without ruling on the legality of the plan itself. 
	In February, 2002, CCB began to investigate filing a lawsuit.  In April, 2002, six people ably represented Frances Blend School in a challenging meeting with the consent decree attorneys.  Once again, Mitch Pomerantz represented CCB.  Other attendees were Caroline Rounds of NFB; Bob Ralls of the Foundation for the Jr. Blind; Carole Clark and Marleny Moreno, present and former Blend parents; and Shirley Kirk, Blend staff member.	
	Due to the many letters received from individuals and organizations, the school district appealed Mary Falvey's plan to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court.  In May, 2002, a coalition of all 18 special schools was formed.  S.O.S.S. (Save Our Special Schools) was organized and led by Alexandra Gonzales, Steve Maseda, and Eric Jacobson, parents of severely disabled students (without visual impairments) attending special education high schools.  These three impressive, selfless individuals assumed leadership of S.O.S.S. even though, By the time the special schools would have been closed, their own children would have finished school.  Yet, they expended herculean efforts and countless hours to keep the schools open as an option for future students. 
	More than 11,000 signatures were gathered on petitions; two outside law firms were hired; a motion was prepared for the Federal court; and a parent intervenor was selected to represent each of the 18 special schools, including Blend.  Once again, Mitch Pomerantz represented CCB, giving a sworn statement.
	The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court ordered mediation, and S.O.S.S. met with the mediator in August, convincing him of the need for special schools, in accordance with the law.  The school district and the plaintiffs' attorneys signed a mediated agreement keeping all 18 schools open, and the Federal judge signed the final order in September.
	It is obvious that a coalition of parents, consumers, organizations/agencies and educators is a powerful coalition.  It is now apparent to me that an even more powerful coalition is one that is broadened beyond the field of blindness to include parents of students with other disabilities who require special schooling.  There truly is a synergy when consumers, parents, students, educators and the community work together.  Helen Keller was certainly correct when she said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
	Without the CCB, SOSS, and other individuals and organizations, the outlook for specialized services for blind students was grim.  We now look forward to continuing to maintain and improve the education of blind and visually impaired students in Los Angeles.
	Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for all that CCB members (individually and collectively) have done to keep our school open.  Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the great honor you have bestowed upon me.  I tremendously value and appreciate the CCB Humanitarian Award.   I have always believed in the abilities of blind people to succeed when provided with appropriate educational opportunities, self-confidence and motivation.  

Sincerely,
Joy R. Efron


	AWARDS NOMINATIONS SOLICITED

	by Roger Petersen, CCB Awards Committee Chair

	Here I am back to ask you to think about the CCB awards program.  Please examine the list of awards which follows and submit any nominations that you feel appropriate.  Recipients will receive their awards at the banquet of the Spring, 2003, Convention.  Come on, now; I know you have people worthy of recognition.  The committee shouldn't have to think up all the awards.  We're supposed to select from among the ones that you nominate.
	Candidates for the CCB Hall of Fame, the Community Service Award, the CCB Distinguished Service Award, Legislator of the Year, Humanitarian Award and Merit Award may be nominated by any member, chapter or affiliate.  Nominations must be sent in letter form to the CCB office to the attention of the Awards Committee by February 15, 2003.  The recipients of Publications Awards are selected by the Publications Committee.
	CCB Hall of Fame: Up to five inductees per year who have made significant contributions and sustained effort to the goals of CCB. 
	CCB Community Service Award: To be presented annually to a blind or visually impaired person who, through his/her association and activities, has demonstrated his/her integration into and interaction with the life of the community.
	CCB Distinguished Service Award: To be presented periodically to an outstanding blind or visually impaired person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of blind people in general.  The recipient of this award need not be a member of CCB.
	CCB Publications Awards: To be given to the persons who has prepared the best article of the year appearing in newspapers or periodicals, chapter news letters, or The Blind Californian in each of two categories:  issue-oriented and lifestyle.  These awards will be based on determinations made by the Publications Committee.
	CCB Legislator of the Year Award: To be given periodically to a California State or Federal Legislator who has introduced and successfully brought about enactment of legislation in behalf of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
	Humanitarian Award: To be presented to an individual or organization that has assisted blind people in general or CCB and its affiliates in particular to an extraordinary degree. 
	CCB Merit Award, formerly the Certificate of Merit: To be given to any individual who provides outstanding volunteer service to CCB, its chapters or affiliates.
	For your information, current members of the CCB Hall of Fame are: Dr. Newel L. Perry, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, Robert Campbell, Perry Sundquist, Ernest Crowley, Anthony Mannino, George Fogarty, Dorothy Glass, Juliet Esterly, Dr. Isabel L. D. Grant, Allen Jenkins, Ysidro Urena, Ferne Fitzpatrick, Raymond Henderson, Irene McConnell, Henry Bindt, John Hebner, Harriet Fielding, Judge Donald Wilkinson, Norma Schecter, Ione Miller, Byrdyna Goodart, Leslie Schlingheide, Mack Riley, Manuel Urena and John di Francesco.  
	Humanitarian Awards have been presented to: Robin Burris; East Los Angeles Lions Club; City of Compton, California, Department of Parks and Recreation; Dollar-Hide Community Center; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2070 of Monrovia, California; Ellannie Wong; John Learned; Peter Palmer; Rose Resnick Lighthouse; Dr. Joy Efron; Ann Gelles; and Maryann McBee. 
	CCB Merit Awards have been awarded to: Harry Parker, Darryl Skivers, Robert B. Carter, Vickie Solis, Virginia and Phillip Garcia, Larry Seiber, Dorothy Vallerga, Larry DiPeppe, Joan Sikkens, Connie Schoeman, Eric Skivers, and Keith and Joan Black. 	Community Service Awards have been presented to: Eleanor Lun, Betsy Rowell, Ahmad Rahman, and Rhonda King. 
	Distinguished Service Awards have been presented to: Joyce Streff, Dr. Martin Jones, Holly Johnson, Eugene Lozano Jr., Donald Queen, Al Gil, and Winifred Downing.
	A Legislator of the Year Award has been presented to Senator John Burton.
	CCB Awards Committee: Roger Petersen, Chair, Mountain View; Bernice Kandarian, Mountain View; John Lopez, Los Angeles; Gussie Morgan, Compton; Joe Smith, Sacramento.


	SUMMARY OF FALL 2002 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS 

	by Ken Metz

	The resolutions at the fall, 2002, convention were plentiful and extremely important towards improving the lives of blind and visually impaired persons in California. Much thanks goes to the Resolutions Committee for a lot of hard and diligent work in putting these resolutions into proper format and to those present on Sunday morning for their valuable contributions during the reading of the resolutions.
	Several resolutions dealt with the California State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).  One concerned the fact that there is an immense time delay whenever hardware, software, and other assistive devices are being ordered for blind and visually impaired consumers because of the need for the Counselors (RCB's) and the Counselor/Teachers being required to go through a bidding process.  Even a $20 box of computer disks requires three bids before it can be ordered.  Specialized software for the blind (mostly at fair trade) also requires bids from two or three sources.  This resolution urges that the DOR go back to its former policy of ordering off the approved State Pricing Schedule.  
	Another Rehab resolution deals with the Department's responsibility to provide the initial reasonable accommodations for a blind or visually impaired consumer in order to hasten the employment outcome process without scaring the employer out of hiring a blind consumer because of the cost of such reasonable accommodations.
	A third Rehab resolution strongly urges the Department to set standards for service providers under contract to outline in writing the actual progress a consumer has made.  Accuracy is essential for the counselor to continue with the proper services leading to an employment outcome.
	There were two resolutions pertaining to education.  The first dealt with elementary school pupils having an equal opportunity for education through numerous changes in the state educational system for the blind and visually impaired.  The second urges that post-secondary state colleges, universities and community colleges follow Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in providing accessible technology to blind and visually impaired students.
	One resolution proposed training for animal control personnel and law enforcement officers was the subject of another resolution.  These persons need to realize the importance of the problem for a blind person relying on a guide dog for mobility when loose dogs bother and/or attack guide dogs.  Such difficulties have been increasing rapidly over the past few years.
	Other resolutions promote placement of braille and large print coach numbers on the partition behind the drivers of all public bus transportation in California; establishing a variance between the sidewalk and street where no difference can be detected; urging Access Services Inc. in Los Angeles County to continue "same-day" service for its blind and visually impaired and disabled Paratransit riders; stressing the importance of airlines to provide accessible internet sites to give consumers information about lower fares; and asking various home web site grocery delivery organizations to follow a "blind friendly" link such as Albertson's and whyrunout.com.
	A complete list of the resolutions will be available shortly from the CCB Office should you wish further information.


	COURT STRIKES DOWN FCC AUDIO DESCRIPTION RULES

	submitted by Sue Ammeter 

 	November 08, 2002, Washington (Reuters) 
	A federal appeals court on Friday struck down rules requiring major television broadcasters and programmers to offer verbal video descriptions of certain shows to aid people with visual disabilities.
	The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules in 2000 requiring visual parts of a show to be verbally described during pauses in the dialogue beginning this year.  Many non-commercial stations have offered the service for years.
	The Motion Picture Association of America appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, arguing the law did not authorize such rules, but the FCC countered the regulations were allowed because, in part, they were in the public interest.
	"The FCC can point to no statutory provision that gives the agency authority to mandate visual description rules," wrote Judge Harry Edwards in the opinion for the three-judge court panel.
	The statute does not, as with closed captioning, instruct (or even permit) the FCC to promulgate regulations mandating video description," the decision said.
	The rules had required television broadcasters affiliated with the four major networks, ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, in the top 25 television markets to offer 50 hours of video description a quarter during prime-time, or children's programming starting in 2002, equivalent to about 4 hours a week.
	Cable and satellite television operators with 50,000 subscribers or more must also offer 50 hours each quarter of video description during prime-time or children's programming for any of the top five national non-broadcast networks.
	FCC spokeswoman Michelle Russo said the agency was reviewing the decision.
	The agency could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. But Michael Powell, who was a FCC Commissioner at the time the rules were adopted and is now chairman of the agency, said in 2000 the rules were not supported by the law.
	A spokeswoman for the MPAA was not immediately available for comment.
	The National Federation of the Blind also asked the rules to be struck down because the FCC did not determine whether visually impaired people wanted the service, but the court said it was moot since it granted the MPAA's challenge.
ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Co.  CBS is owned by Viacom, Inc. 

               TRAVEL THROUGH IRELAND AND ENGLAND

                         by Jane Kardis

     September 18: my daughter Kelly and I left San Francisco en route for Shannon, Ireland.  To say that we were exhausted after an 11 hour flight is an understatement!  Exhausted or not, on our arrival we were literally dragged to a tour of Bunratty Folk Park, a collection of historic cottages and an 18th century country town in the shadow of impressive Bunratty Castle.  
	We returned to our hotel to freshen up in preparation for the banquet and festivities to follow that evening at Bunratty Castle.  It was unclear to me just how many people were in the tremendous hall where we gathered, but it was packed.  With so many people there, dim lighting and the entertainment, my visual loss escaped the notice of those at our table.
	The next morning, however, things would change.  Breakfast and dinner were included in our tour, and that first morning we sat with a group composed mostly of school teachers.  They were fascinated at what I could and could not see and had many questions concerning my disability.  With Kelly urging them on, I felt most comfortable in using the opportunity to educate.  Breakfast each morning and dinner each evening repeated this magnificent opportunity.  Unlike the previous tour I had taken in Central Europe made up of senior citizens, this group had a wide age difference.  We had three sets of honeymooners along with persons of middle age and seniors.	
	Early in the morning, we left our hotel and headed for the cliffs of Moher.  There was a steep climb up a narrow path and our tour guide insisted that I not try this particular hike.  Since there was nothing to hold on to, she considered it to be quite dangerous for someone with poor vision.  I hung around the gift shop while Kelly made the steep climb and met a gentleman there whose daughter was an instructor at the guide dog school for the blind in San Rafael.  What an interesting coincidence! Had I gone on that hike, I would not have met this man because he was with an entirely different tour group.  
	We moved on to Killarney,  one of my favorite
spots on the tour.  That evening, however, I passed on the mime show for obvious reasons.
	We traveled to Blarney where those who wished to could kiss the Blarney stone.  Then off to Cork to visit the Cobh Heritage Center which traces the history of the Irish during the Potato Famine, a period when hundreds of people migrated from Ireland to Ellis Island in New York.  It was a fascinating tour with sounds of crashing waves, babies crying, and all the things you might imagine occurring on such a journey.  
	On we journeyed to Waterford where the famous Waterford Crystal is made.  It was pleasant to dine that evening with our group. 
	The next morning we took the tour to see just how the crystal is made.  My hopes were dashed when I realized that any item with an imperfection that would classify it as a second was destroyed.  Purchasing a piece of this elegant crystal was totally out of my price range, so I left empty-handed and we moved on to Kilkenny Castle.  
	I was very impressed with the modern colors that were used in this castle.  Feeling a bit confused,  I asked our tour guide if these were the colors that had been used in the 13th century and was assured that they were.  I felt truly fortunate to have the ability to see color and to appreciate the fact that what was old is now again new with celadon greens, cream and other colors which are considered in style at this time.
	We traveled on to Dublin stopping near Athy at an old farmhouse where we were served tea and homemade scones.  We were each given the recipe and I must say they were the best scones I had ever eaten.  
	After checking into our hotel in Dublin that evening,  we were entertained by an Irish comedian followed by song and dance.  There were several tour groups included for the dinner and entertainment.  We sat at long tables with low candles and paper napkins.  Can you imagine what happened next?  Yes, my paper napkin wandered too close to the flame; and, with everyone enthralled with entertainment, I alone noticed a bright light to my right.  Turning in that direction, I asked the person next to me what that was.  She responded, "It's a fire!"  Just prior to the banquet, someone had approached the stage and announced to us what to do in case of a fire, so, you see, it all seemed quite timely. 
	The next day we were off on another tour, this time to a whiskey factory.  When our guide asked for four volunteers to be whiskey tasters, All 47 brave souls responded.  As anyone who knows me has learned, once a month I try to do something I have never done before, so, of course, I was one of the four who were selected.  I received a certificate suitable for framing
for my efforts!
	The next morning, we flew to London, reaching the city just in time for the underground railway systems strike.  What should have been a 25 minute ride to our hotel took five and a half hours.  That evening we dined on fish and chips and were embarrassed to discover that, unlike the American custom of picking up these items in one's fingers, the British use a knife and fork.  When we finished eating, I said, "I'll bet they didn't enjoy it as much as we did."
	3-hour train trip to Paddington Station to visit my visually impaired pen-pal Sheila in Totnes began our next day's activities.  Sheila was eager for us to see what she called, "the real side of England."  She had e-mailed me to say we could identify her by her bright yellow jacket.  She took us on a walking tour of Totnes with later a lovely lunch at her home and tour of her English garden.  She also took me down by the river to show me where she usually tapes her letters to me.  We took a rather steep walk up to the hills and shops of Totnes, and then it was time to return to London.  
	The next day would be our last.  We crammed every possible event into that day beginning with a ride on the doubledecker bus to visit Eye on London.  These were large plexiglass balls, stationed on a Ferris wheel style apparatus that took us high into the sky to view the sites of London.  I was quite disappointed as there was no audible description of what one would see.  Neither Kelly nor I had ever been to London, and it was just a stroke of luck that an Englishman was in our capsule and able to describe what we were seeing.  
	We were off next to Buckingham Palace.  Seldom is Buckingham Palace open to the public but the luck of the Irish was with us, and we were able to take a self-guided tour.  That evening we attended a theater production of "Blood Brothers" which we both enjoyed immensely.  
	We received a wake-up call at 3 a.m. the next morning followed by breakfast delivered to our room at 3:30.  The hotel shuttle picked us up at 4 to take us to Heathrow airport to begin our return to San Francisco.  What a fabulous trip being able to cram so many and various events into 11 days that were both exhausting and exhilarating!  The beautiful Irish hillsides with their vivid green cloak contrasted with the hustle of London.  I highly recommend the trip to anyone contemplating an overseas adventure.  


            REPORT OF THE SENIOR BLIND COMMITTEE

                      by Bonnie Rennie 

     The Senior Blind Committee has been building its repertoire of relevant activities during 2002 and, I hope, having fun doing it.  The committee chair thanks the other members for their contributions on behalf of visually impaired seniors.  Like other CCB members who volunteer their time and talents to serve on committees, they really have an opportunity to make a difference for others and to learn from and network with each other.  They are very much appreciated and needed, each and every one.  
	We continue our efforts to compile and maintain a list of pertinent resources in our local areas in case we encounter a visually impaired senior or family member who has a need or asks us how to get help.  
	Our focus this year has been on helping ourselves by addressing the issues of our families.  Our fall convention program featured an interesting presentation by Gem McDaniel, a counselor at the Braille Institute of America, Anaheim.  She shared from her perspective as an intake worker who gets many calls for help from the adult children or spouses of visually impaired seniors.  Briefly stated, she pointed out that families, or a support system, are very important in the lives and the rehabilitation of seniors with vision loss and should themselves be offered education and support in order to promote adjustment. 
	Families, too, go through the stages of anger, anxiety, fear, and loss just as the person with the vision loss does yet often in a different way.  This fine presentation served to validate our current project, discussed in the report earlier this year.
	We are still polishing our soon-to-be-produced brochure or booklet for the families of visually impaired seniors.  When completed, we hope it will be an effective way to get the word out about CCB and to encourage those looking for some support.  Later we will have much more to say about this little publication and how it will be distributed and used.  Please stay tuned to the B.C. and the Connection for updates.
	Now we look forward to next year.  In addition to following up on the activities we have initiated and perhaps expanding them, we are interested in new ideas for useful, doable projects.  Do you have such ideas?  Are you searching for your niche in CCB, and do you have an interest in the issues of seniors?  Then I'm sure Jeff Thom, our new president, would like to hear from you soon.  We are looking for as diverse a committee as possible and especially need people from the Sacramento and San Diego areas.   Remember, the senior group is the one everyone will eventually join,  so it's in your interest to get involved.



	ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN REVIEW: 1902-2002

	by Joan Black 



Events of 1902
	1. In 1900 the United States had 45 states. Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii joined the union later. 
	2. The population of the United States in 1900 was 75,994,575.    
	3. Industrialist Eli Olds introduced the assembly line at his factory in  Detroit.
	4. The Chinese Exclusion Act was extended for 10 years. 
	5. Society women in San Francisco took "Slumming Tours" through the city's Chinese districts.  
	6. James Cash Penney opened his first dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming.  It was called the " Golden Rule".
	7. The first Rose Bowl Game was played in Pasadena, California.  The University of Michigan defeated Stanford by a score of 19 to 0. 
	8. The New York American League baseball team purchased land for the site of a new stadium.   
	9. Dr. Harvey Cushing an American surgeon performed the first brain surgery.
	10. The American Automobile Association was founded in Chicago                    

Events of 2002:
	1. The twenty-fifth anniversary of Elvis Presley's death on August 16, 1977 was noted in the media.   
	2. Died: Michael Howser, aged 46, guitarist for the Grateful Dead.
	3. Died: Chick Hearn, aged 85, revered play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers following a fall at his home in Encino. 
	4. Died: Enos "Country" Slaughter, age 86.  Hall of Fame infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.
	5. Balloonist Steve Fawcett circled the earth on his fifth attempt.
	6. Business Failures: ENRON and WorldCom collapsed.  The stock market suffered a sharp decline.  The venerable Hewlett-Packard Company merged with Compaq, another computer Company.
	7. The Anaheim Angels won the World Series for the first time in their 43 year history defeating the San Francisco Giants.
	8. Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants reached more milestones in home run production.
	9. Siamese twin girls from Guatemala were successfully separated by a team of American surgeons.
	10. An undeclared but devastating war continued between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.  
	11. A group of airline pilots protested the FAA's mandatory retirement age of sixty years.
	12. Population in the 2000 census was 281,442,161.  
   Sources: Time Magazine, The Long Beach Press Telegram, the Internet and an old set of the Encyclopedia Americana. 


	INTERNETSPEECH

	by Jeff Griffin, InternetSpeech, Inc.

	How the Internet Arrived at Your Phone
	It was late 1998 when Dr. Emdad Khan began working on technology that would become the basis of a new company.  His plan was to build a software application and server that would make the Internet available to people who were away from their computer and those who did not even have a computer.  They would make the common telephone an access device to the entire Internet.  He would use the newly emerging speech technologies and computer telephony technologies as a platform.  To this he would add an automated attendant capability that would ask what the caller wants and go to the Internet to retrieve the information.  Since the system would use only the phone, virtually anyone could use it, and therefore the payoff would be high.
	Dr. Khan spent the next nine months programming software and building a prototype server that he used to attract a start-up team and investors.  The prototype worked well; and in 1999, the investment and team were in place.  InternetSpeech, Inc. became the name for the new company, its logo derived from the work of a child of one of the new founding team members.
	The service featured Web surfing, Web search, news, weather, e-mail, and other popular Internet destinations.  A technology that Dr. Khan pioneered rendered the visually oriented Web sites easily skimmed, navigated and understood with voice.
	The initial markets for the new service would be busy executives who would want their e-mail or Internet access while away from the office.  This was considered the large opportunity.  Another large opportunity, however, would be the "digital divide;" people who could not afford to buy or who could not operate and maintain a computer.  Blind users were considered to be a market; but when projecting sales, their numbers were relatively small.
	Building a solid, commercially ready software application, server, and plenty of capacity was the focus of the new company.  In November of 2000, the service was launched.  The company had a great Web site, an exciting technology, and a plan to sell through cell phone service providers, Internet service providers and directly to the public.  However, at that same time, new companies were also being launched which offered a similar, but distinct service giving callers recorded information over the phone, as opposed to voice access to the Internet.  They were called "Voice Portals," and they confused the market.
	As InternetSpeech weathered the "competition" and the economic storm that enveloped the telecommunications and Internet Service Provider markets that it served, it became aware that over half of the customers signing up for the service were blind and low vision.  These users were also the most loyal, and spread the word about the service to their friends and to groups using the Internet. 
	Attempts had been made to publicize the service among organizations of the blind at the national level, but the bureaucracy always seemed to put those efforts on the back burner.  It wasn't until InternetSpeech started contacting organizaations of the blind at the state level that a lot of interest was generated, and a lot of people began to sign up.  They attended a disability conference and a California Council of the Blind conference in California, and soon the phones at InternetSpeech were ringing almost non-stop.
	Now, InternetSpeech has begun to customize the service to  better serve the blind user, such as making the synthesized speech speed adjustable and other changes that render the service easier to use.  The focus of the company over the next several months will be to work more closely with more organizations of the blind at the state level, and begin to speak to groups of elderly persons.  It is estimated that 90% of the people who could benefit from the Internet are not able to buy or use a computer, including voice-enabled computers.  By attracting even a small percentage of the blind and elderly market, the company it is believed, can grow, expand and improve its service to make it easier to use and to offer additional services such as e-commerce with voice.  This, in addition to the many valuable features it offers today, including Web surfing and e-mail offers a bright future.  
	People signing up for the service today choose from two plans:  Plan A at $9.95 a month provides unlimited access with an access number in the 408 area code.
  Plan B at $19.95 a month offers a toll-free number and 3 hours of access per month. After 3 Hours, $2.50 is charged for every additional 30 minutes.  Both plans include a $20 set-up fee.  To learn more, go to www.internetspeech.com or call 1-877-312-4638.


	CCCLV FALL CONVENTION PROGRAM

	"Guitar Playing Blind Baby Boomer Finds Happiness as Helen  Keller's Torchbearer" highlights CCCLV fall convention program

	by Bernice Kandarian

	The Fall Convention started on Thursday, October 31, with a presentation by ACB Second Vice President, MJ Schmitt on the importance of special interest affiliates in the history of ACB.  Barbara Kron and Jane Kardas did some role-playing on how Project Insight works.  We are recruiting volunteers and gearing up to do training at the next convention in April, 2003.
	On Friday morning, we had our usual joint session with the CCB Committee on Access and Transportation.  This time, a panel from the City of Irvine gave a presentation on their program to incorporate accessibility features into privately developed housing.
	Saturday morning's joint session with the CCB Committee on Senior Blind was the setting for the "guitar playing blind baby boomer," Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation for the Blind.  He updated us on AFB's coordination of the National Agenda on Aging and Vision Loss.  Patricia Beattie, President of CCLVI serves on the committee for Goal II of this National Agenda and Bernice Kandarian serves as her alternate.
  

	TO HONOR YOU

	by Bonnie Rennie

	One of the great ladies of CCB has recently celebrated a milestone.  No, another lady.  Her friends thought this was a fitting time to recognize it and say how proud we are of her.

Who is this woman whose birthday we celebrate?
To sing of her accomplishments, Orange County can't wait.
She was born in Hawaii under tropical skies,
But it wasn't all paradise, at least not with her eyes.
Times were hard.  She said, "I'm not scared.
I can still go to work, though I'm visually impaired."
And straight to work she went, to the lush fields of Dole
And proved her job readiness in the Pineapple Patrol.
Then it was on to employment in a post with the Governor there.
She also hosted fabulous dinner parties with an elegant air.
Business suits by day, stylish formal wear by night,
Her soprano in the opera chorus was a shining light.
Then True Romance blossomed, as it will in its own way.
And a gallant man named Sir Gilbert came and swept her away.
And so Hawaii's loss became Orange County's gain.
Her strong "Can Do" Spirit she did always retain.
The staging of seminars, the Team called SPAT,
Her love of making ceramics, and Miss Pritzie, the Cat.
The fine work as chapter president, the Scholarship Committee, 	CCL VI, 
Her courage under fire, my, my, oh my!
And we could not fail to finish this poem
Without saluting the hospitality in her and Gilbert's home.
Were we to try to list all her credits, we could not name all of 	them.
But as far as all her friends are concerned, we call her our "Orange County Gem."
We're grateful for the heart, and the example you gave us.
So we honor you, Mrs Coletta Davis!


	CANE OR DOG

	submited by Sue Ammeter 

	The following material is a complaint against the Iowa department for the Blind that may be of interest to bllind individuals and training facilities.  

	Woman Challenges Agency's Belief That Dogs Hinder Success, By TOM ALEX, Register Staff Writer 11/03/2002
	A Des Moines woman has filed a human-rights complaint against officials at the Iowa Department for the Blind who refused to let a guide dog accompany her to job-training classes.
	Stephanie Dolmen and her dog, Lilly, are caught up in a decades-old argument that has divided blind Iowans into distinct camps: those who prefer guide dogs and those who consider the animals a poor substitute for learning to function using only a directional cane.
	The Department's decision is rooted in a 1981 attorney general's opinion that sided with the pro-cane faction.
	"We are committed to the philosophy that it isn't vision that allows you to be successful.  We require all to learn to travel with a long, white cane," said Allen Harris, director of the Department.  "The rub is that if you use a dog, the dog can see."
	Dolmen, whose blindness was caused by a medical condition nearly four years ago, filed the complaint with the Des Moines Human Rights Commission.  She charges discrimination on the basis of a disability.  Experts on both sides say it's too early to tell if the case will have state or national implications.
	"They shouldn't even ask me if I use a cane or a dog," said Dolmen, a certified nursing assistant.  "They said that having a dog, I wouldn't know what blindness was like.  But this is my choice.  Lilly is my cane."
	Harris said visitors to the Iowa Department for the Blind often have dogs and are welcome at the building at 524 Fourth St. in Des Moines.  Several of the employees in the building use dogs.  But the Department believes it has the right to maintain certain training requirements.
	"The reason why we are successful is our commitment to nonvisual techniques," he said.  "That's the underpinning to our success.  Using a dog can undermine that.  Why would you use a dog?  Because a dog can see."
	Grinnell lawyer Peggy Elliott said the debate has boiled since the 1920s, when guide dogs for the blind came into widespread use.
	"The actual debate is not dog versus cane, like it's usually portrayed," Elliott said.  "It's a question of you as a blind person being able to take responsibility for yourself, learn and be successful."
	Elliott, who is blind, said the Department's other services (Iowa claims one of the nation's largest libraries for the blind)- do not restrict dogs.  But at the training centers, where residents live free of charge while they learn to adapt to their disability, "they need to learn how to do the same things sighted people can do without any sight at all, effectively and comfortably, so they know it's safe."
	"I've received the training, and it is a freeing experience to be told, instructed, drilled to be able to accomplish things on your own," Elliott said.  "It works."
	Dolmen's complaint says that her exclusion from the program violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.  The Association of Disability Advocates, a Florida group, is on Dolmen's side.
	"This case is very troubling," said the association's president, Frederick Shot.  "This is one of the more egregious decisions I've seen a state government make.  Service dogs are protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act.  Here the state is saying, "Tough." "  Shot said Dolmen could order Lilly to "stay," and the dog would obey for as long as required to complete the program.
	"All Stephanie wants is to participate in a program that would help her in her daily life.  She is not required to relinquish her civil rights,"  Shot said.  "Allowing Stephanie Dolmen to enter the program would not cause a fundamental alteration of the program.  This is a philosophical issue."
	Harris counters that letting Lilly take part in Dolmen's training in any way would be "contrary to our philosophy."
	"We are struggling over a deep commitment to a philosophical commitment.  We are not trying to discriminate against people with disabilities," he said.  "Why on earth would we?  That would be preposterous."
	Dolmen said she has learned to use a cane.  She believes Lilly would enhance her job training.
	"I just want to go back to earning my own money," she said.  "Your training program with your dog is every day, not just on the days when they let you use your dog."
	Dolmen said the Department offered an alternative program in which Lilly could take part, but she filed the complaint because "it was the principle of the thing with me."
	Floyd Jones, director of the Des Moines Human Rights Commission, said Dolmen's complaint was assigned to an investigator.  A report will be submitted, and Jones will decide if there is evidence of discrimination.
	"The next step is to attempt a negotiated settlement," he said.  If no settlement is reached, a public hearing will be set.  The Commission's decision can be appealed to a judge.  A timeline is difficult to determine.  Commission employees, Jones said, are instructed to "investigate with as little disruption as possible."
	No matter the outcome, Elliott said, the debate over Seeing Eye dogs probably will continue.  "It's a choice of how to get information," she said.  "It's a fresh debate for every blind person.  What do you want to achieve and how?" 
	Controversy; LEGAL OPINION: A 1981 opinion from the Iowa attorney general said the Commission for the Blind can set certain conditions for the purpose of training.  
	FAIRNESS: According to the opinion: "The commission's rule does not limit such access; rather it represents the commission's policy that students participating in the Commission's training program shall not have the assistance of guide dogs."

	POSTSCRIPT: "We, of course, take no view with respect to the wisdom of this policy," the opinion concluded.  "That is a question that the Legislature has left in the sound discretion of the Commission."


	SOUNDS OF SUCCESS: SUNSET WOMAN 
	HELPS TEAM WIN WORLD TITLE IN 
	SPORT FOR BLIND ATHLETES

	by Cicero A. Estrella, Chronicle Staff Writer

	submitted by Barbara Rhodes 

	from The San Francisco Chronicle, Friday, October 4, 2002.
     Jessie Lorenz listens and waits.  She is in search of rolling bells and the rapid squeal of rubber against hardwood.  At the last second, she lunges sideways toward the noises--shoulder first, diving to the ground, arms extended, stretching her 5-foot, 7-inch frame to its limit across the floor.
     Lorenz, a blind athlete from the Sunset District, becomes a human blockade to stop a ball that can travel up to 30 mph.
     This was how Lorenz spent the second half of two weeks in Rio de Janeiro.  Again and again, she would dive to the floor in search of a hollow, basketball-size sphere that contains nine bells.  She stopped them often enough to help the U.S. women's team win gold at this year's International Blind Sports Association World Goalball Championships held Aug. 30 to Sept. 8.
      "People were surprised we pulled it off.  We were surprised we pulled it off, " said Lorenz, 23, of her team's championship victory over rival Canada.
     Lorenz was a huge factor in the U.S. women winning their first world title in a sport designed for the blind and visually impaired.  Participating in only her second international competition, Lorenz quickly ascended from second-stringer to starting center.
     With Lorenz as a reserve, the team struggled defensively and finished round-robin play with a 4-1 record, including a 4-3 loss to Canada.  Coach Ken Armbruster promoted Lorenz to a starter for the elimination rounds.  She played alongside offensive-minded wings Jennie Armbruster (the coach's daughter) and Lisa Banta.  The United States eliminated Spain and Germany before decisively defeating Canada 6-2 for the gold. 
     "Our defense was not sharp (during round-robin)," said Ken Armbruster.  "The center is supposed to dominate defensive play, but my wings ended up doing much of the blocking.  We stuck Jessie in, and we didn't give up much after that."
     Lorenz, who was born blind, found that she had an instinct for the game after finding out about it in a Michigan sports camp for blind children about 10 years ago.
     "Basically, my position is the goalie.  There's a lot of listening and tracking, which comes naturally," Lorenz said.  "I have to listen (in my   daily life) for traffic sounds, a lot of other environmental clues.  Goalball is just an extension of my tracking abilities."
     Goalball was invented in Germany in 1946 as part of the rehabilitation of blinded World War II veterans.  It was introduced to the rest of the world 30 years later at the Paralympics Games in Toronto.
     The game is played on an area the size of a volleyball court with boundaries marked by rope with tape placed over it.  Teams consist of three members--a left wing, center and right wing--who field their positions on the court by feeling for the taped rope with their feet and hands.
     Teams stand at opposite ends of the court and score by "throwing" (rolling is a more accurate description) the ball past opponents and into a net 9 meters long and 1.3 meters high.  In the fast-paced game, teams go from defense to offense in a flash.  After making initial contact with the ball, a team has 10 seconds to throw it back or risk a penalty.  The ball has been clocked at 30 mph in women's competition, 40 mph in men's games.
     Competitors are required to don eyeshades so those with partial sight do not gain an advantage.  
	"I've spent my entire life in that state of being," Lorenz said.  "With goalball, everybody is equal."
     Paying attention to the bells is the key, which made the world championships that much more of a challenge for Lorenz.  She had grown accustomed to playing in front of crowds of about 200, but attendance in Brazil was often six times that.  The championship atmosphere charged up the crowds and brought the noise to a level Lorenz had not experienced before.       
	"It changes your concentration level," Lorenz said.  "There was one time I was yelling at one of my wings, and I knew she couldn't hear me."
     Lorenz had always enjoyed participating in sports growing up in Colorado Springs but found her choices to be limited.  During middle school and high school, she swam and competed in track and field in the mile, the 800-meter race and the long jump. Although those are considered team sports, Lorenz's events were very individualistic.  She said she never really felt part of a team.
     She also never felt comfortable being guided around the track by sighted runners, to whom she was attached by a tether the length of a shoestring.
     "My ability to play sports was somewhat limited," Lorenz said.  "I could not compete without help.  Goalball gives me a chance to use all my abilities as an individual and still be competitive in a team."
     The game might have come easily to her, but Lorenz has worked hard to make the national team.  Armbruster, who coached Lorenz for five years with the Colorado statewide team before she moved to the Bay Area in 1998, applauds her dedication to improvement.  Lorenz, he said, was sixth on his depth chart (on a team of six) upon arrival in Brazil.
     "I gained confidence in her.  The girls playing behind her gained confidence in her," Armbruster said.  "She earned the starting position."
     Lorenz practices twice a week in Berkeley with the Bay Area Outreach and Recreating Program, Northern California's lone goalball club.  Leading up to the world championships, her daily routine consisted of running 5 miles and lifting weights to improve her upper-body strength, which she scheduled around her duties as a disabled rights advocate for the Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco.
     But the physical work, according to BORP coach Jonathan Newman, is just part of the reason for Lorenz's rise as one of the country's top goalball athletes.  
	"She really grasps the team concept," he said.  "She buys into blending her skills into the teams' skills.  She does not let her ego get in the way of how the team does."
     Lorenz estimates she took only one of every 10 shots following her blocks at the world championships.  The other 90 percent she passed to the wings, who she knew were stronger and capable of faster and more accurate throws.
     Lorenz continues to celebrate the team's victory weeks after returning to San Francisco.  She and friends have reveled with a few dinners and, admittedly, her training regimen has slipped lately.  But Lorenz will soon be back on the treadmill and hitting those weights.  Besides wanting to prove more as an athlete, Lorenz finds comfort on the court.
     "There's a dignity to it," she said. "Sometimes people look down on Paralympics or blind sports as something lesser, not as competitive.  We're competitive like abled sports.  We have real athletes."
	Where to go:  The Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program holds goalball classes 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Berkeley Adult School girls gym, 1222 University Ave., Berkeley.  BORP hosts its seventh Goalball Invitational Nov. 9 at the James Kenney Rec Center, 1720 8th St., Berkeley.  Contact Jonathan Newman at 510-849-4663 or at jonathan@borp.org.


	BULLETIN BOARD 

	Compiled by Keith Black 

	Each section of "Bulletin Board" will be terminated by a line of asterisks.  After the first item is listed from a magazine, subsequent items will be marked with a single asterisk at the beginning of the paragraph.
	The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) will partner with the Los Angeles-based Foundation for the Junior Blind to host an international symposium entitled "Vision Loss in the 21st Century--Everybody's Business," February 19-22, 2003, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.  This symposium will be the second event of its kind presented by the two nonprofit organizations; the first took place in 1988 and welcomed over 1,000 attendees to Los Angeles.  The three-day program in 2003 will generate a greater awareness and an improved understanding of blindness and vision loss; serve as a catalyst for new collaborations; strengthen existing alliances; provide a stimulating forum for learning and discussion through the exchange of information, experiences, and ideas; and enhance knowledge of what needs to be done to efficiently address the challenges of the future.
	Celebrated poet and educator Maya Angelou will provide the opening keynote address for the symposium, which will include over 70 concurrent sessions.  Jay Ogilvy, philosopher, educator, and director of the Global Business Network, will discuss the opportunities and challenges that new technologies offer for society and human values.  James Canton, a world renowned futurist, will present his dynamic vision of the "digital horizon."  "In this symposium, we want to share a wide range of innovative ideas and practical approaches aimed at breaking down the barriers faced by people who are blind or visually impaired," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB president and CEO.  "Forging partnerships for fostering literacy, employment, and the creative application of new technologies is crucial as we move further into the twenty-first century, and society at large stands to benefit from the gains of the vision loss community."
	Participants are expected from across the United States and throughout the world and will include representatives from business, education, government, the media, rehabilitation, and technology.  Parents of children who are blind or visually impaired and the general public are also invited.
	Programs and speakers will address topics such as aging; early childhood; education; employment and business; healthcare, medicine, and science; leadership development; literacy; low vision; media, access, and society; rehabilitation and independent living; special schools; technology; and transportation and environmental access.  In addition an extensive exhibit hall will feature products and services from around the world designed for the vision loss community.
	To register for the conference, go to 
www.visionloss2003.org.
	For more information about attendance or volunteer opportunities, contact Susie Guszcza, Foundation for the Junior Blind, 323-295-4555, ext. 217.

*****          *****           *****          *****          
	Guide Dog Users, Inc. is proud to present "Thirty Years Harness In Hand," a collection of original music and poetry written and performed exclusively by guide dog handlers.  These heartfelt tributes to guide dogs and  fascinating audio snapshots of the magical bond that exists in working teams will cause you to laugh and cry, making this a one-of-a-kind collection, a must-have for anyone who loves dogs.  
	This special project features Harness In Hand, a tribute to working teams written and performed by Sheila Styron commemorating GDUI's thirtieth anniversary.  To learn more about how you can order GDUI's special CD, "Thirty Years Harness In Hand," call GDUI's toll free number, 1-888-858-1008, or visit GDUI on the Web at www.gdui.org.  A donation of $15.00 is all it takes,  and proceeds will help support GDUI's legislative and advocacy activities undertaken  on behalf of working teams.    

*****          *****          *****          *****
	From Dialogue Magazine, Fall, 2002: Two NLS programs offer readers samplings of magazines not otherwise available through network libraries.  Subscribers to "Magazine of the Month" and "Young Adult Magazine of the Month" receive a different magazine on audio cassette each month.  For a free subscription to either program, contact your cooperating library.  
	* A range of popular self-help books in Spanish on personal development, business excellence, and leadership is available on audio cassette from Spanish Audios.  Authors represented in the catalog include Deepak Chopra, Og Mandino, and Louise Hay; prices range from $12 to $29, depending on the size of the book.  For further information, contact Spanish Audios, 10100 W. Sample Rd., Suite 403, Coral Springs, FL 33075;  954-753-7474; E-mail: info@spanishaudios.com; Web site www.spanishaudios.com.  
	* Are you interested in learning more about audio description and gaining access to a list of new audio-described programs being offered on television?  Visit the Web site of Audio Description International at www.ad-international.org.  
	* The NLS Web site has been redesigned recently for clarity and ease of use.  "Talking Book Topics" and many other NLS publications are available on the Web site, including eight annual bibliographies of cassette books published since 1993, four biennial bibliographies of "For Younger Readers, Books in Spanish 1994-2000," reference materials, subject bibliographies, newsletters, and reports on the progress of the NLS Digital Talking Book program.  Readers will also find a simplified online search tool to enable them to search the NLS catalog.  Because of the time required for production processes that follow final editorial review, "Talking Book Topics" is usually posted on the Web site several weeks in advance of its availability in print, recorded, or diskette versions.  Visit the Web site at www.loc.gov/nls.  
	* IBM has recently released the latest version of its voice-output Web browser.  Using the keyboard to navigate, a blind or visually impaired computer user can hear the full range of Web page content read aloud.  The current version uses Internet Explorer rather than Netscape and has added features, such as the ability to distinguish when a heading or regular text is being read.  The user can set preferences for certain sounds to go off when reading links.  The reader speaks (in several different languages) text frames, graphics descriptions, image and text links, form elements including Java Script, text in column format, and data input fields.  Also included is a navigation feature that allows users to understand complex tables such as television listings.  For more information, contact IBM, New Orchard Road, Armory, NY 10504; 800-426-4832 or TTY:  800-426-3383; or go to the Web site at   
http://www-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.html.  
	From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, September 2002: Piano Tuning School.  The Emil Fries School of Piano Tuning and Technology, located in Vancouver, WA, trains students for lifetime careers in tuning and servicing pianos.  The school is accredited, and its students are eligible to apply for U.S. Department of Education financial assistance.  Contact the school at 2510 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661; 360-993-1511, send E-mail to pianohospital@pianotuningschool.org, or visit www.pianotuningschool.org.  
	* "AT Journal."  The "Assistive Technology Journal" covers the latest news and resources in assistive technology.  This E-mail publication is issued twice monthly by the AT Network and California Assistive Technology Systems.  Visit www.atnet.org to subscribe and read archived issues.   
	* Typing Program.  MarvelSoft's new flagship product is the Talking Typing Teacher for Windows (TTT), which was built with blind and visually impaired typing students in mind.  The goal was to create a typing program that was both fun and easy for novices and advanced computer users.  TTT features human speech throughout the program.  To listen to an audio demo, visit www.marvelsoft.com.  Call 800-987-1231, or send E-mail to info@marvelsoft.com.  
	From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, October 2002: Braille Instruction.  The Web site BrailleJail provides do-it-yourself courses in braille for people with and without visual impairments.  All courses, ranging from slate-and-stylus, to peg slate, grade 1, and grade 2 braille, are available in two formats:  image format for those who can see and text format for those who use a screen-reader.  BrailleJail complies with Section 508 and Web content-accessibility guidelines.  Experienced braille users are on hand 24 hours a day, and all services are free of charge.  
	* Ann Morris Catalog.  Ann Morris Enterprises Inc. now has available its 2003 product catalog, containing more than 230 new items, including a talking VCR, remote, braille appointment calendar, talking book player with AM/FM radio, large TV/computer monitor magnifiers, and Accessible Crossword Puzzles.  Request a free copy in large print, four-track tape, or diskette; the braille edition costs $12.  Call 800-454-3175, visit www.annmorris.com, or join the company's announce-only list by sending a blank E-mail to annmorris-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.  


	MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT, Fall 2002 

	by Rhonda King

     The fall convention held at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine, was great, and we all enjoyed the fantastic tribute made to Cathie Skivers.  We will miss her as our President, but she promises to be around for a while yet.  
     Our Membership meeting held on November 2, didn't bring in as many people as I had hoped, but we still accomplished much. 
	Ardis Bazyn was our guest speaker talking to us about one of the new books she has recently published, Building Blocks to Success: Does the Image of Your Organization ATtract Members? The topics she touched on, topics which appear in her book, could be quite useful to our chapters and affiliates for increasing membership.  Those interested in purchasing a copy should contact Ardis at 818-238-9321 or E-Mail her at abazyn@earthlink.net.    
     We also discussed our membership liaisons.  A few committee members have acted as liaisons for our chapters, and that approach seems to be working.  Each liaison is assigned two to four chapters to be contacted every three months by communicating with the president just as a reminder that we are available if there are questions about membership, or to find out if the chapter is experiencing any difficulties.  We also ask if there are any good ideas that can be shared with other chapters.  Most importantly, though, we speak about the conventions and check to see if the chapter will be sending a delegate.  We review the various awards that are available to the chapters for building membership and the "Chapter of the Year" award presented to the chapter that has done something significant for either an individual or the local community.  Look for some changes in the Membership Committee this next year, for it sounds like we
are going to be working even harder to recruit new members.  
	Our new Membership Handbook, which has really come together quite well, was our next subject.  We have just a few more details to iron out, and then it's off to a publisher.  The handbook contains a brief description of CCB and its history, a section on what it means to be a CCB member and what the individual members and CCB can offer each other, a list of CCB committees, and a list of CCB and ACB web sites and list servs.  Also, important telephone numbers are given.  
	Our final topic was the chapter award which was presented during the convention and is discussed in the convention report prepared by our president.  
	In closing, I remind you to let me know if your chapter does something that has effected significant change in the  life of an
individual or in your local community.  Write a letter describing what the group effort was and send it to the CCB office to the attention of the Membership Committee before February 15th, thus allowing committee members enough time to read the letters and make a decision.  The award will be presented at the spring banquet.  The president of that chapter will receive a plaque that will be transferred to each future president for years to come.  
	I thank all the committee members who have worked hard these past few months as liaisons and on the handbook.  We have accomplished a lot, but more tasks lie ahead.  


	FROM THE CAPITOL

	by Dan Kysor, Capitol Representative

	The following legislation summary is brief and to the point because of the number of bills covered.  If you have questions, call or e-mail me; identifying information is provided for the Sacramento Area Office earlier in this magazine.
Note that The term Chapter refers to the fact that the bill is signed and will be  law; for example, SB 105 is Chapter 1102 of the 2002-2003 statutes.  The number of the bill is followed by its author, the chapter number, its status if appropriate and a brief explanation.
	SB 105, Burton, Chapter 1102:  Creates a Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Department of Rehabilitation and requires all California informational technologies to be made accessible.
	AB 3035, Corbett, Chapter 300: Requires that all local and state government meetings provide material in accessible media.
	SB 1918, Torlakson, Chapter 979:  Legalizes the Segway Human Transporter as a pedestrian on March 1, 2003.
	SB 1555, Torlakson, Vetoed: Would have put a $5 fine for auto vs. pedestrian to be used for pedestrian safety to educate violators on pedestrian safety regulations including the White Cane Law.
	HR 31, Havice, (signed by the Secretary  of State, passed) Assembly resolution declaring legislative intention that CalTrans should study the feasibility of a pedestrian safety commission.
	AB 2369, Salinas, Died.  Would have established a bond act creating $500 million for local transportation projects to make accessibility accommodations.
	AB 925, Aroner, Chapter 1088: Coordinates efforts between state agencies to address certain institutional barriers against people with disabilities while the disabled work towards educational or employment goals.  It establishes goals that will bring adults with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate that is as close as possible to that of the general population.  It also allows state-funded personal care services to be available in the workplace. 
	AB 925, Chapter 1088 Requires that Local Workforce Investment Boards which have "one-stop" employment centers ensure access services for people with disabilities and include them on their boards.
	AB 2787, Aroner, Chapter 726: Recommends that universal design be used in new construction. 
	AB 2616, Lowenthal, Vetoed; Would have recommended that the CSU (California State University) and UC (University of  California) systems hire more special education instructors and provide funding for distance learning. 
	AB 2326, Frommer, Chapter 653: Establishes a task force of stake holders under the Superintendent of Public Instruction to set braille reading standards.  There are no funds involved.
	AB 2444, Dutra, Chapter 1043: Urges the State Personnel Board to consider making the salaries of employees in special schools like the California School for the Blind equal to those of surrounding school districts.
	AB 2525, Jackson, Chapter 950: Requires accessible voting machines in every polling place where funds are available to purchase the appropriate machines. 
	AB 2784, Chavez, chapter 143: Allows optometrists to prescribe telephone adaptive equipment for the deaf and hearing impaired.
	SB 1227, Proposition 41, Burton: Establishes a bond act for housing for low income, disabled and homeless; bond act passed in the last general election.
	AB 1950, Wright, Chapter 236: Extends probationary time for disabled state workers to meet reasonable accommodations upon mutual agreement. 
	AB 1800, Kehoe, Died: Would have extended disabled parking placard privileges.
	AB 1844, Mountjoy, Died: Would have doubled the home-owners tax credit for blind, senior and disabled persons. 
	AB 2032, Canciamilla, Died: Would have doubled penalties for criminals who commit crimes against disabled individuals.
	AB 2416, Bates, Died: In Home Supportive Services background check required for establishing  back-up IHSS workers.
	AB 1040, Dutra, Died: 90-day legal notice to file an ADA claim.


	ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

	by Jane Kardis 
	The committee members are Jane Kardas, Jeff Thom, and Barbara Rhodes.
Barbara's expertise is in the field of access and transportation (paratransit), costs of same-day service, and eligibility requirements. 
	On the other hand, Jeff Thom is the plaintiff in a suit against the city of Sacramento relating to curb ramps and detectible warnings.  Jeff is a man with a mission, for he is soon to be the next President of the California Counsel of the Blind!  He is also involved in the fight against the Segway Scooter.  Jeff and Eugene Lozano have been instrumental in establishing the "California Walks" program similar to the "America Walks" program which several of us attended in Oakland last year.  
	As for me, I, too, have been pursuing both state and local issues.  I am working with the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors as it deals with in-home supportive services.  I am actively seeking a structure for supplying readers for the blind and low vision community, and I expect positive results within my county very soon.  Also I have not given up on state-wide finger printing, free of charge, for those who render in-home supportive services.  We have been successful in establishing this requirement in Mendocino County although Governor Davis did not sign the bill that would make finger printing mandatory throughout the state.  
	It is important to emphasis that advocates must pursue their goals.  Many people may think, for example, that, because the Governor did not sign the bill regarding finger printing, it should be considered a dead issue.  On the contrary, as indicated by the example of Mendocino County, each individual county may pursue the issue independently with the hope of success.  If you have any questions regarding the art of advocacy, Please refer to the article I wrote in Guidelines for Organization, section 8, a document you can secure from the CCB office.  For further questions regarding advocacy, please feel free to contact any member of the Advocacy Committee.  Their telephone numbers are listed as members of the Board of Directors at the end of
each Blind Californian or you may call the CCB 800 number: 800-221-6359. 


	TOURS, ANYONE?

	submitted by Barbara Rhodes

	Disabled tourists get guide to Norwich: A blind woman has written a travel guide to Norwich highlighting tourist spots for people with disabilities.  Janet Pinkerton Baker, from Essex, hopes to start a series of the guides to cities around the UK. 
	Ms Pinkerton Baker, who became blind after a stroke, says that more than 40% of the UK's 8.5m registered disabled people never go on holiday.  "The family or care-givers cannot access the information to make sure that this destination will give their loved one a change or a really good holiday." 
	She says good provision is made for disabled travellers at Norwich Castle, which has wheelchair access and is fitted with a loop system for the hard-of-hearing. She also gives top marks to Norwich Railway Station, Hotel Nelson, and river boat trips. 
	Also singled out for praise is Norwich Cathedral, where visitors' officer Andrew MacFayden said,  "There are guides on duty for everyone in the cathedral and they're happy to show anyone around, visually impaired or not.  They really can describe anything.  This cathedral is not just about what you can see; it's a place of light and sound." 
	Ms Pinkerton Baker's guide will be available in January. 


	CCB OFFICERS, 2003

President, Jeff Thom (02-04, 1st term)
     7414 Mooncrest Way
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1st Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz (02-04, 1st term)
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Secretary, Ardis Bazyn (01-03, 1st term)
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Treasurer, Peter Pardini (*02-04, 1st term)
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Immediate Past President, Catherine Skivers (2002-??)
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	BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Al Biegler (01-03, 2nd term)
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Martin Jones (01-03, 4th term)
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Rhonda King (02-04, 3rd term)
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Barbara Rhodes (02-04, 2nd term) 6396 Tamalpais Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120; 408 268-2110 H; <brhodes@pacbell.net>
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* Served a partial term before first full term.

                  CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

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