     



                         THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                      Quarterly Magazine of the 

                    CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Winter, 2005, Volume 49, No. 1


      Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, online, and Large
Print 




                     Jeff Thom, President 
                          7414 Mooncrest Way 
                           Sacramento, CA 95831
                           916-429-8201 res.
                           jsthom@comcast.net 

                           Executive Office:
                             578 B Street
                           Hayward, CA 94541
                             800-221-6359
                             510-537-7877
                            ccotb@earthlink.net
                           Fax: 510-537-7830
                           www.ccbnet.org



                 Los Angeles Area Office, Mitch Pomerantz 
             1115 Cordova Street 
             Pasadena, CA 91106
             626-844-4388                             
             mpomerantz@mailbox.lacity.org

                   Sacramento Area Office, 
                   Dan Kysor
                   225 15th St. 
                   West Sacramento, CA 95691
                   916-371-1514
                   Fax 916-371-7630
                   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
                     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
----) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind
persons."

If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney 
communicate with the Hayward office for other suggested forms.
Thank
you.

                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

THE NEXT 70 YEARS: FLOATING ON A SEA 
     OF CHANGE, by Jeff Thom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

FALL 2004 CONVENTION REPORT, by Roger 
     Petersen and Barbara Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

CAREER CONNECTIONS: MAKING A PRESENTATION,
     by Catherine Schmitt Whitaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

MY EUROPEAN TOUR, Part 2, by Deborah Thomas. . . . . . . . . . .8

SUMMARY OF FALL, 2004, CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS,
     by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION, BLIND FIELD SERVICES:
     EMERGING BEYOND INFANCY, by Richard Rueda . . . . . . . . 11

SUMMARY OF TELEPHONE CONFERENCE BOARD MEETING,
     SEPT, 8, 2004, by Aris Bazyn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

REPORT ON THE COMITTEE OF THE SENIOR BLIND: THE
     FUTURE IS OURS, by Bonnie Rennie  . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

HER NEW LOVE, by Cecile Betz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

BARRIERS STILL CONFRONT SOME DISABLED VOTERS, by Trine Tsouderos
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

CCB AWARDS NOMINATIONS, by Catherine Skivers . . . . . . . . . 18

NEVER GIVE UP, by Behnaz Soulati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

MY FIRST CCB CONVENTION, by Bill Tipton. . . . . . . . . . . . 21

BULLETIN BOARD, compiled by Keith Black  . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FROM THE CAPITOL: CALIFORNIA LEGISLATION IN BRIEF, 
     by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

NEW BABY AND HIS PARENTS, by julie Patel . . . . . . . . . . 30  

JAPAN DIARY, OCT. 7-15, by Toni and Ed Eames . . . . . . . . . 32

MY LIFE IN A NURSING HOME, by Gayle Sabonaitis . . . . . . . . 35

THE GRAND OLD DUCHESS, by Keith Black  . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

CCB OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38


PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 

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

     Though blind and visually impaired people encounter a lot
more problems in everyday life than do most sighted persons, our
situatioin is still much improved now from what it was even just
fifty years ago.  
     When I graduated from college with my teaching credential
for the state of Illinois and approached the Board of Education
in Chicago, I was told that people with severe physical problems
such as blindness were not accepted in the Chicago schools. 
There was no avenue for argument; the matter was settled.  I went
on, then, to seek my Master's degree in social work; but, though
I had what today would be a 4.0 record in college, the University
of Chicago could just say that no blind persons were accepted in
the school of social work.  Loyola University, fortunately, was
more amenable, but the directors there found it extremely
difficult to find for me an agency that would accept me for
advanced field work placement.  The problem was solved by having
me work in the same agency where I had done the first placement
but assigning me to more difficult cases requiring cooperative
efforts with additional agencies.
     Again when I moved to San Francisco to teach at the
Orientation Center, I found doors closed.  There was a Catholic
women's club here then called St. Margaret's Club, and my parents
and our  parish pastor felt less worried about my adventure were
I to have the stability of a women's residence club.  Father
Hishen called the club from Chicago, and fifty years ago long
distance calls were not made lightly.  St. Margaret's Club,
however, refused even to interview me though I had by that time
lived in a college dorm, rented a room with a family, and spent
two years in an apartment with a friend.  Again, there was no
opportunity for debate; case closed!
     Because young people don't have so many of these experiences
today, it is often difficult to explain to them what the purpose
of a local chapter, of the CCB, or of the ACB is.  Many would
prefer more social events, going together to a theater
performance or movie, but not listening to a talk about rehab,
social security, library service, legislative initiatives, or
seminars on the IEP.  Even though today's young people don't have
things the way they'd like them, they don't see the blatant kind
of injustice that used to be quite common.  
     The article in this issue on voting, even though it talks
about Illlinois, recounts experiences that people all over the
country have had, some positive and some disappointing. 
Certainly, though, no one would be reporting anything were it not
for the organizations of disabled persons that have intervened on
this matter for some years now and particularly in the Help
America Vote effort.  
     An even more direct and personal example of the necessity of
thwarting discrimation and prejudice is described in "New Baby
and His Parents," which you will read later.  Within hours after
the difficulty began, local chapters, the CCB president, and the
ACB president were all involved.  Television showed pictures and
gave accounts of blind parents successfully raising children; and
two days later, the subject was still being mentioned on
newscasts.  The little family is in their own apartment, and an
attorney has been secured to assist them.  Immediate help was
available because of the organization we have and the willingness
of everyone contacted to drop everything to address their
problem.  
     Would we have the efforts to provide independent, private
voting; to obtain justice for a young family in trouble;  to
interest a corporation in developing a fully accessible cell
phone; to gain support for installing audible pedestrian signals;
or to provide textbooks for visually impaired children at the
same time that sighted students gets theirs--would we have these
encouraging developments without local chapters, state
affiliates, and a national organization?   
     The deadline for the spring edition of The Blind Californian
is March 1, 2005. 


                       THE NEXT 70 YEARS: 
                   FLOATING ON A SEA OF CHANGE

                   by Jeff Thom, CCB President

     Those of you with any knowledge of the California Council of
the Blind need not be told just how important our organization
has been in the lives of thousands of Californians who are blind
or visually impaired.  Our Fall 2004 Convention at the Los
Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel gave us an opportunity to
celebrate our achievements.  The laws that we've passed, the
people in crisis that we've helped to avoid homelessness or other
difficulties by meeting subsistence needs, the hundreds of
students who have received scholarships, the loans that we've
provided to enable individuals to obtain their employment goals,
and the successful advocacy efforts on scores of topics that CCB
members undertake at the federal, state, and local level are
ample proof of the excellent work we have done.  
     Even less need be said about how far we still have to go. 
Pedestrian safety, transportation, education, employment,
services for seniors with visual impairments, access to
information and the environment, and the failure of children's
services, of housing programs, and of a host of other services to
deal with the concerns of persons who are blind or visually
impaired provide a sampling of the problems we still face.  
     An issue crucial to the continued success of CCB that many,
including myself in these pages, and our Fall 2004 Convention
banquet speaker, American Council of the Blind Past President
Paul Edwards, have mentioned, is the need to find some way to
encourage both the young and the old to join us.  We need to
somehow make them realize they have too much to risk, at least
with respect to blindness-related issues, to follow the
nationwide trend of not joining organizations.   
     This article will not, however, concentrate on the solutions
to that problem, except in an indirect way.  Rather, it will look
at an underlying concern that pertains to what we are about, who
we are, and how relevant we are seen to be by others, including
potential members.  Specifically, what are, or should be, the
underlying values of the CCB?
     The first question is why bother to get into this academic
exercise? There's so much work to do, and do we really have time
for this type of moral discussion? I will submit to you that the
answer to that question is that without such a discussion we may
not enjoy the same success during the next 70 years that we have
known in the past.  
     The knowledge that humanity possesses is increasing at an
almost unbelievable rate.  Even in the middle to late 20th
century, a time of incredible technological change, knowledge was
doubling perhaps every 15 or 20 years.  It is now estimated that
it is doubling every two years.  Moreover, it is said that 90% of
the technology we will be using in 25 years hasn't even been
invented yet.  In 5 years, we may have alarm clocks that can wake
us up a half hour earlier than the alarm had been set to
compensate for the slow commute that a rainy day will bring.  
     Global positioning systems, personal data assistants, the
continued development of robotics and nanotechnology are just a
few of the things that are having, and will continue to have, a
tremendous impact on all of us, including, of course, those who
are blind or visually impaired.  I won't even begin to speculate
on what all those effects may be.  
     The crucial point, insofar as this article is concerned, is
that humanity has never had to cope with such rapid change.  An
individual's view of the world as he or she was growing up did
not need to change significantly during his or her lifetime. 
Today, though, it's  hard to predict how things will look 10 or
even five years down the road.  We humans need some consistency
in our world, something immutable at our core that we can hold on
to as a guide to govern our lives.  
     With the environment changing ever more rapidly, many argue,
and I agree, that it is more important than ever that we have a
firm system of moral values to guide our lives, whether acting as
individuals or as members of an organization.  It is the goal of
this article to look at what the underlying values of the CCB
have been and should be.  It is by no means intended as
definitive.  In fact, I would hope that it encourages readers to
talk to one another and write letters to the editor stating their
own views that may be either similar or far different from my
own.  
     Any attempt at discussing the values of CCB must, in my
view, begin with an examination of the organization's purposes as
provided for in Article III of the CCB Constitution.  The first,
and I think overarching purpose is, "to promote in every way,
individually and collectively, the well being of blind persons". 
Other purposes include, "to inform all persons who are blind or
visually impaired as to their potentialities and opportunities
and to impress upon them their responsibilities to themselves and
to society, and to awaken the public to the fact that blind
individuals are an integral part of the community, that they have
abilities and accomplishments as well as special needs, and that
they want opportunities in all areas to be contributing members
of society."
     If we are to successfully promote our well-being, inform
other persons about their potentialities, and inform the public
about our abilities as well as our needs, we must first have a
strong belief in ourselves.  Put simply, we need to have pride in
ourselves and each other.  It is similar to the 1960s when the
cry among many African-Americans, who were not only fighting for
their civil rights but also establishing their identity, was
"black is beautiful."  If we view our visual impairment as
somehow making us inferior, how can we possibly accomplish the
Herculean task of convincing others who are blind or visually
impaired, let alone society at large, of the fact that lack of
opportunity, not inability, is the true roadblock to
independence.  
     Yes, blindness is frequently a nuisance, a major league
obstacle might be a better description, but it is only
debilitating if we let it affect our self-esteem.  It is obvious,
however, that pride alone will not get the job done.  It will not
get an accessible pedestrian signal placed at a dangerous
intersection or pass a law to help equalize educational
opportunities for pupils with visual impairments.  At least two
ingredients are missing from the recipe.  
     The first is unity, not the type of unquestioning 
allegiance to a cause defined by those in the organization's
leadership, but rather the willingness to work together to
achieve the goals determined by the membership.  The second is
commitment.  We must all be willing to make a place in our busy
lives to put in the hard work that success will require.  There
will always be some who flat out are the hardest workers and the
super-achievers.  Having observed up close for the last decade or
so CCB's immediate past president, Catherine Skivers, I realize
full well that some of us have more energy and drive at almost 80
than others do at 25.  Nevertheless, we can all strive to do our
utmost to promote the betterment of our blind and visually
impaired brothers and sisters.  
     Finally, there is one time-worn value without which I think
it impossible to forge the glue that pride, unity, and commitment
require.  Without love of ourselves, of each other, and of the
sighted public with whom we come in contact and often struggle,
our other values are harder to maintain.  How often have you
heard or perhaps even uttered something like, "Why don't blind
vendors join us more;" or "Those college students just don't give
back what we give to them;" or "Those partials have it so much
easier;" or "Totally blind individuals make no effort to
understand our problems and they think they are just better than
we are;" or "I feel like those blind folks with the good jobs
look down on us;" or "If they only worked harder they might have
jobs;" or "Those seniors are just beyond help.  They don't
understand blindness, are not willing to really listen to us, and
certainly won't join our ranks." 
     Too often, we forget the struggles, hard work, and dreams
that others have but allow our prejudices to take over.  We are
similarly prejudiced toward the rest of society which, ignorant
though it may be, is not usually intentionally evil.  It seems to
me that the divisiveness in the nation has reached its highest
point since the era when civil rights issues and the Vietnam War
dominated the landscape.  This disunity would have been just as
prevalent if Bush had lost rather than won reelection.  We, as
blind and visually impaired persons and CCB members, need to
rededicate ourselves to the values of pride, unity, commitment,
and love.  
     We must succeed in our ultimate goal of enabling persons who
are blind or visually impaired to become fully independent
members of society.  With pride, unity, commitment, and love as
the underpinning of our organization, we will succeed in this
task.  

                   FALL 2004 CONVENTION REPORT    

              by Barbara Rhodes and Roger Petersen

     The Fall Convention of the California Council of the Blind
(CCB) was held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel, October
28-31, 2004.  The theme of the convention was "Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow: Celebrating 70 Years of Advocacy".
     President Jeff Thom said, "The 70th anniversary convention
of the California Council of the Blind may have ended on Sunday,
October 31, but it will be remembered by all who attended for a
long, long time.  It is not possible to accurately determine our
convention attendance, but we had the largest registration in
recent memory, 294, and very possibly the largest banquet as well
with more than 230 attendees.  We took the time to celebrate past
accomplishments and learn about those who have fought so hard for
us, but we also examined ways to make our organization more
responsive not only to its members but to all blind and visually
impaired Californians.  I hope the momentum gained from this
incredible gathering will be used to make the California Council
of the Blind an even better organization in the years to come. 
If we all work together, we will certainly accomplish this goal."
     Some of the highlights of the Convention were: On Thursday,
the Technology Committee hosted  a workshop at which Susan
Palmer-Mazrui, of Cingular Wireless, demonstrated a fully
functional accessible cell phone and gave some of the background
of accessible cell phones.   Bob and Susan Sweetman  provided
information on the Braille Note PK and other Pulse Data devices. 
Robert Leblond, President, Assistive Technology Center, shared
information about the Trekker GPS and also demonstrated the
DocuEdge scanner.
     At the same time, the Rehabilitation Services Committee also
conducted a workshop which included a presentation by Blind Field
Services and Division updates Presented by  Department of
Rehabilitation, Blind Field Services management.  The Committee
also featured a discussion of innovative developments in securing
employment in today's business environment and of emerging trends
in low vision rehabilitation aids.   
     The Board of Directors met at 7:00 p.m.  Thursday evening to
deal with CCB business.  We were brought up to date on the
vehicle donation program and learned that the  CCB video and
brochures were almost completed and will soon be distributed. 
The pictures and layout of the brochure were explained, and
members were urged to keep this valuable tool for use in
attracting new members and monetary support.  Plans were reviewed
for the Spring 2005 Convention at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
in Sacramento; and it was decided to have next Fall's Convention
in Long Beach, provided that the Marriott Hotel there makes
certain accessibility modifications.
     On Friday morning, there was a joint session of the
Committee on Access and Transportation (CAT) and the California
Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV).  The theme of the
workshop was "Keeping Things Moving with Effective Advocacy.  You
can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you
just might find that you get what you need!"  Donna Smith,
Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, Easter Seals
Project ACTION, and Technical Assistance Ambassador to States on
Human Service Transportation Coordination presented information
on  accessible transportation, paratransit,  accessible street
intersections, etc.   She encouraged us to let our voices be
heard.  
     The first general session of the convention was held Friday
afternoon where we heard about the history of the California
Council of the Blind from a panel consisting of Catherine
Skivers, Immediate Past President of CCB; Mitch Pomerantz, Second
Vice President of the American Council of the Blind; and Al Gil,
long-time CCB activist.  The next panel was "Access Financial
Services," with Panelists Roger Petersen, a plaintiff in the
proceedings with the banks; Frank Welte, Quality Assurance
Analyst on Web access at Bank of America; and Joann Mar, Project
Manager, Assistant Vice President, ATM Banking/Distribution
Strategies, Wells Fargo Bank.  They shared with us the quest for
accessible ATM's and the current status of working with a variety
of banks to make all components of their services accessible.  
     The afternoon's final panel concerned the history of the
Blind Students of California.   Panelists were Eugene Lozano Jr.,
Member CCB Board of Directors and one of the pioneers of the
student group; Margie Donovan, who was active in the student
group in the 1980's; and Gabe Griffith, President, Blind Students
of California.  
     The Friday evening session featured the President's Report
by Jeff Thom; an address by Chris Gray, President of ACB; and
remarks by the neighboring state affiliate presidents who were
attending the convention, Cindie Burrgett, Washington Council of
the Blind; Bob Johnson, Oregon Council of the Blind; and Warren
Toyama, Hawaii Association of the Blind.   
     In the elections held later that evening, the following
persons were elected by acclamation:  President, Jeff Thom; First
Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz; Treasurer, Peter A.  Pardini;
and Directors Rhonda King, Barbara Rhodes, Louis Preston and Gabe
Griffith.  Current board members Frank Welte and Amad Rahman were
eligible to run for additional terms but chose not to do so.  
     Saturday morning was given over to programs and meetings of
committees and special interest affiliates.  In the afternoon,
there was another general session which focused on audio
description, offered us an opportunity to speak our minds in an
open forum, and included information presented by the Department
of Rehabilitation.
     As usual, the high point of the convention was the Saturday
evening banquet, emceed by Mitch Pomerantz.  Scholarship winners
were presented; winners were drawn in various raffles and
drawings; and our neighboring affiliate presidents were
re-introduced.  The keynote address was presented by Paul
Edwards, Immediate Past President of ACB and also president of
the Florida Council of the Blind.  A distinguished guest at the
head table was State Senator Sheila Kuehl, to whom we presented
our Legislator of the Year Award.   She spoke in a complimentary
manner, calling CCB her "Organization of the Year."
     After the devotional service on Sunday morning, we had the
convention's main business meeting with reports by officers and
committee chairs and the presentation of resolutions, all of
which were passed.  A summary of the resolutions is presented
elsewhere in this issue of the BC.  Particularly interesting was
the video, audio described, that has been prepared to tell others
about the Council.  The convention was adjourned shortly before
noon.  
     Tapes of the convention are available from the office for
$10 for the whole set.  Many of the program features and
addresses given could be used as background material at chapter
meetings and the impetus for discussion of the organization's
priorities and the place of members in carrying them forward. 
Also, audio repeats of all the main sessions are available on the
World Wide Web www.ccbnet.org.  If you have not used an MP3
player, you can download that capability from the CCB Web site.  


           CAREER CONNECTIONS: MAKING A PRESENTATION 

                  by Catherine Schmitt Whitaker

     Have you thought about making a presentation at a
conference?  A simple, yet terrifying question for some people. 
     Professional, civic and community organizations seek
presenters when planning a conference or convention.  The request
for a presenter may consist of a telephone call to express
interest in sharing information about a specific topic, or it may
require a formal proposal submission process.  In either case, it
is a valuable experience.  
     There are several benefits to presenting at a conference. 
First, you gain experience; and it looks great on a resume. 
Second, you begin to develop a network with people who have a
similar interest or need to learn more about the topic of your
presentation.  Third, if presented well, you enhance personal
credibility.  Fourth, you empower yourself.  For these reasons,
it is personally and professionally powerful to present at a
conference.  The information below can help you formulate your
plan to become a presenter at a conference.
     Identify a Presentation Topic: An individual who possesses
topic expertise should look to present at a topic-related
conference.  If you are an undergraduate or graduate student, do
not despair; you can present on research or a project you have
conducted.  If you need to learn more about a topic, consider
conducting a literature review or research in an area of
interest.  Some conferences also have "round table discussions"
where the presenter/facilitator may provide a synopsis of a
theory, concept or idea that is intended to generate group
discussion.
     Don't Be Shy:  Learn the proposal selection process for
conferences.  At the CCB convention, affiliates hold programs. 
Contact an appropriate affiliate to see if your topic and the
affiliate's meeting theme match and if the group is in need of a
presenter.  
     On the other hand, a professional conference may require a
proposal submission.  Read ALL the program proposal submission
information.  Don't be afraid to submit a proposal.  The more
often you try, the more likely you will be asked to present. 
Also, with some tweaking, you can submit the same proposal to
more than one conference.  Speak up: to prepare for a
presentation opportunity, take a speech class or join a local
Toastmasters club.  In either case, you will have the opportunity
to research information and conduct a presentation on a topic. 
Your information gathering and presenting skills will strengthen
and benefit you in the long run. With preparation and practice,
you can become a sought after presenter.


                    MY EUROPEAN TOUR, Part 2

                        by Deborah Thomas

     (Last summer Deborah went with the Sacramento Choral Society
to Europe.  Realizing that she had had the experience of a
lifetime, she described the trip as far as Munich in part 1 of
this article.  Below, she takes us on the rest of her journey.) 
     After our Prague experience, we went to Vienna.  Our bus
driver decided to take a shortcut before we left Prague behind,
and the local police were not pleased with him.  He bribed them,
however, to let us proceed.  I gathered that this is the usual
way of avoiding a fine or jail sentence.   We took up a
collection to reimburse him for the bribe since we were happy to
take the shortcut and beat the other buses to the border between
the Czech Republic and Austria.  This border is set up like a
fairytale or mythological land.  There were all sorts of items
from replicas of excalibur to some troll I had never heard of and
a statue of Apollo.  Payment was required to be able to use the
public restrooms, too; and that is actually the case in all the
countries we visited, the price being about 50 cents.    
     Once in Austria,  we stopped to tour another abbey in the
town of Melk.  The scenery in the surrounding countryside was
gorgeous though I roasted during this tour and was glad when it
was over.  We had eaten before the tour, and the food, in my
book, rated fabulous.  
     When we reached Vienna, the weather was cooler.  I enjoyed
the tours of palaces, and singing in St. Stephen's Cathedral was
exciting.  The sound there seemed to fade into oblivion, but the
audience seemed to really enjoy the concert.  I got to go to the
front of the cathedral afterwards, and was able to look at the
tomb of the emperors which was covered with sculptures of cherubs
and other angelic beings, not to mention people and other
decorative features.  Also while I was touring one of the
palaces, I was allowed to feel the decoration of the walls and
one of the chests used to hold personal belongings.  They had
beautiful carvings of geometric designs or flowers and other
decorations.  I also went to a famous pastry place called Demel's
Pastry.  I wanted to go to Sacher's also, but it was closed for
renovation.  We had real wienersnitzel there, and no, it doesn't
have anything to do with hot dogs.  It is actually veal, I have
been told.  I couldn't tell what it was when we ate it, but it
was good.
     After our concert in Vienna, we went back to the hotel, and
prepared for an early departure.  We rode in a hydrofoil down the
Danube to get to Budapest.  I did not like it because the noise
was so loud.  I couldn't participate in any conversations, and so
was pretty bored.  I couldn't even take much of a nap.  I got
some pictures of the river, though, while we were in the locks. 
It was actually necessary to turn off the motor while going
through these, and that was a relief to my ears.  I really liked
that part.  I was feeling stuffed from all our previous delicious
meals so didn't eat while on the hydrofoil.  When we arrived in
Budapest, we took a city tour as soon as we had settled in the
hotel.  We had only a day and a half in this city, so I didn't
get to ride the public transportation system there.  During the
tour, I got to feel a sculpture of the St. Matthias Church and
the Fisherman's Bastian.  This was a separate little table
outside the church set up especially for the blind.  There was
braille on the table telling about the church; but it was in
Hungarian, and so I couldn't read it.   I could read four words:
"Hotel Hilton" and "Rotary Club."   I assume that these two
entities helped set it up, and paid or it.  I was dared to touch
a peregrine falcon, and so I did.  Then the handler asked me if I
wanted to hold it for a picture, and I said sure, why not.  I put
on the leather glove, and the owner put the bird on my hand, and
my friends took pictures.  It was kind of fun; no one else has
such a picture.     
     Our concert in the Ferenc Liszt Academy went very well; we
recorded it and will have a CD to sell soon.  They had a
wonderful organ, and one of our instrumentalists played while we
all enjoyed ourselves after rehearsal.   The orchestra in
Budapest was fabulous beyond words, the best one I have ever
heard.  Even our director was in awe.  He said that was the best
orchestra he had ever worked with.  Some chorus members told me
that this performance hall had a dark green ceiling with gold
leaves painted on it.  That sounded pretty, and not gaudy.   
  I helped the Czech Republic and the Austrian and Hungarian
economies, but Germany didn't get much of my money.  I have
wondered what was wrong with me while in Germany and concluded
that I had just not quite gotten into the swing of things yet.  I
did get some postcards though.  
     I was one of the early birds who didn't have to get up for
the early flight because I signed up among the first 35 people so
I didn't have to be out of the hotel until 9:30 a.m. the next
morning, as opposed to 3:00 a.m.  We got back to Sacramento at 10
p.m., July 13th.  We had left Sacramento at 3:00 p.m.,  July 1st. 
Our concerts were on July 4, 7, 10, and 12.  It was a trip to
remember, and I got lots of pictures and postcards to help me
share with all my friends and family.  I bought many souvenirs
and made a tape recorded journal of the trip so I'll have little
trouble recalling all the things I enjoyed doing.  The musical
pieces we performed were "Harmoniemesse" by Haydn, "Lux Aeterna"
by Lauridsen and "Te Deum" by Dvorak.  
     If ever you get the desire to travel to Europe, I recommend
all the cities we toured; but my favorite was Prague.  I think
that was because I had read a story in which this city was
featured; and because the walking tour made you feel as if you
had gotten to know it, not just passed through it. 


        SUMMARY OF FALL, 2004,  CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS, 

                       by Winifred Downing

     Members present at Resolutions Committee deliberations were
Gabe Griffith, Lucy Greco, Winifred Downing, Rhonda King, Philip
Hughes, Eugene Lozano, Ken Metz, and Chair Mitch Pomerantz. 
Donna Pomerantz performed the secretarial duties with skill and
amazing patience, and Ken Metz supervised brailling.  ACB Past
President Paul Edwards lent valuable assistance.
     Resolution 2004-B-1 urges the California Attorney General to
negotiate with theater chains to install descriptive video and
closed captioning equipment on at least one screen per complex
and to commence legal action against theater chains which fail to
meet this requirement.  
     Resolution 2004-B-2 expresses the intention of the
California Council of the Blind to seek legislation requiring
that any agency receiving government grants or contracts for
services to the blind or visually impaired must have at least 20
percent of its Board of Directors composed of blind or visually
impaired persons.  
     Resolution 2004-B-3 urges the Society for the Blind in
Sacramento, California, to immediately adopt a policy providing
that all meetings of that Board of Directors shall be open to the
public, subject to the usual appropriate exceptions.
     Resolution 2004-B-4 requires the Board of Directors of the
California Council of the Blind to investigate the feasibility of
filing a grievance under the Americans with Disabilities Act
against the Schwartzenegger Administration for not furnishing in
accessible formats materials distributed at meetings of state
entities.  No such materials were available, for example, for the
California Performance Review, the In-Home Supportive Services
Organization Plan, and Medi-Cal Redesign.  
     Resolution 2004-B-5 expresses the belief of the California
Council of the Blind that substantial and demonstrable benefits
are experienced by individuals classified as homemaker closures. 
The CCB, therefore, strongly urges the Department of
Rehabilitation to seek additional funds to serve persons for whom
homemaker training is appropriate.  The resolution will be sent
to the ACB national office for delivery to Joann Wilson,
Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Service Administration,
indicating the Council's grave concern regarding RSA's extreme
position on homemaker closures.  
     Resolution 2004-B-6 asserts that the California Council of
the Blind will recognize in an appropriate way the outstanding
work of Cingular Wireless in the effort to provide accessible
products and services for people who are blind and visually
impaired.  The CCB will also request that the American Council of
the Blind, Awards Committee, develop an award for corporations
which strive to enhance accessibility for blind and visually
impaired individuals. This resolution will be forwarded to ACB
affiliates in the hope that they will establish similar awards.  
     Resolution 2004-B-7 expresses the CCB's gratitude for the
assistance given by volunteers especially the Gardena and
Hawthorne Seventh Day Adventist Churches; Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints, provided through its Mission Office in
Santa Monica; Chi Alpha Delta Sorority; Los Angeles Southwest
Guide Dog Raisers; Troop 927 of the Boy Scouts of America; and
the Leadership School in Hollywood.  Their efforts helped
immeasurably in making the Fall 2004 Convention an outstanding
success. 
     Resolution 2004-B-8 expresses CCB's appreciation for the
hospitality of the staff and management of the LAX Airport
Marriott Hotel during the Fall 2004 Convention.  


       DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION, BLIND FIELD SERVICES:
                     EMERGING BEYOND INFANCY

                        by Richard Rueda

     With the passage of Senate Bill 105, the Department of
Rehabilitation launched Blind Field Services (BFS) July 1st,
2003.  To best meet the diversified needs of blind and visually
impaired Californians seeking specialized rehabilitation
services,  Blind Field Services has been busy putting in place
counseling staff, rehabilitation supervisors, a workable
strategic plan and staff training.  While transition from the old
rehabilitation style to caseload management within BFS is still
being evaluated, the goal to achieve a greater number of
successful competitively employed closures remains a top
priority.
     Specifically within BFS, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation
counselors (SVRCs) continue to serve blind consumers seeking
schooling and technology training for achieving employment, as
well as providing direct job placement services to encourage job
retention and returning to work.  Counselor teachers (CTs) work
directly with low vision and blind individuals requiring training
on how to regain independence through services that might include
learning braille, orientation and mobility, cooking and sewing. 
When a consumer's ultimate goal is employment-related but he/she
first requires services offered by the counselor teacher, the
counseling staff will share the case mutually.  In the past, if
the consumer was seeking both homemaker and vocational services,
the case would have to first be closed by one counselor and
reopened by the next.
     Changes to the service delivery of the counselor teacher
homemaker program are expected in the coming year as the
Department begins to reevaluate how to best allocate staffing and
funding to this increasingly successful program.  In May, 2004,
under the direction of the Deputy Director of Specialized 
services, a think-tank was established to review the counselor
teacher program.  Counselor teachers and supervisors appointed to
the think-tank are presently reviewing state and federal
homemaker regulations and sister programs in other states.  After
considerable review and group discussion, a revised proposed
policy on how homemaker cases should best be served and what
degree of support should funding be allocated will be issued and
adopted into Department policy.
     Currently, the DOR case service funds, earmarked initially
for vocational training and job placement, are also being used
for the administering of homemaker services.  The concern lies
with the fact that these case service dollars are not only being
stretched, but in turn are lowering the ranking of California's
overall outcome of successful competitive employment closures
when compared with other states.  At the close of the 2003-2004
fiscal year, California ranked 48th out of the 50 states in
putting persons with disabilities into competitive employment.
     Throughout the Department of Rehabilitation, changes have
been proposed with the recent layout of Governor Schwarzenegger's
California Performance Review (CPR).  It is too soon to determine
whether or not rehabilitation programs for blind consumers
currently being served under DOR will stay within the structure
or will be absorbed elsewhere.  The CPR seems to suggest that
rehabilitation services for the deaf and blind would remain in a
division enabled within the Department of Rehabilitation.  
However, the Department would likely become part of  a division
serving under a broader labor and work force department.  
Regardless of these looming proposals, it is clear that
rehabilitation services for the blind and visually impaired will
need to be continued and strengthened, improvements advocated for
by the council leadership, its membership, community agencies
serving the blind and the rehabilitation counselors own union
(AFSCME).
     In 1965, a similar division for rehabilitation services for
the blind in California lasted only five years before merging
back within the entire DOR in 1970.  In 2005, faced with a
greater budget deficit, trends in department mergers, counselor
retirements and leadership changeover, we must collectively be
unified and prepared to assert to our legislature and state
officials that rehabilitation services for blind Californians
cannot be compromised.  In order to maintain a workable budget,
the Department has spent the past year consolidating several of
its offices where counselors once served consumers in their home
communities.  Consequently, several counselors are now working
out of their homes part of the week, are out stationed at
One-stop and EDD centers and often doubled up in cubicles in much
smaller state offices.  Outside of the many compromises that come
with smaller counseling quarters, many of these new locations are
inaccessible to disabled consumers utilizing public
transportation.
     More than ever, it is important for California's blind
consumers to get to know their local Blind Field Services
vocational counselor and counselor teacher.  Inviting these
professionals to speak about Department updates and new office
locations is but the first step in holding rehabilitation
services to a high standard of prompt and efficient service
delivery.  Getting to know Blind Field Services representatives
and its available consumer services in local communities can make
a life changing difference and open a world of opportunity.  
     For every employment and homemaker success, there is often
an untold story.  With its effective advocacy, CCB significantly
aided in turning Blind Field Services into a living reality.  It
is, however, time now for those of us who have stories of success
to share them and a way of thanking the Department for making the
services available.  Contact must be made with the program
manager and/or state director to let them hear the accounts of
success.   
     To learn more about changes facing Blind Field Services or
to get contact information on a counselor who works with blind
consumers in your community, contact, Jim Armstrong, Program
Manager in Blind Field Services by phone at (916) 263-8954 and by
e-mail at jarmstro@dor.ca.gov.  The Department of Rehabilitation
also has a Web page at www.dor.ca.gov.
 

            SUMMARY OF TELECONFERENCE BOARD MEETING,
                        september 8, 2004

                 by Ardis Bazyn, CCB Secretary 

     Jeff Thom brought the meeting to order, and roll was taken. 
Rhonda King and Gene Lozano were absent. After Jeff read the
agenda, Peter Pardini gave a brief treasurer's report stating
that the total revenue received from January through September
was $241,499. The total expenses for that period were $285,383,
leaving us behind by $438.84. 
     Paul Merril told the board about the bids he'd received for
audio equipment and exactly what the difference was between the
bids.  Mitch Pomerantz made the motion, which passed, to approve
the purchase of the audio and sound equipment from the Guitar
Center for $5100.  Ardis Bazyn made the motion, which also
passed, to purchase two Plextalk machines from IRTI if that was
the cheapest place found.
     Peter Pardini talked about the 2002 audit.  Since CCB was
unable to substantiate the records of the vehicle donation
program, we could not substantiate the actual donations.  This
left our 2002 audit not fully cleared.  Peter also said he was
checking into other auditing firms for the 2003 audit.  He will
send out information about that bid as soon as possible.
     Jeff said he would send the board the prospective bids for
the 2005 fall convention from the Crown Plaza in L.A., a hotel in
Long Beach, and two facilities in San Diego.  The board will make
the decision at the 2004 fall convention Board meeting.
     Since the spring 2005 convention rate is $84 per night,
Mitch made a motion to subsidize all charges above $80.  The
motion passed.  
     Jeff said that the planned reception after the banquet would
be scrapped unless Ken Metz found something affordable the next
day.  Ken will be visiting the Marriott Hotel and will write a
description for the 2004 convention program.  Ahmad reported his
efforts in obtaining volunteers for the upcoming convention.
     Jeff gave an update on the CCB brochure and the video
project.  The brochure should be finished by early October.  He
has received two versions of the video, a 12-minute one without
audio description and a 15-minute one with description.  He will
ask Kevin Starr to give us a list of all the libraries so we can
circulate these videos and will also order a video copy for each
Board member.
     Ardis presented the Board with a fund-raising proposal from
ACB which will purchase thermometer key chains for affiliates
with the affiliate's name on them if an if that affiliate
purchases at least 250.  CCB would be charged $5 and would be
able to sell them for $10 each.  ACB will also make a small
amount in this project.  Mitch made a motion to purchase 250. 
The motion passed unanimously.
     Cathie Skivers moved that the Board should go into executive
session to discuss personnel matters and later moved that that
session should adjourn.  Both motions passed.  She announced that
Peggy Washington, a past CCB scholarship recipient, was recently
hired by the Department of Rehabilitation.  Also, Tony Lewis
received a promotion within the Department.  Mitch moved that the
meeting be adjourned; it passed.  


          REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE FOR THE SENIOR BLIND:
                       THE FUTURE IS OURS

                     by Bonnie Rennie, Chair

     We are wanted, More than a few seniors with vision loss, as
valued members of CCB!  That was the clear message stated by both
Jeff Thom and Paul Edwards in their speeches at the CCB fall
convention.  We in CCB know that having members in all age groups
and from diverse backgrounds is vital to the balance and growth
of our organization.  Yet, this writer greatly welcomed this
public recognition from our leaders that much of our movement's
future strength lies in how well we reach out to and inspire
visually impaired seniors to get involved.  There is much work to
do!    
     Our most recent convention program featured a fascinating
presentation from Karen Frimkess Wolff, an art history teacher
who offers a college-level class at the Braille Institute of
America in Los Angeles.  She drew word pictures to show us how
our sighted society can be influenced and persuaded by what art
is selected in the architecture of a bank or on TV commercials. 
It is her position that blind people have the same right to
access art that sighted people do and thus to be aware of how
others are being affected or influenced.  She provided tactile
and described examples from pieces of art from her class.  When
passing around the cup and saucer covered with fur, the power of
a piece of art to evoke a particular feeling and send a clear
message was effectively demonstrated.  The experience again
reminded this writer of the power and value of using art as one
way of reaching out to seniors.  Those in attendance probably all
got the idea that getting involved in the arts can be a great way
to enhance our quality of life and learn something new.
     We want to share something very positive that occurred after
some Compton chapter members gave a stirring and heart-warming
presentation at our spring convention program.  With poems,
humor, some well-timed words of encouragement and role-modeling,
the person in their skit decided to enroll in college.  Perhaps
this motivation carried into real life since one of the members
actually did realize her dream and signed up for college
recently.  Bravo for life-long learning!
     What will the future hold for our ability to interest,
recruit, and retain membership for seniors with vision loss in
CCB?  Will we pursue innovative or old-fashioned methods to make
this happen? Will more current CCB members, inside and outside
the committee we now call the Senior Blind Committee come forward
with energy and good ideas?  Stay tuned for some hopeful answers.


                          HER NEW LOVE

                         by Cecile Betz

     They always had a love-hate relationship.  When she first
heard about him, she did not want to get involved with him. 
Recently widowed and seventy years old, she enjoyed a busy life
and saw no need to include him.  She didn't think she needed him. 
     She saw him occasionally in her daughter's office.  As time
went by and her life became busier, more complex, he gradually,
insidiously, insinuated himself into her daily routine.  A few
years later, he moved into a room in her home.  He took over many
of her tasks, writing checks, balancing and reconciling her
checkbook, keeping the calendar of events up to date and
reminding her of each day's appointments.
     When her eyes failed, he read aloud to her and communicated
with her family and friends.  When she needed information, he
would consult his sources and find the answer, no matter how
complicated the question.  He was not perfect.   His grammar was
archaic and his spelling atrocious.   He could be extremely
exasperating when he refused to perform something she requested. 
No matter how she repeated her request, no matter how vehemently
she ordered that he do this or that task, if he decided not to do
it, there was no way she could persuade, cajole or coax him to do
so.  
     He used to sing a merry little tune when she touched him. 
One night he fell silent and would not respond to her efforts to
engage him in conversation.  He seemed dead.  Frantically, she
called the specialist in Dallas and described symptoms and
behavior.
     "Send him back to us immediately," he advised.  "Perhaps we
can revive him." 
     Slowly, carefully, she disconnected the wires and tubing
which gave him energy and sustenance.  The words "Alas, Poor
Yorrick, I knew him well," ran through her mind.  Carefully, she
lifted the heavy, inert body in her arms and placed him in the
padded box.  Wiping away a tear, she called the shipping company. 
She watched the truck carry him away.   How would she manage
without him?  He had become her friend, her helper, her constant
companion.  They had spent many hours together working in
complete harmony.  Yes, she finally admitted to herself, I do
love him.      
     Five days later he returned to her.  Again, he sang his
pretty little tune when she touched him and effortlessly did her
bidding.  How fortunate we were, she thought; in two weeks the 
warranty on my computer will expire!


          BARRIERS STILL CONFRONT SOME DISABLED VOTERS 

           by Trine Tsouderos, Tribune staff reporter 

     From the Chicago Tribune, Nov. 5, 2004;
http://www.chicagotribune.com:
     At his polling place on the Near South Side, Darrell Price,
who uses a wheelchair, was pleasantly surprised to find poll
workers helpful Tuesday--and the accessible voting booth working.
     "It was a totally different experience for me," said Price,
37, who had to crawl down a flight of steps during the spring
primary, only to find the booth he needed broken.
     "This is how it should go."
     But in Elmwood Park, Dawn Ramsey, who is visually impaired,
said she spent 30 minutes trying to convince a skeptical poll
worker that she needed her mother's help in the voting booth.
     "It was awful," said Ramsey, 26, who eventually was allowed
to cast her vote for John Kerry with her mother's help.
     The news Tuesday was good and bad for disability
organizations working on a national effort to get eligible
disabled voters registered and to the polls and to ensure that
those polls were accessible to all.
     Disabled voters turned out in record numbers but still
encountered barriers at polling places, although those problems
appeared to be fewer than in past elections, officials said.
     "It was greatly improved over the primary," said Karen Ward,
senior counsel for Chicago-based Equip for Equality, which helped
train election judges in Chicago and sent staffers to 300 polling
places Tuesday to monitor them for accessibility.
     "But," Ward said, "We should be further along than we are
now, in 2004."  With a goal of increasing turnout on Election Day
by 1 million new disabled voters, disability organizations across
the U.S. worked phone banks, sent out mailings, held rallies and
sponsored candidate forums.  In Illinois, which had a goal of
sending 10,000 new disabled voters to the polls, organizations
reached an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 disabled residents in
recent months, said Ann Ford, executive director of the Illinois
Network of Centers for Independent Living, who is spearheading
the state campaign.
     Just how many showed up won't be known for months as voter
data are analyzed, Ford said.  "We know they were there in large
numbers," she said, noting that 100 disabled residents showed up
for a party Tuesday night in Springfield to celebrate the act of
voting.  "There was this sense of excitement. There was this
sense of empowerment."
     Nationally, an estimated 400,000 new disabled voters were
registered, though hard data won't be available for several
months, said Jim Dickson, Vice President of Governmental Affairs
for the Washington-based American Association of People with
Disabilities, which is coordinating the national campaign.
     Anecdotally, Dickson said he heard--and witnessed
himself--reports of people finding fellow disabled voters waiting
in line at the polls.
     "That is something I have never heard or seen before," he
said. "So that's encouraging."
     The potential clout of the disabled, who polls say tend to
favor Democratic candidates, is apparent in the 2000, census,
which showed that 20 percent of the U.S. population has some form
of disability.
     Even so, the disabled are at least 15 percent less likely to
vote, according to a 1999 study for the Bureau of Economic
Research and other organizations.  In 2000 an estimated 42
percent of eligible disabled voters cast ballots in Illinois,
compared with 52.8 percent of all eligible voters, studies show.
     Advocates say one crucial turnoff is that polling places are
often inaccessible, an issue that has become a focus of the
disability organizations' campaign and one aided by an infusion
of federal money thanks to the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
     Federal and Illinois laws require polling places to be
accessible to the disabled except in emergencies or if a suitable
building isn't available.
     In Cook County, the clerk's office spent part of a $175,000
grant to improve access to polling sites, said Scott Burnham,
spokesman for Clerk David Orr.  The office offered training for
election judges, provided information for disabled voters and
bought 140 handicapped-parking signs, 29 ramps, 350 feet of mats
to smooth terrain for voters in wheelchairs and walkers, and 25
bells to get the attention of poll workers, he said.
     In Chicago, the Board of Election Commissioners set aside
and marked two parking spaces for disabled voters at all 1,865
polling sites, specially trained most of its 14,000 election
judges and installed ramps at 125 polling places, said spokesman
Tom Leach.
     Nationally, complaints about polling places swamped the
American Association of People With Disabilities' hot line,
Dickson said.  In one case, a Cleveland man with a nearly empty
oxygen tank wasn't allowed to go to the front of the line, he
said.  In another, disabled residents said they were refused
chairs to rest on while they waited to vote.  Other callers told
of poll workers saying they were too busy to deal with curbside
voting, a common way for the disabled to vote at inaccessible
polling sites.
     The campaign will continue to improve accessibility at the
polls and turn the stream of disabled voters into a flood,
Dickson said.


                     CCB AWARDS NOMINATIONS

                      by Catherine Skivers

     President Jeff Thom has combined the History and Awards
Committees beginning January 1, 2005.  Roger Petersen has been a
dedicated and able chair of the Awards Committee for several
years.  As the new chair of the combined History and Awards
Committee, I am thankful that he will continue to serve this
committee.
     CCB has many outstanding individuals as members.  We also
know a lot of people who are not members but who assist CCB and
help in the blindness community.  I feel certain that all of you
can bring to mind someone who is deserving of recognition and who
would qualify for one of the awards CCB presents each year at its
spring convention banquet.  It just takes a little time to sit
down and explain why someone should be selected for one of the
awards listed here.  Please help us recognize deserving
candidates and submit your nominations to the office by February
15th, 2005.  Address them to the attention of the Awards
Committee, California Council of the Blind, 578 B Street,
Hayward, CA 94541-5004.
     Candidates for the CCB Hall of Fame, the Community Service
Award, the CCB Distinguished Service Award, Legislator of the
Year Award, the Humanitarian Award, and the Merit Award may be
nominated by any member, chapter or affiliate.  The recipients of
the Publications Awards are selected by the Publications
Committee, and the Chapter of the Year Award is selected by the
Membership Committee.  
     For the CCB Hall of Fame, up to five persons per year who
have made significant contributions and sustained effort to
advance the goals of CCB, may be nominated.
     CCB Community Service Award is presented annually to a blind
or visually impaired individual who, through his/her association
and activities, has demonstrated integration into and interaction
with the life of the community.
     CCB Distinguished Service Award is given 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 Legislator of the Year Award is bestowed periodically on 
a state or federal legislator who has introduced and successfully
directed enactment of legislation in behalf of persons who are
blind or visually impaired.
     The Humanitarian Award is granted to an individual or
organization that has assisted blind people in general or CCB and
its affiliates in particular to an extraordinary degree.  The
recipient may be blind or sighted.  
     The CCB Merit Award, formerly the Certificate of Merit, is
given to any individual who provides outstanding volunteer
service to CCB, its chapters or affiliates.
     The Chapter of the Year Award is presented to the CCB
chapter that conducts a group effort to make a significant
difference in the life of an individual and/or the local
community.
     The CCB Publications Awards are granted by vote of the
Publications Committee to the person who has prepared the best
article of the year appearing in the "Blind Californian' or in
newspapers or periodicals.  There are two categories, an article
related to an issue of importance and an article concerning life
style.    
     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, Margaret Noah Nickerson, Leslie Schlingheide,
Mack Riley, Manuel Urena, John di Francesco, Catherine Skivers.
     Because we are in the process of transferring information
from one committee chair to another, we are not naming the
recipients of all the awards at this time.  After the spring
convention, we will list all those who have received CCB awards
through the years.  
     I know that you all have a lot to do, but it is great when
you can take the time to think about others, especially those who
have done a lot for blind and visually impaired people.  The
Awards Committee is looking forward to selecting recipients of
our prestigious Awards.  
     Current Committee members are: Roger Petersen, Gussie
Morgan, Bernice Kandarian, Joe Smith, and Catherine  Skivers,
Chair.  


                          NEVER GIVE UP

                        by Behnaz Soulati

     (Taken from the ICUB Bulletin, Spring, 2004.)
     My name is Behnaz Soulati, and I was born in the northwest
part of Iran, state of West Azerbaijan, in a town called Urumieh. 
I lived in Urumieh for the first 17 years of my life.  On January
31, 1987, during the Iran-Iraq war, my hometown was bombed in an
unexpected Iraqi air raid.  At the time, I was a senior in high
school, and I was at home when the attack came.  One bomb fell in
our yard, completely destroying our house.  The blast knocked me
unconscious and shards of glass from my shattered bedroom window
struck my eyes and resulted in my being blinded.  Hundreds of
people were killed or wounded during the raid.  I was fortunate
to survive.  My parents were away at work and were unhurt.  My
brother was away in Turkey.  
      A month after my doctors allowed me to move, my family and
I left Iran for more medical treatment and more opportunities. 
Leaving my country, my family and friends, was one of the most
difficult experiences of my life.  While saying goodbye to the
people who were important in my life, I wondered when I would
ever return to my homeland and join them.  I knew it was also
very difficult for my parents to leave their homeland, jobs,
family and friends; but I realized they were doing so to provide
me with a broader range of choices.
     After traveling to Turkey and then residing in England for
five months, we received our green cards and emigrated to the
United States in August, 1987.  When we moved to the United
States, I was a scared teenager uncertain of the future.  I was
sightless, had left my country and friends, did not know any
English, and was not familiar with American culture.  For the
first several months, I had believed that my blindness could be
cured.  I thought that with extensive medical treatment, I would
regain my sight.  I was not aware that I would never be able to
see again.  It was not until late in 1987 that I was told by a
doctor at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics that I had
been permanently blinded.
     In Iran, I had never met a successful or independent blind
person.  My image of a blind person was of someone who begged for
money at street corners.  I had never gone to school with a blind
person or known any blind person who had attended the same school
as the sighted.  I thought my life would come to an end if I
could never see.  After I was blinded, therefore, I wondered if I
could ever live independently, make friends and achieve my goal
of receiving higher education.  Little did I know that the Iowa
Department for the Blind in Des Moines has one of the best
orientation centers in the United States where the blind can
learn to lead normal and productive lives.
     I started training at the Department for the Blind in
January, 1988.  There I started making friends and learning
English with the help of the staff and other students.  I learned
to read and write braille, use a speech synthesizer, work with a
computer, travel confidently with a cane, sew, cook, and develop
alternative techniques to accomplish my everyday needs as a blind
person.
     I participated in social outings and hobbies like snow
skiing, bowling and water skiing.  I even made some furniture in
the Department's woodshop.  Most importantly, I learned that it
is okay to be blind and that, with a positive attitude, I could
overcome any obstacle in life.
     After I completed my training at the Department for the
Blind, I enrolled at the University of Iowa.  I received my
Bachelor of Arts in computer science and French with highest
distinction in 1993.   Just two years later, I received my
Master's Degree in French Literature.   During my graduate work,
I taught French at the University of Iowa as a teaching
assistant.  Upon earning my Master's Degree, I was selected by
the University's French Department to travel to France and
lecture and teach interpretation and translation to French
students at the University of Poitiers.
     While in France, I took the SAT, applied to the University
of Iowa, College of Law, and was admitted.  I began law school in
1996 and graduated in 1999 with distinction.  I was told that, as
a blind college student, I could not pursue a degree in computer
science.  I was told that I would not be able to travel abroad or
lecture at a foreign university.  I was told that graduating from
law school in three years would be impossible.  Through
perseverance and hard work and with the help and support of my 
family, friends, professors, and the Iowa Department for the
Blind, however, I achieved my goals.  
     All during these times, I was educating my professors,
classmates, other students and myself about blindness.  I had the
opportunity to clerk for Roxanne Conlin & Associates during my
second year at the College of Law.  All through graduation, I was
fortunate enough to clerk for the judges of Iowa's Seventh
Judicial District.  Since completing my judicial clerkship, I
have had the great opportunity and privilege to work as a
litigation associate with the Davis Law Firm.  During each period
of my life, I had to teach myself and others the different
methods necessary to accomplish my tasks.  In my day-to-day work
as an attorney, I use computers having synthesized speech, as
well as scanners, braille, and live readers to complete my work. 
Every day, I continue to discover new ways to accomplish tasks
more efficiently and easily.  
     I have learned a lot during these past few years; but most
of all, I have learned never to give up.  I am fortunate enough
to have moved to the United States where everyone has an equal
opportunity and can achieve any goal in life if he or she
persists.  


                     MY FIRST CCB CONVENTION

                         by Bill Tipton

     Before the last California Council of the Blind convention,
I had not spent the night away by myself since completely losing
my vision.  My focus had been on rehabilitation, learning to walk
again, and returning to work.  Now it was time for an adventure I
could not pass up!
     On the day I was to leave, I felt anxious and wanted to stay
home; but I walked out the door with my daypack and duffle bag,
and very soon my anxiety turned to excitement as I thought of all
the great things I would be able to experience.  When I arrived,
everything went smoothly; and I soon met with a couple of people
I knew and enjoyed lunch with them in the hotel's restaurant. 
The restaurant was really busy and crowded; but with help from a
friend, we made our way safely to a table where we all had a
delicious meal. 
     We began the afternoon by attending a technology workshop
which presented the latest on useful technology for the blind and
visually impaired.  Following the meeting, I returned to my room
with a little help from someone who directed me to the elevator. 
I was fortunate to be assigned a room only two doors away from
the elevator, but the challenge was making sure that I got off on
the correct floor.  Since I am new to blindness, none of my
techniques may be widely accepted as you may conclude later; but
I use what works best for me.   
     Following dinner I felt energized enough to venture out on
my own to find the board meeting.  This was my first attempt to
locate something in the hotel all by myself.  Once in the lobby,
I tried to strike up a conversation with others going to the same
meeting so I could follow them; but they either didn't hear me or
were too busy talking so that my approach didn't work.  Because I
walk slowly, I lost them after they made a couple of turns.  I
just kept walking until I heard more voices and found another
group heading to the board meeting.  This time, I was a bit
louder when asking for help.  Regardless of my luck in finding
this new group to follow, we all walked down wrong hallways and
into dead ends; however, we eventually found our way by helping
each other and by talking loud enough to hear one another as we
walked.  I found it interesting how we followed each other even
though we didn't know if our leader was going the right way.  I
pictured us looking like a school of fish switching directions
all at once and in an instant as we made our way along the halls. 
When I reached the board meeting on time, I was very proud that I
had made it all by myself--well, sort of. 
     During the board meeting, it became clear how the Council
politics work and how their work benefits so many people.  After
the meeting, I made my way back to my room starting  by following
voices and the sound of footsteps; but these clues were soon
obscured by loud music.  Suddenly, I heard nothing but music, and
I felt that I was really walking blind until I finally heard
other voices.  Leaving the blasting sound of the music and coming
upon those voices was like leaving a dark tunnel and coming into
daylight.  When you are walking and cannot hear, it's like
walking while being both blind and deaf, which is extremely
difficult.  Once I made it to an elevator, I felt safe.  This
time, though, the elevator didn't stop on my floor!  When the
doors opened and I heard a large group of people, I knew that I
had arrived back at the lobby. 
     In the morning after a delicious breakfast, I loaded up my
daypack with my lunch, braille note-taker and insulin and then
headed off to the lobby to start my day.  I met a friend who was
volunteering during the convention, and he guided me to my first
meeting.  What luck, I thought!  
     There were over 250 other people at the convention, and it
was the energy of those in attendance that I first noticed on the
morning of my second day.  The meetings were well attended, and
both the topics and presenters were interesting and varied. 
After each meeting, I would venture off into the hallways that
connected all the conference rooms, banquet rooms and exhibit
hall.  Walking around during the convention was an incredible
experience in itself, particularly with so many people using
canes, guide dogs, wheelchairs or a combination.  The first thing
I noticed was all the clicking and clattering noises of the canes
hitting one another as the people walked past each other.  As I
walked, I gently bounced off other people and banged my own long
white cane into oncoming canes.  Sadly, I even stepped on guide
dogs tails as their owners stopped in the hallway to talk with
one another.  I had never stepped on a guide dog's tail before,
but I quickly learned never to step all the way down once I felt
something under my foot. 
     At one point, my long cane got tangled around the leash of a
guide dog.  I tried to pull it out of the tangled mess and bumped
the dog owner in the nose with my hand.  He responded with a
quiet yell, "Oh no, not again; that is the second time I got
bumped in the nose!"  A volunteer quickly untangled us and the
person I bumped disappeared into the crowd before I had the
chance to offer an apology.  During another crowd experience, I
ran into gridlock and felt bodies all around me.  Luckily, a very
nice woman in an electric wheelchair came to my rescue and told
me to hold on to the back of her chair.  She managed to push us
through the crowd gently.  
     Keeping focused on all the new things I was learning helped
me look past any terror or nervousness the event was creating for
me.  I was determined to view every challenge as a great
opportunity to learn something valuable, and negotiating the
crowds gave me an appreciation for the amazing auditory adventure
I was experiencing.
     The evening's activities included the President's dinner,
which was the first large sit-down dinner that I have attended
since loosing my vision.  I entered the room not knowing where or
with whom I would sit.  I soon heard some familiar voices and met
people I knew to help me find an empty seat at their table. 
After the dinner, I went to additional meetings that lasted
through the evening.
     The next morning soon came and I had a great breakfast
before checking my duffle bag at the front desk; carrying  my day 
bag for the final day's adventures.  After receiving directions,
I maneuvered from the lobby's desk and towards the conference
rooms where vendors were demonstrating and selling access
equipment and other items of interest.  As I was standing just
outside the doorway to the that area, I could hear the loud roar
of people coming from within the room and knew that I was about
to enter another challenging situation.  Actually, I felt like a
kid trying to decide whether or not to jump from the high dive
into the swimming pool or turn around and walk back down the
ladder.  I decided to jump.  
     I found two people I knew at the first vendor table.  One
person was a fellow member of the local CCB chapter I belong to
and the other was a consultant I had talked with for some work I
was doing.  What a coincidence and a great opportunity to finally 
meet this person face to face.  I gave him my business card with
braille on it before venturing off to my next stop, which
included many human traffic jams and challenges.  Actually, at
times I wasn't sure if I was running into another crowd situation
or into the end of a hallway.  Even finding the tables was
challenging.
     My technique was to walk up to a group of people and say
"hello" and casually ask, "Is this a booth and what are you
selling?"  If it was just people standing around and talking, I
would simply say hello and move on.  Trying to exit the crowded
room entirely was equally difficult, but I used the same
technique and found the exit.  Despite my difficulty navigating
in that room, I actually went back several times for practice.  I
guess I am a glutton for punishment. 
     Between my last meeting of the day and the main banquet
dinner I had some time to kill.  Since I had already checked out
of my room, my options were limited.  I suddenly had the desire
for an espresso and figured I would take my chances and venture
out on my quest.  Using my proven but imperfect technique, I
started in the direction where I thought the lobby was located by
following voices and footsteps.  As usual, my slow pace resulted
in my losing the people I was trying to follow, which I figured
was okay since I really didn't know where I was going anyway.  
     I then headed for the sounds of clattering plates, figuring
this would bring me close to the restaurant or the bar that could
serve me my espresso.  I knew I was getting close when I heard
groups of people talking.  I was very close, but then I found a
small low wall obstructing my access to the bar area.  Again luck
prevailed when I ran into the bartender's girlfriend, who guided
me up some steps that had no handrails.  With my two canes, one
support cane and one long white cane, I was a bit unstable, but I
made it with her help and she guided me to a bar stool.  After
all that work, espresso wasn't available, and I had to settle for
ice coffee.  As I drank it and listened to the TV, I realized
that some visually impaired or blind people were sitting at the
next table, and I couldn't help wondering  how they got to their
table without help.  Perhaps they could see a little or they were
just good at being blind.  I realized that I'm not good at being
blind yet, but maybe some day I can walk around more easily. 
Once the time approached for me to leave the bar and find the
banquet, I headed toward the stairs without handrails.  I must
have looked very unstable because someone came to help me
negotiate the staircase.  Not having any idea where dinner was
taking place, I just started walking in the direction I thought
was the way.
     Eventually I ran into five  others who were also lost.  Once
we found the bartender setting up for the banquet's cocktail
hour, we knew we had made it!
     I found myself alone by the entrance to where the dinner was
going to be held and out of the blue someone I knew approached me
and then another person.  We were able to enter the room together
and find empty seats.  Guest speakers, awards and door prizes
were included as part of the evening's activities and kept things
interesting and exciting.   
     After everything ended, I packed up my belongings and headed
for the lobby.  Since I was running late to catch my ride and
knowing my track record for getting lost a few times along the
way, I accepted help finding the lobby quickly from a person who
was sitting next to me during dinner.  I picked up my checked bag
and sat in a chair to wait for my ride.  How excited and proud I
was of myself for taking this giant leap and trying everything
rather than taking the easy way out by staying in my room or at
home!  I was anxious to return home to share my excitement and
experiences with my wife Kathy.  I also really missed our four
cats (but don't tell Kathy).


                         BULLETIN BOARD

                     compiled by Keith Black

     Each section of "Bulletin Board" will be terminated by a
line of asterisks.  After the first item from a magazine is
listed, subsequent items will be marked with a single asterisk at
the beginning of the paragraph.
     Guide Dog Camp Committee announces that the next session
will again be held at Camp Wawona in Yosemite National Park,
Sunday, May 8, through Thursday, May 12, 2005.     
     Conducted by professionals, this 3-day intensive session
will include evaluation of the guide dog team and recommendations
for postgraduate training to meet individualized goals and
objectives using group and individualized guidance.  In addition,
seminars will deal with common interests of handlers as well as
others considering relinquishing the cane.  
     Among other program offerings are: country walking,
obedience and control, and health and care of the guide dog.
This session may be of interest to you if you are considering
choice of a school, applying for a successor dog, and reapplying
following rejection.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 
The camp is 6 miles inside the South Gate of Yosemite National
Park at the elevation of 4,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains.  It borders the Wilderness Area and the Merced River,
source of the great Yosemite Falls.  Cabins are weatherized, and
each contains kitchen facilities and a full bathroom.  Camp
Wawona is owned and managed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church;
all rules and regulations must be adhered to by campers.
A deposit of $50 for individuals and $100 for schools and
organizations is required are due before April 1,
2005, and when accepted assure a place at camp.  Our session is
limited to 36 campers.  Accepted deposits are NOT refundable, and
will be applied to the Campership program if not used by the
depositor.  For additional information, call Joe Ring, Camp
Coordinator, (559) 439-4457 between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., Pacific
time, weekdays only.     

*****          *****          *****          *****          
     Dr. Abraham Nemeth is continuing his work developing the
Universal Braille System, a unification effort that requires far
fewer changes in the codes we now know and avoids the
difficulties which most math and technical individuals object to
with the UEBC.  The National Braille Association has formed a
committee to assist Dr. Nemeth, helping to fund his effort and
prepare transcriptions in the system.  Persons interested in this
approach to braille can write to Dr. Nemeth in braille at 24111
Civic Center Drive, Apartment 400, Southfield, MI 48034.  Letters
of support and monetary contributions can be sent to Angela
Cofaro, National Braille Association, 1290 University Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14607.  Preserving braille as we know it depends on
all of us.  
*****          *****           *****          *****
     What's Cookin'? "Our Favorite Recipes" is a collection of
over 200 mouth-watering recipes compiled by members of the East
Bay Center for the Blind.  The book is available in braille (2
volumes with easy wipe-off covers) or large print for a donation
of $25.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling.  It's a great holiday
gift.  To order a copy, please send check or money order in the
amount of $28.00 to: The East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928
Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.  For further information, call 

us at 510-843-6935.

*****           *****           *****          *****        *****
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, October, 2004: Pet
Insurance.  In response to a question from a ZIEGLER
reader about medical insurance for guide dogs, Special Notices
staff contacted the American Veterinary Medical Association. 
Jean Spears of the AVMA said her group endorses the concept of
pet
insurance but does not endorse any particular plan.  She provided
contact information for two national companies that have both
been in business for about 20 years:  1. Veterinary Pet Insurance
(VPI), 4175 E. La Palma Ave. #100, Anaheim, CA 92807;
800-8727387.  VPI
also underwrites Pet Plan Ltd. in Canada for Canadian residents: 
800-107-0204.  2. Petshealth Insurance Agency Inc., P.O. Box
35215, Canton, OH 44735; 800-799-5852.  
   * Volunteers of Vacaville (VOV), an organization within the
California Medical Facility State Prison, offers free
transcription of books onto tape.  VOV also repairs Perkins
braillers for a cleaning and lubricating fee of $25.00, plus
parts at 10% above cost.  
     The volunteers clean, check and gauge donated eyeglasses for
distribution to needy individuals overseas (through the Lions In
Sight Foundation).  They also service tape players for the
California State Library.  
     Since VOV began in 1960, this nonprofit organization has
provided a range of services to visually impaired people. 
Contact Michael Grossjan, Program Director, P.O. Box 670,
Vacaville, CA 95696-0670, or send E-mail to
vovacaville@yahoo.com.  

*****          *****          *****          *****          *****
     From Dialogue Magazine, Summer, 2004: Street Talk is a new
program that runs on Freedom Scientific's PAC Mate.  It uses an
off-the-shelf mapping database called Destinator, allowing the
user to plan travel routes.  
     Also, available from Freedom Scientific is its newest DAISY
book reader software for the PAC Mate.  FS Reader can handle both
text and audio DAISY books.  It and Street Talk sell for $79.95
each.  For more information, contact Freedom Scientific at
800-444-4443 or visit www.pacmategear.com for information about
these and other PAC Mate products.  
    *While Dialogue generally seeks to offer its readers
information about the latest technology and newest products, an
occasional look at the old is sometimes in order.  The latest and
greatest isn't always the best, as you may have discovered.  Now
you can find 474 downloads that are various versions of 51
programs.  Each program includes a brief description of its
features and functions.  So, when you're disenchanted with the
newest offering from some off-the-shelf software company and you
no longer have the CD or disks that would let you return to your
old version, visit www.OldVersion.com and download any older
version of these programs for free.  
    *Blue Rose Videos has more than 150 described videos for
rent.  Videos are mailed to you, and you return them by mail when
you're done.  Each rental costs $3.22.  For more information,
write to Blue Rose Videos, 397 Holly Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903;
415-492-1885; e-mail info@bluerosevideos.com.   
   *Optelec USA, Inc. announces the introduction of the Compact,
a handheld electronic magnifier, which the company claims was
designed for those with macular degeneration and similar eye
conditions.  It weighs 10 ounces and is the size of a PDA.  It
magnifies up to 8x on a four-color screen.  Unlike handheld
magnifiers which decrease the size of the usable viewing area as
magnification increases, Compact features a full VGA screen
resolution.  In addition, the user can choose to view magnified
material in color, black and white, blue and yellow, black and
yellow, and their reverse modes, addressing the specific needs of
various eye conditions.  Compact includes a 2-hour rechargeable
battery and a protective carrying case.  For more information or
to learn the name and location of an Optelec dealer near you,
call 800-828-1056 or visit www.optelec.com on the Internet.  


                  FROM THE CAPITOL: CALIFORNIA 
                      LEGISLATION IN BRIEF

         by Dan Kysor, Director of Governmental Affairs 

     It has been a while since I last wrote in the BC.  While I
sit here, smells of Thanksgiving turkey permeate the cold, crisp
air.  A new family member has joined us, Daytona, a beautiful
black Labrador retriever my wife received from Guide Dogs for the
Blind.  As we look forward to anew year, we hope that you have
much success in the months to come.
     With legislation we had a true mixed bag of outcomes last
year as CCB introduced several pieces of legislation and, of
course, monitored many issues.  To get an idea of what is ahead,
let's look back through 2004.
     Top on our agenda in 2003-04 was our continued efforts at
educational reform with the introduction of AB 662 by Assembly
Member John Dutra (D, Fremont).  The bill would have created a
continuing task force of teachers, parents, pupils, and other
stakeholders to advise the Superintendent of Public Instruction
on the state of special education in the blind and visually
impaired program, K through 12.  The bill included intent
language that the legislature recognizes the importance of some
special arrangements for pupils who are blind and visually
impaired.  It offered descriptive video as a learning tool and
stipulated that producers of testing materials must furnish them
in accessible formats.
     The Governor vetoed the legislation stating that he would
not sign it because, if the Department of Education didn't enact
prior recommendations of the original task force on which the
bill was predicated, the Department would not enact this
legislation either.  We plan on introducing a stronger version of 
the bill this year.
     A significant change to guide dog access occurred with the
passage of our Safe Travel Act of 2004 authored by Fran Pavley
(D. Tapanga Canyon).  AB 1801 (chapter 322) strengthens penal
codes relative to guide, signal, and service dog protection in
two areas.  It increases the fine for dog owners who allow their
dogs to attack a guide, signal, or service dog and imposes
stronger misdemeanor violation for individuals who show reckless
disregard in the control of their dog causing injury or death to
the guide, signal, or service dog.  The fine is increased from
$5,000 to $10,000.  The law creates the term "mobility aid,"
defined as a white cane, wheelchair, or walker, and imposes
penalties and fines of not more than one year in the county jail
and a maximum fine of $2500 for intentionally or negligently
interfering with a mobility aid or with a guide, signal, or
service dog.  An eleventh hour addition to the bill by Senator
Burton (D. San Francisco) added important language    mandating
that the Defendant must pay restitution costs before paying fines
to the court.
     The massive unemployment rate of potentially eligible
working age blind and visually impaired Californians prompted CCB
to seek legislation providing an incentive for employers to hire
people with disabilities.  Assembly member Patricia Bates (R.
Southern Orange County) introduced AB 2325 which would have given
employers a tax credit to mitigate the high rate of unemployment. 
The tax credit would not exceed $3,000 the first year and $2,000
the second to offset salary and/or reasonable accommodation
expenses incurred.  Employees would have to supply documentation
in support of their claim of disability.  Unfortunately, the
legislature agreed not to allow any tax credit bills to pass this
year because of the budget crisis.  CCB will work hard to
reintroduce this important bill.
     A bill to modify the program that provides free adapted
telephones and other equipment for people with disabilities
(California Telephone Access Program CTAP) was introduced by
Assembly member Lois Wolk, AB 1981.  The bill would add to the
program accessible cellular telephones for persons who are blind
or visually impaired and blackberry type text messaging equipment
for deaf and hard of hearing persons drawing upon an existing
special surtax fund. 
The bill died in committee, but we will work hard to resolve
outstanding issues between the chair and the Public Utilities
Commission.  An important issue that looms before the CTAP and
the California Relay Service for the Deaf will see the expiration
the expiration of its funding in 2006; we need to make sure that
these important programs are continued.
     For several years now, CCB has been dealing with some large
store chains, including Safeway and Trader Joe's, working with
the American Foundation for the Blind and the American Council of
the Blind to ensure that point of sale devices are accessible. 
The National Federation of the Blind of California sponsored AB
2312 by Assembly Member John Dutra, (D. Fremont) which was signed
into law.  The bill requires that when a point of sale device is
added or replaced and has video instructions, a tactile keypad be
added.  Manufacturers must comply with a tactual discernable
keypad by 2010.  As we continue to work with these stores, we are
striving for prompt compliance and more complete access to video
displays.
      We are pleased with the defeat of SB 74 by Senator Tom
Torlakson.  It would have required that 50 percent of all
products dispensed in vending machines on state property be
nutritious.  This requirement would have impacted negatively on
the incomes of vendors in the Business Enterprise Program, (BEP.)
     Two bills which were vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger serve
as a measure of things to come.  AB 1707, by Ellen Corbett (D.
San Leandro) was one of them.  It specified that trainers of
guide, signal, and service animals could take the dogs, for
purposes of training, into specified places to which disabled
persons must have access.  It would have made technical changes
in the "Disabled Persons Act" Sec. 55, bringing it in line with 
the Unruh Act by equalizing the $5,000 penalty for
discrimination.  SB 1760 by Don Perata (D. Oakland),  Sovereign
Immunity Waver,  would have prohibited any agency or local
government from being immune from suits under the ADA.  In view
of Supreme Court decisions, this bill was important, and its
failure is regrettable.  
     Finally, it is important to talk about a proposed plan to
reorganize California government.  You have most likely heard of
the California Performance Review or CPR, but what most people
don't know is that, as of this writing, Governor Schwarzenegger
does not know or back the plan since it has not been presented to
his administration yet.  Over 275 state employees drafted the
original 2500-page document; and there has been much controversy
regarding the proposal, not only from advocates but from the CPR
commissioners themselves.
     The final commission report relative to Health and Human
Services indicates that reorganizations should not occur until
"Medi-Cal Redesign" has been accomplished.  This is a plan to
place Medi-Cal in managed health type coverage.  Many health
advocates worry about managed health's ability to accommodate
persons with disabilities.  
     In closing, as Proposition 1-A was passed by California
voters to protect local governments from being raided by the
state,  the budget deficit will now increase over last year.  
     I need your help now more than ever to watch over the hard
won programs and services we rely upon.  We need every chapter to
have a governmental affairs person or persons to keep in touch
with me and to be called upon when needed.  Please let me know
the details about your chapter by e-mail or phone,  and as
always, a profound and heartfelt thanks for all who assisted in
our many victories over the last two years.


                    NEW BABY AND HIS PARENTS

                         by Julie Patel 

     (Taken from The San Jose Mercury News, December 6, 2004)
     Like any new father, Marco Zepeda was nervous changing his
newborn's diaper for the first time.  His hands shook.  He
fumbled with the sticky seals and sealed one side more snugly
than the other.
     But he never imagined that would propel child protection
officials to consider taking custody of his baby.
     "I felt uncomfortable and nervous.  I never changed his
diaper before and I had all these people watching me," he said
Sunday.
     Zepeda and his wife are blind, and they believe that's why
they were targeted by employees of Sequoia Hospital in Redwood
City and San Mateo County social workers.  Officials from the
hospital didn't return calls, and county officials declined to
comment on the specifics of the couple's situation but said the
process the couple went through was common.
     That's not so, say activists for the blind.  "This day and
age, we only see cases like this in remote parts of the country,"
said Chris Gray, President of the American Council of the Blind,
based in Washington, D.C.  "We don't see cases like this in the
Bay Area.  This is shocking."
     After their son, Rivaldo, was born Friday morning, Marco and
Adelina Zepeda asked a nurse for information about services
available to help them parent.  They told her most parents can
see if their child is getting jaundice, but they can't and asked
her for suggestions.
     That's when the nurse started asking them questions about
their ability to parent, Marco Zepeda said; and hospital
officials contacted San Mateo County Child Protective Services. 
Later that day, officials from both agencies asked him to
demonstrate that he could change the baby's diaper.
     CPS officials then asked him to sign a form that could allow
the county to take custody of the child temporarily.  Zepeda said
he was told he and his wife would have to go to court if they did
not sign.
     Zepeda, who had been up with his wife for two days while she
was in labor, signed it.  Social workers read him the form in
English and didn't provide it in Spanish, his primary language,
or in braille.
     The couple said the documents they signed make no mention of
the diaper test and simply state the baby, who is not blind,
could be taken away for the child's "health and safety."
     Discrimination alleged.  "Activists believe the couple's
civil rights were violated," Gray said."  They have no evidence,
no reason to question Marco and Adelina's ability to parent,
other than their blindness. That's blatant discrimination. They
were doing exactly what they were supposed to as new parents:
asking questions, getting information," he added.
     The couple live in a studio apartment in a Redwood City
high-rise along Caltrain's tracks.  Adelina Zepeda is taking
classes at West Valley College in Saratoga to become a court
reporter, and her husband sells beverages for area soccer
leagues.  They get around mostly by bus and occasionally hop on
the train near their home.
     They do what it takes to be self-sufficient.  For instance,
they glue protruding knobs to their microwave to help them find
the different buttons.  They tape Braille labels on spice
bottles.  In the same way, they prepared for having a baby by
joining an e-mail
listserv for blind parents.  Instead of using a screen, their
computer talks them through their latest e-mails from friends
around the world with tips on parenting when you're blind.  They
bought a talking thermometer and plan to buy a child harness and
a pair of Pip Squeaker shoes, which squeak with each step.
     After activists heard about the family's troubles through
the listserv, they met with CPS and hospital officials Saturday. 
County officials agreed to allow the couple to take the baby home
for the weekend if someone who could see spent every other hour
with the baby.  The couple's apartment manager, Carlene Burton,
checked on the baby along with Marco Zepeda's uncle and other
relatives.
     San Mateo County Human Services Director, Maureen Borland,
said the fact that the couple has relatives in the area should
help their case.  She said the couple will meet with social
workers, relatives and community service groups to develop a plan
for caretaking this week.  If that fails and county employees
believe the parents can't care for the baby, they may have to
settle the question in court.
     Borland said foster care is the last resort. "We always try
to see that the parents keep the child," she said.  At the same
time, we always keep in mind that the child has to be safe."  
The Zepedas hope to convince county and hospital social workers
of just that this week.  "There's already so much stress as a new
parent, this is all just adding to it," Adelina Zepeda said as
the couple prepared to catch their first stretch of uninterrupted
sleep in four days.


               JAPAN DIARY, OCT. 7-15,2004, Part 1

                      by Toni and Ed Eames

     It seemed hardly possible, but here we were flying over huge
expanses of the Pacific Ocean on our way to Tokyo.  When Moto
Arima, CEO of Japan Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, extended an
invitation to participate in the first Japan Assistance Dog
Partner Conference, we couldn't say no.  At last year's IAADP
conference in British Columbia, four IAADP Board members received
the funds to make this fantasy trip a reality!   A conference was
planned where we would exchange ideas with Japanese assistance
dog partners about the assistance dog movement.  Since IAADP is a
consumer advocacy organization with more than 2,000 disabled
members working with guide, hearing and service dogs, Moto felt
we would be in a good position to meet with political leaders and
government officials, in addition to Japanese partners.
     On Thursday, Oct. 7, a friend Debbie Prieto drove IAADP
Board Member Devon Wilkins, who had been visiting in Fresno for
the past three days, and us  to the Fresno airport where we ate
breakfast after checking in for our international flight.  On the
30 passenger plane to Los Angeles, we and the three guide dogs
were accommodated at the bench row at the back of the plane. 
Melinda, an American Airlines special passenger agent, met us and
cheerfully got us through the system.   She was terrific and
directed us out to a grass area where the three dogs relieved
themselves.  They seemed to anticipate not having another
opportunity to relieve during the forthcoming 12-hour flight.
     We had used our frequent flyer miles to upgrade to business
class and the American Airlines agent was able to upgrade Devon
at no charge.  The seats in business class were comfortable and
there was lots of room for the dogs in front of us without
cramping our space.  Andrea, the American Airlines flight
attendant who took over our care and comfort, was a dog owner and
lover.  As the dogs settled in at our feet in the ample space
provided, the three of us continued speculating about the
upcoming conference and our time in Japan.
     The dogs slept most of the time during the flight, waking
periodically when offered ice cubes to slake their thirst.
     Encased in warm blankets with large pillows and seats that
went way back, we rested during most of the trip and didn't do
the amount of reading we had thought we would.  With the 16-hour
time difference, we took off from L.A. on Thursday, but landed in
Tokyo on Friday!  The flight had taken a
northern route over Seattle, Vancouver, Alaska, Russia and the
Alutian Islands.
     At Narita Airport, we quickly cleared immigration and headed
to the quarantine office to have the dogs examined and our papers
checked.  We had health certificates with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture stamp of approval on them.  The quarantine
veterinarian, who had been faxed our official papers, examined
the dogs.  He got a faceful of kisses from Latrell and had a hard
time listening to his heart!  In contrast, Devon's yellow
Labrador Oak and Keebler took the examination with equanimity.
     As we left the quarantine area to take the dogs out for
relief, a barrage of flash bulbs and flood lights greeted us. 
Moto had arranged for the Tokyo press corps to meet us and have a
formal press conference.  Two of our fellow conference
participants, Jill Exposito of Kansas, partnered with hearing dog
Uriah, and Janice Justice of Portland, partnered with hearing dog
Cajun, with her friend Lisa Gillis had arrived just a few minutes
before us.  The last member of our group, Allen Parton and his
wife Sandra, arrived earlier from London and came back to the
airport to join us for the publicity.  Because of British
restrictions, Allen was unable to bring Endal, his Labrador
Retriever service dog, with him.
      Moto's assistant Mayumi, who accompanied us during the
entire trip, met us and escorted us to a grass area outside the
terminal.  Returning to the building after a well-deserved canine
relief break, we all went upstairs to a room and proceeded with
the press conference.  After 90 minutes of answering questions
and posing for photos, we boarded a shuttle bus and headed for
the hotel, which was just a few minutes away.
     That evening, over a light supper, the group got acquainted
and began to meld into a cohesive force.  Fortunately, the eight
of us got along well and enjoyed each other's company throughout
the week.  The four IAADP board members knew one another, but
Janice and Allen were strangers who quickly became friends and
co-participants in a mission spreading the word about assistance
dogs in the United States, Canada, and England.
     Exploring the buffet breakfast at the Narita Holiday Inn the
next morning, we settled on misu, soup, rice gruel and Danish. 
We found the eggs too squishy, the bacon underdone and many of
the other items in the so-called American breakfast not to our
liking.  In fact, all three of the hotels we stayed in had
exactly the same dishes for breakfast.  Ed came to the conclusion
that all buffet chefs in Japan went to the same cooking school
because the breakfasts were interchangeable.
     Following breakfast, we all piled into a micro-bus seating
15 passengers to drive from Tokyo to Matsumoto, the venue of the
conference.  Allen, a paraplegic in a wheelchair, was able to use
the rear  lift to get into the back of the bus.  This micro bus
was built to accommodate tiny Japanese people, and the seats were
small and tightly packed together.  Unfortunately, the weather
turned miserable with the onset of a typhoon, and the usual 5-
hour drive took six hours with heavy rain accompanying us as we
traveled the 300 kilometers.
     The Buena Vista Hotel was large, but the guest rooms were
small.  The feature we loved best about each hotel was the bidet
built into each toilet.  How lovely to give your bottom a warm
bath!  The public toilets were always clean and had soap, but
never had paper towels.  Apparently, women carry cloths in their
purses for hand drying.  Another fascinating thing about many
public toilets was a flushing machine.  
     Each guest room had an electric kettle kept hot at all times
for tea breaks.  Coffee pots were not available, and hotel coffee
was so strong that we mostly drank tea throughout the week. 
After a very short rest, we met with three members of the
Matsumoto Lions Club.  The men spoke very little English so the
woman did most of the translation.  One of the men was an
ophthalmologist who studied in England 40 years ago, but had
forgotten most of the language.  We had an outstanding meal at a
Chinese restaurant where we were seated in a small room and
weren't, therefore, distracted by noise or music.  Each course
was served in a small bowl, so if we didn't like something, it
wasn't mingled with other food on the plate.  Ed used his many
talents and ate with chop sticks; but this evening, like many
other experiences throughout the week, was somewhat strained
because of the language barrier.  The Japanese people are polite
and reticent, so conversations do not flow with active exchange
of ideas.  Following this lengthy meal and exhausted from the
long drive, we fell into the very low bed and didn't move until
the alarm woke us.
     Sunday, Oct. 10:  After another unsatisfactory breakfast, we
had another extensive press conference at the hotel.  Cajun,
Janice's hearing dog, performed for the media.  Several years
previously, he was runner up in the Bayer Animal Health singing
dog contest.  When Janice hums quietly with him on her lap, he
begins to quietly vocalize, getting louder and louder until he is
almost howling.  Toni's second guide dog Flicka did this long
before these singing dog contests were held.
     We were then driven to a 100-year-old conference center
where we lunched with three Japanese partners.  This was probably
the best personal exchange we had.  Several questions were put to
us, but we didn't learn much about the Japanese system.
     In the afternoon, the six of us met with 100 Japanese school
children who listened to our stories about how our dogs improve
our lives and make things easier for us.  The kids asked
intelligent questions and, after Cajun sang for the audience, Ed
walked across the stage demonstrating what a guide dog does. 
Apparently, Ed was being extremely casual and not following close
to his dog and he came perilously close to the edge of the stage. 
Allen said he was ready to jump out of his wheelchair to catch Ed
when he fell, but luck was with Ed and the demonstration went
well.  Jill showed the students some of Uriah's hearing dog
skills.
     After returning to the hotel, we took a walk to the
equivalent of a dollar store, called a 100 yen store.  Toni
bought hair clips and a few souvenirs.
     That night, we returned to the Chinese restaurant for
another excellent meal.  Moto, Mayumi, Devon, Allen and the two
of us were joined by several Japanese people, among them a nurse,
several Lions Club members, and a few assistance dog partners. 
There was a young Englishman in the group who translated for us,
but communication was limited.  
     Monday, Oct. 11: start of conference day at the Matsumoto
Opera House, a brand new facility.  Our group stayed in a
comfortable room with a TV monitor, so we would know what was
happening on stage.  Miki, a professor,  was our translator for
the next three days.  
     The morning session consisted mostly of introductory
comments from politicians.  Ed, representing IAADP, gave a
10-minute speech.  The keynote speech in Japanese was given by a
man involved with the equivalent of our independent living
concept.  Back in our dressing room, we were given tea, water,
chocolates, fruit and Japanese treats such as rice balls.  Lunch
featured a choice of pre-made sandwiches or a Japanese boxed
meal.  
     Participating in an assistance dog parade in the afternoon,
we were again met by mass media.  In addition to Keebler,
Latrell, Oak, Uriah and Cajun, many disabled Japanese people
walked with their guide, hearing, and service dogs.  Many
townspeople joined the festivities with pet dogs.  The weather
was great and the crowd controlled.  The parade was fun but not
without stress.  Eddo, as Moto called him, was the leader of the
pack.  Keebler was supposed to follow Allen in his wheelchair;
but since we were all moving very slowly, Keebler kept wanting to
forge ahead.
     Part of our home quarantine regulations was the prohibition
for us or our dogs to come in contact with Japanese dogs.  When,
therefore, the canines came within sniffing distance of one
another, the veterinarian who accompanied the parade got very
nervous.
     (Part 2 of this article will appear in the spring issue of
The Blind Californian.) 


                    MY LIFE IN A NURSING HOME

                       by Gayle Sabonaitis

     (From Hour Glass, the  publication of the Alliance on Aging
and Vision Loss, a special interest affiliate of the American
Council of the Blind.)
     The day I moved into St Mary's Health-Care Center was a
tearful experience for me, my family, and even my doctor.  I was
frightened at what life might be like here; but within a few
weeks, I was laughing my head off.  The staff are very nice.
     In my room, though, storage space is very limited.  I do
have a desk on which to do my clerical work and writing.  I'm a
braille reader and writer but cannot use a typewriter any longer
because of neuropathy.  The limited storage space has caused me
to restrict my braille magazine subscriptions to only four. 
     Because of that neuropathy, I have to use a wheelchair.  The
nurse aides assist me in all the daily activities of living as I
get in and out of the wheelchair; but activities with my hands I
can do for myself.
     Since I am deaf-blind, only about a dozen staff members know
how to effectively communicate with me.  At first it was very
hard to teach them, but now several of them understand our
communication signals.  For instance, they now show me the
thermometer before they signal to take my temperature.
I had, however, to demonstrate to them that I could use my hands
to brush my hair, brush my teeth, bathe myself, and wheel myself
around the facility independently by knowing some landmarks. 
There is a sign on my room door with my name and room number on
it in print and braille.  Every two months, an aide wheels me
upstairs to the beauty shop for a haircut.  The cost is nominal,
so I can afford it.           
     St. Mary's, being a Catholic facility, holds Rosary prayers
four times a week and Mass twice a week.  I'm glad that I can
attend these services here because before I came, I was unable to
get out to go to church, something that is very meaningful to me.
Another activity I like is making rosaries for a poor mission in
Haiti.       
     St Mary's had a newsletter, but nobody wanted to produce it,
so I volunteered.  Because of my various limitations, I realized
that I needed assistance, and that assistance comes to me via my
caseworker who works for a non-profit agency which helps nursing
home residents be as active as possible.  She co-edits the
newsletter with me.  It comes out every two months.  I have my
own column called "Words Of Wisdom."       
     A big problem in nursing homes is the apathy of the
residents because many of them are negative in their thinking. 
They don't reach out to others for little things; for example,
there are volunteers here who will read to residents but are
seldom asked to do so.  There is a tape recorder available for
residents to send voice messages to family and friends, but it's
not used.  I try to set a good example for them; but they don't
realize that, if I can do it, they certainly could also. 
Although there are many things I can no longer do, I do the best
I can with what I still have.


                      THE GRAND OLD DUCHESS

                         by Keith Black

     This lady has been around a long time, but she's still here
and still going strong!  We know her by the name of Braille;
perhaps we could refer to her as Dottie Braille to give her a
personal touch.  The first member of her family we know of was an
ancestor named Louis, who lived in France  about two hundred
years ago.  He had some trouble with his eyes as a kid and lost
all his vision.  But later, instead of giving up, he figured out
a code of feelable dots that made it possible for blind people to
read and write, and his idea has been identified with the family
name ever since.
     Branches of the family (or, rather, versions of that code)
appeared in various countries around the world, but these
relatives or versions have met with varying degrees of
acceptance.  The lady, as we know her, had some serious rivals in
this country during her youth; but, with the help of the U.S.
government, she emerged by around 1935 in sole possession of the
field.  She was wildly popular in those years, and her admirers
grew up depending on her help in many ways.
     The Duchess had very strict rules about her code, and,
though it was pretty complicated, we learned to understand it and
took it for granted.  Things went along smoothly for about 20
years, and then she got involved with a fellow named Nemeth, who
had his own ideas about codes.  The Duchess gradually allowed
Nemeth to handle special things like math and science, but she
insisted on maintaining control of ordinary literature.  
     Soon, however, people started complaining about the effort
and tedium of reading and writing the Braille code and began
boosting the idea of recording everything instead of writing the
code.  Our lady was still there, but she was getting less and
less attention.
     By the 1980's, she seemed really unpopular, and we were
worried about her.
     As if that weren't enough trouble, some people got the
notion of changing the code that had served so well for quite a
few years.  Now, not all of us agreed with this idea, and we
rallied around the Duchess to help her keep the code the same. 
The critics said she was old fashioned and out of step with new
equipment and usage.  In fact, they got together and formed
committees to figure out how to force her to shape up and
modernize.  They enlisted the help of people in places like
Canada and Australia in an effort to get our lady to change her
ways.  It didn't work, though, and most of us are feeling good
about helping the Duchess stick to her guns on this matter.
    Nowadays, the lady is often confined to a refreshable-display
chair, but for most of us that doesn't dampen our enthusiasm or
diminish her usefulness.  It may be that she has less influence
and control than she had in her youth; but our lady is going to
keep on keeping on, at least for a while in spite of the critics
and the new-fangled equipment.  There are still many of us who
believe in her and the code that has stood the test of time. 
She's not ready for the retirement home just yet.



                                CCB OFFICERS

       (Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who
updates and corrects the list of CCB officers and board members,
including the number of the term each is presently serving, the
year elected to that term and the year next up for election. 
Terms actually begin on January 1 following election.  We shall
publish the list this way at least in issues just preceding and
following elections and routinely if members wish.  The presence
of an asterisk means that the individual served a partial term
before the first full term.)  

President, Jeff Thom (04-06, 2nd term)
     7414 Mooncrest Way
     Sacramento, CA 95831
     916 995-39     67 
     jsthom@comcast.net
1st Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz (04-06, 2nd term)
     1115 Cordova Street, #402
     Pasadena, CA 91106
     626 844-4388 H
     213 847-9124 W  
     MPomerantz@mailbox.lacity.org
2nd Vice President, Ken Metz (03-05, 2nd term)
     1965 South Sherbourne Drive, #1
     Los Angeles, CA 90034
     310 559-0170 H
     323 295-4555 ext 255 W
     kenmetz@comcast.net
Secretary, Ardis Bazyn (03-05, 2nd term)
     500 South 3rd Street, # H
     Burbank, CA 91502
     818 238-9321
     abazyn@earthlink.net
Treasurer, Peter Pardini (*04-06, 3rd term)
     267 Cardinal Road
     Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618
     415 381-9211 H
     peterpar@pacbell.net
Immediate Past President, Catherine Skivers (2002-??)
     836 Resota Street
     Hayward, CA 94545
     510 357-1986 H
     ccotb@earthlink.net

                             BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Jerry Arakawa (03-05, 1st term)
     11180 Orville St.
     Culver City, CA  90230
     310 398-7004 h
     jarakawa@comcast.net
Al Biegler (03-05, 3rd term)
     819 Colusa Street
     Chico, CA 95928-4116
     530 893-8840 H
     aljobiegler@juno.com
Gabe Griffith (04-06, 1st term)
     200 Bicentennial Circle, # 229
     Sacramento, CA 95826
     916 383-4741
     gabe@griffith.net
Jane Kardas (*03-05, 3rd term)
     810 Maple Avenue
     Ukiah, CA 95482
     707 468-5510 H/Fax
     janecalvert35@yahoo.com
Rhonda King (04-06, 4th term)
     4541 Cyclamen Way
     Sacramento, CA 95841
     916 349-9960 H
     imjoking@earthlink.net
Eugene Lozano, Jr. (03-05, 4th term)
     4537 Sycamore Avenue
     Sacramento, CA 95841
     916 485-8307 H
     916 278-6988 W 
     lozanoe@csus.edu
Louis Preston (04-06, 1st term)    
     17129 Antonio Avenue     
     Cerritos, CA 90703-1006
     562 404-7935
     lpreston@csulb.edu
Barbara Rhodes (04-06, 3rd term) 
     6396 Tamalpais Avenue 
     San Jose, CA 95120 
     408 268-2110 H 
     brhodes@pacbell.net
Richard Rueda (03-05, 2nd term) 
     1501 Decoto Road, #169 
     Union  City, CA 94587 
     510 324-0418 H 
     richr@surfside.net

                         PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Bernice Kandarian, Chair
     2211 Latham Street #120
     Mountain View, CA 94040
     650 969-3155
     bernice@tsoft.nett

Winifred Downing, Editor
     1587 38th Avenue
     San Francisco, CA 94122
     415 564-5798
     wmdowning@mindspring.com
Joan Black
     4925 Coke Ave.
     Lakewood, CA 90712
     562 630-2304
     kvblack@ix.netcom.com
Brian Hall
     5722 Abraham Avenue
     Westminster, CA 92683
     714 894-3497
     brianlhall@earthlink.net
Charles Nabarrete
     239 North Walnuthaven Drive
     West Covina, CA 91790
     626 338-8106
     charlesn@cuiab.ca.gov
Patty Nash
     901 Central Avenue, #C
     Alameda, CA 94501
     510 521-2042
     p.a.nsah@att.net
Louis Preston
     17129 Antonio Avenue
     Cerritos, CA 90703
     562 404-7935
     lpreston@csulb.edu
Bonnie Rennie
     1719 West Olive Avenue
     Fullerton, CA 92833
     714 870-9135
     eal727200@aol.com
Richard Rueda, CCB-L and BC Email Edition
     1501 Decoto Road, #169
     Union City, CA  94587-3548
     510 324-0418
     richr@surfside.net
Catherine Schmitt Whitaker
     604 Camaritas Drive
     Diamond Bar, CA 91765
     909 861-2931
     clschmitt@csupomona.edu
Dan Kysor, Webmaster
     225 15th Street
     West Sacramento, CA 95691
     916 372-9869
     dan@kysor.net
(Revised December, 2004)




