
     



                         THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                      Quarterly Magazine of the 

                    CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Summer, 2005, Volume 49, No. 3


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




                     Jeff Thom, President 
                          7414 Mooncrest Way 
                           Sacramento, CA 95831
                           916-9953967 cell
                           jsthom@comcast.net 

                           Executive Office:
                             578 B Street
                           Hayward, CA 94541
                             800-221-6359
                             510-537-7877
                           Fax: 510-537-7830
                            ccotb@earthlink.net
                           
                           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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

PRESIDENT'S PAGE: WE'RE GETTING THE JOB DONE,
     by Jeff Thom  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

SPRING 2005 CONVENTION REPORT, by Daveed
     Mandell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

JUSTICE, ALASKAN STYLE, by Cecile Betts  . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CAREER CONNECTIONS, by Catherine Schmitt Whitaker  . . . . . . 15

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2005, by Bernice Kandarian
     and Catherine Skivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ACCEPTANCE REMARKS, by Bob Schmitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

EYE SURGERY BREAKTHROUGH, submitted by Christopher Gray  . . . 19

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT, by Ardis Bazyn
     and Rhonda King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

WASHINGTON REHAB RALLY, by Brian Hall  . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

RESOLUTIONS REPORT, SPRING CONVENTION 2005, by 
     Winifred Downing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

WHY CHANGE A PERFECTLY GOOD NAME? by Bonnie Rennie . . . . . . 25

BLIND STUDENT EARNS M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE, by Evelyn Drewry  . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES PLANNED, by Peter Pardini . . . . . . . 31

BULLETIN BOARD, compiled by Keith Black  . . . . . . . . . . . 31

ROSE'S STORY, by Jean Cross  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

THE PRESENT STATUS OF MEDICAID, by Day Al-Mohamed  . . . . . . 37



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 EDIDTOR

                       by Winifred Downing

     Usually we have stories to tell about humorous, awkward, or
downright demeaning treatment we receive from some public entity
not accustomed to dealing with blind or disabled persons.  I've
had my share of such experiences also, but this spring, I had
several hospital stays, one as long as four days; and the care I
received and the consideration I was shown erased all the
apprehension I have felt about having to be in a hospital.   
     I did have some invaluable initial help from my daughters
that paved the way for my satisfactory experience.  They showed
me where everything in the room was located, how to raise and
lower the bed and regulate the radio/television, and what the
bathroom arrangement was.  Christine also wrote a sign to place
over my bed asking that the nurses tell me their names and
cautioning them not to move my "things" without telling me. Her
suggestions were faithfully followed, but so faithfully that I
rather suspect that the staff already knew what they should do
and not do.  
     One night nurse was pretty cautious about what I should and
shouldn't do for myself.  He was kind but explained how much
responsibility he bore for my safety.  I tried to do as he wished
and always complimented him on what a good nurse he was when he
went off shift, so we avoided friction.  
     The others, and rarely did I have the same nurse for more
than one shift, let me do anything I thought I could do.  I even
maneuvered two IV  poles attached to me into the bathroom and
back to the bed afterward, putting one pole on each side of the
bed just as the nurse had done.  No one expressed any surprise at
what I could do for myself, and that attitude was welcome. 
Having someone express amazement that one can breathe on her own
or find and pour herself a glass of water does get discouraging,
so I was happy for none of this kind of thing.
     My personal experience has been corroborated by two
incidents.  One was the presentation at the spring convention by 
the representative from Kaiser-Permanente talking about the
efforts their hospitals are making to accommodate the needs of
disabled persons and grant them access to written materials.  The
other was oral testimony much like mine given on the Newsreel, a 
taped magazine that is circulated around the country to about a
thousand blind people.  Ed Eames described his hospital stay.  He
and Toni are CCB members and have had the distinction of winning
two of the awards given by the Publications Committee for their
articles in this magazine.  
     So, Guys and Gals, things really do improve sometimes.  
     I congratulate Catherine Schmitt Whitaker on the receipt of
her Ed.D. in organizational leadership from the University of
Laverne on May 29, 2005. Readers will remember that Catherine is
a long-time contributor to The Blind Californian with her "Career
Connections" series.
     The next deadline is September 1.  Also, I shall be without
computer access for the month of July, so please use snail mail
or the phone or wait until August to try to reach me.   


          PRESIDENT'S PAGE: WE'RE GETTING THE JOB DONE

                          by Jeff Thom

     No aspect of the mission of the California Council of the
Blind is more important than bringing about improvement in the
lives of blind and visually impaired Californians. If we are not
working hard to achieve this mission, then we are not worthy of
retaining existing members or attracting new ones. At every CCB
convention, we discuss what the organization has done and is
doing; Yet only a minority of our members are able to attend
conventions. It is quite likely that, through the California
Connection, this magazine, or just word of mouth, many who seldom
have the opportunity to attend a convention are nevertheless made
aware of our state legislative efforts and the outstanding work
of Governmental Affairs Chair Cathie Skivers and Governmental
Affairs Director Dan Kysor. I think it is, however, important
that those who are part of CCB, as well as those who are not, be
made completely aware of the efforts we are expending on behalf
of blind and visually impaired Californians. This article will
attempt to do just that. 
     it is far from an exhaustive look at what CCB does on the
state level; Moreover, we do not even touch on the incredible
extent of the advocacy done by our local chapters and special-
interest affiliates. I strongly encourage chapters that have
taken on a specific project to submit an article to THE BLIND
CALIFORNIAN about what they have done. Let us all know AND take
pride in the actions of our fellow members.
     I yet must say something that hardly needs to be said:
Whatever we have done and are accomplishing, there is so much
more that we need to do. Every one of us can make a contribution
with a letter, a phone call, or sometimes just sitting in an
audience to show that blind and visually impaired people care
about the decisions affecting us. If you think that you don't
fully understand what needs to be done in a particular situation
but you want to help, call your chapter president, a CCB board
member, or whoever is appropriate. With the efforts of all of us,
the CCB will continue to bring about changes that improve the
lives of all blind and visually impaired Californians.
     The CCB office receives calls every day of the week from
blind and visually impaired persons, as well as their familY
members and friends. These calls are not only from California,
but from throughout the nation. Additional calls are also made to
Mitch Pomerantz, who functions as our southern California office,
to Cathie Skivers, to me, and others. The concerns reflected in
these calls run the gamut  of issues faced by blind and visually
impaired people every day. Transportation, education (both of
children and adults), rehabilitation, employment discrimination,
discrimination against guide dog handlers and other civil rights
issues, homelessness, income support program problems, questions
about where to find aids and appliances, child custody issues,
and sometimes just issues relating to isolation and loneliness,
especially among those coping with recent vision loss, are just a
sampling of the types of calls we receive. 
     Some calls we handle ourselves. Others we refer to chapter
presidents or other local CCB members if they can be dealt with
more appropriately in that manner. In many instances, we provide
callers with local referrals, such as the appropriate private
agencies serving the blind, the local independent living center,
or, when necessary, an attorney who can be of assistance. 
     In other instances, however, it is imperative that we become
more actively involved in an individual's request for assistance.
Our Crisis Assistance Program, begun when Cathie Skivers was
president and currently handled by Chairperson Lee Morton and her
committee, has helped a number of members with one-time only
grants. Homelessness, moving expenses to enable a person to
acquire a job, expenses incurred because of illness or injury,
and many other emergencies create the need for immediate
assistance. It is my hope that someday we will have the revenue
to expand this program to help members and non-members alike, as
there are so many blind and visually impaired persons who have
needs they are unable to satisfy. 
     The Advocacy Committee, with chair Jane Kardas, has also
authorized some invaluable monetary aid.  There are certainly
times when problems require the assistance of an attorney as in
child custody and employment discrimination situations. Where the
individual's blindness is the primary issue This committee has
provided funding to obtain representation by an attorney. 
     Another area in which CCB is working on behalf not only of
the  blind and visually impaired of California, but of all
Americans with visual impairments, is federal legislation. Not
only do we attempt to disseminate  information via the Connection
on  national issues of importance so that chapters and individual
members can make their views known, but the office frequently
faxes information and CCB opinions to some or all the members of
the California Congressional delegation. Video description,
rehabilitation, education, and Medicaid are just a few of the
issues about which we inform our representatives.
     In addition to state legislation, there are other state
issues about which we advocate on an ongoing basis. In this
regard it is important to have CCB members, whether serving on
behalf of CCB or not, as members of statewide task forces. I will
not include the names of all the CCB members who participate in
these state boards and advisory committees because I would be
sure to leave out too many.  They deal with such diverse issues
as guide dogs, voting, In-Home Support Services, employment, 
rehabilitation, Medi-Cal, building access and the California
School for the Blind.
     This summary reminds us all, I hope, of CCB's mission, of
how it is carrying it forward, and of what we can all do to join
in supporting our goals.  



                  SPRING 2005 CONVENTION REPORT

                        by Daveed Mandell

     The California Council of the Blind's Spring 2005
Convention, held at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza Hotel in
Sacramento from April 21-24, had 250 people register and 175
attend the banquet.  Despite some hotel snafus and long waits for
restaurant service, we found the staff courteous and helpful. 
The convention topics were stimulating, former State Senator John
Burton's banquet speech was stirring, the food was delicious, the
libations were plentiful, and the atmosphere remained upbeat. 
     On Thursday morning, CCB members assembled at the Capitol to
meet with lawmakers and encourage them to support the
organization's legislative agenda. By all accounts, these
discussions were productive.
     The afternoon began, as usual, with several committee
programs and business sessions. In the Technology Committee's
jam-packed room, attendees learned about the new Macintosh screen
reader built into Apple's recently released operating system;
access software for cell phones; and the latest developments
concerning GPS for the Braille Note product family.  Meanwhile,
Rehabilitation Committee program participants heard from several
blind people who have successfully obtained employment with
Rehab's assistance. Jim Armstrong and Linda Bardis spoke about
what has been happening in the Division.
     Later in the afternoon, the Redwood Empire Chapter hosted
the Welcome to Sacramento party;  and, still later, the
California Council of Citizens with Low Vision held its business
meeting and learned about a new video magnifier.  The Braille
Revival League Board of Directors also met.
     At 7 PM attendees filled the John Q Ballroom, located on the
16th floor of the hotel, to observe the CCB Board of Directors in
action.  Among other items, the Board voted not to read minutes 
during its meetings; to work with consultant Laura Oftedahl to
improve the CCB'S fundraising practices; to pay for two students
to attend the  ACB National Convention to be held in Las Vegas
from July 2-9; to hold leadership training seminars during both
the upcoming fall and spring conventions; to pay first year
membership dues for any student, 16 and older, who wishes to join
the CCB; to offer a flat $80 room rate per night for the fall
convention at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel; to hold next year's
spring convention at the Sacramento Hilton Arden-West Hotel; and
to change the name of the Senior Blind Committee to the Seniors
with Vision Loss Committee.  When the meeting adjourned, people
rushed to the nearby hospitality suite, where one could buy hot
sandwiches in addition to the usual drinks. Kudos to the Capitol
Chapter for a job well done!
     Friday began with the meetings of the Credentials,
Resolutions, and Constitutional and Bylaws committees. Soon
exhibits opened for business, and several special-interest
affiliates held program sessions. 
     Following BRLC'S business meeting, Winifred Downing held a
workshop concerning an alternative to the Unified English Braille
Code, a system devised by Abraham Nemeth. The Library Users
presented a panel on library services and discussed favorite
books over lunch.  
     At the same time, the Council for Citizens with Low Vision
and the Committee on Access to Transportation (CAT) heard from
Ccb First Vice-President Mitch Pomerantz, ADA Compliance Officer
for the City of Los Angeles, on "What Blind and Visually Impaired
Persons Need to Know About the ADA."
     The Association for Multi-Cultural Concerns heard from
Teddie Joy Remhild--Coordinator, Disability/Senior Issues,
Personal Assistance Services Council--about California's 250%
Medi-Cal Working Disabled program. A luncheon followed. 
     The first general session of the convention Friday afternoon
began with an interesting talk by the president of the Sacramento
County Historical Society.  Sacramento was a raucous community
for some of its history, meriting at one point a visit from three
federally mandated ships to attempt to restore order.  Dennis
Boyle, Governor Schwarzenegger's appointed  Director of the
Department of Social Services followed. He was to have spoken
about "Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired" but instead,
presented a breif autobiography. Currently his department
provides assistance to blind Californians through the guide dog
food allowance program.
     Ardis Bazyn and Lucia Greco next gave a report on the ACB
Legislative Seminar which was attended by eight CCB members. 
Anthony Donaldson, Project Manager, Kaiser Permanente, spoke on
"Health Access Solutions;" the hospitals are making a real effort
to have materials available in a variety of formats, present a
more readable Web site, and educate staff about the particular
needs of disabled persons.  The afternoon ended with a panel on
"The Sacramento Affordable Housing Ordinance," an effort to
provide affordable housing to many different income groups with
varied housing needs.   
     A number of seminars and committee meetings and the
Presidents' Dinner occupied the hours until the second general
session on Friday evening. 
     Mitch Pomerantz presided that evening which began with the
rather contentious report of the Credentials Committee.  Several
chapters weren't seated: Greater Long Beach, the California
School for the Blind, and California Library Users.
     Members next heard from a panel on the "Blind Planet,"
concerning accessible travel. It was moderated by Richard Rueda
with Mike May, Founder/CEO of the Sendero Group, and Lucia Greco.
Following was another  panel, this one  presented by the
Technology Committee introduced by Roger Petersen, "Negotiating
the Accessible Cellular Telephone Maze." Panelists were JoAnn
Becker, Product Marketing Manager, Blindness Division, Optelec
USA Inc.; Bryan Autrey, Account Director, SpeechWorks Solutions,
a division of Scan Soft; and Judy Wilkinson, Director of
Marketing, Capital Accessibility.
     Jeff Thom then gave the CCB President's Report stating that
the organizatiion is in outstanding financial shape. Regarding
membership, last year it increased by almost 200 people. Though
we have lost the Stanislaus County Chapter, we may gain chapters
in San Luis Obispo, Palm Springs, and Riverside. Chapters must
make greater efforts to send promptly to the office members'
dues, a correct and complete list of members, and the forms
required by the Credentials Committee.  
     The organization is working with Safeway on accessibility of
point-of-sale machines. Safeway is experimenting with a
rubberized overlay for such equipment. Improved Web access has
also been studied, and members were urged to bring forward issues
which they wish CCB to consider. 
     Saturday morning was crowded with the Education Committee
breakfast and meetings of The Radio Amateurs, Guide Dog Users of
California, Blind Students of California, and the joint meeting
of Seniors with Vision Loss and the Citizens with Low Vision. 
Other groups holding meetings included the California School for
the Blind Alumni, the Membership Committee, the Sports and
Recreation Committee, and the Orientation Center for the Blind
Alumni, which also held a luncheon.
     CCB Second Vice-President Ken Metz directed the third
General Session of the convention on Saturday afternoon .
Catherine Skivers announced the Nominating Committee slate for
the fall convention in Long Beach, as follows: Second
Vice-President, Gene Lozano, Jr.; Secretary, Ardis Bazyn;
Directors: Jerry Arakawa, Al Biegler, Jane Kardas, Ann Kysor and
Richard Rueda.
     Cynthia Towers, ACB Convention Coordinator, talked about the
National Convention to be held July 2-9 in Las Vegas at the
Riviera Hotel and Casino, July 2-9.   
     "Welfare Services and Their Impact on Blind Parents" was the
topic dealt with by Margie Donovan and Malinda Lake.  Donovan
discussed her significant role in preventing San Mateo County's
Child Protective Services from taking a blind couple's baby from
them last December. The Zapeda family prevailed because the
support team worked quickly and effectively. In such a situation,
it is necessary for team members to put their emotions aside,
gather information, write the correct documents and prevent Child
Protective Services from taking over.  
     CCB'S Director of Governmental Affairs Dan Kysor gave the
State Legislative Report. He urged all to oppose cuts to SSI/SSP,
IHSS and also the elimination of the renter's credit.  There are
two bills backed by CCB to watch.  The first, SB 210 by Bowen,
would extend the sunset of the Deaf and Disabled
Telecommunications Program; and the second, SB 1114 by the Senate
Human Services Committee, would  provide consumer representation
with a minimum of 20% of members on boards required to be blind
or visually impaired in agencies serving the blind that receive
funds from the Department of Rehabilitation. 
     Everyone should oppose AB 20 by Leslie and SB 855 by
Poochigian because they would weaken the ADA.  Another bill we
are opposing is AB 462 by Tran which adversely affects
transportation accessibility by eliminating inspections of the
Division of the State Architect. Two vendor-related bills we are
opposing are SB 522 by Torlakson, which affects the manner in 
which blind vendors in state buildings may conduct business by
specifying the types of products they must carry, and SB 468 by
Campbell, which would privatize at roadside rests the vending
machines that are part of the Business Enterprise Program.
     Scott Howland is a Special Representative to the California
Legislature, California Highway Patrol, who spoke about
"California Law Relative to Pedestrians." Every year in
California, some 300,000 people are injured in traffic accidents;
and of these, some 14,000 are pedestrians. Every year we lose
about 4,000 people in fatal collisions, about 17 percent of whom
are pedestrians. Some 7.5 percent of pedestrians injured are
drunk; of those killed, 28 percent are drunk, and  10 percent are 
killed by drivers who violate pedestrians' right of way; and 40
percent are killed because of their own violations. According to
the DMV Handbook, pedestrians have the right of way at
crosswalks, a law expressly stated concerning persons using a
white cane or a dog in Section 21963 of the California Vehicle
Code. Drivers failing to yield the right of way to blind
pedestrians are guilty of misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment
in the county jail for not less than 60 days with a base fine of
$500, and a $1750 total fine. According to Section 22500, no one
can park or leave a car standing on any portion of a sidewalk, or
let a body of a vehicle extend over a sidewalk.
Finally, attendees heard from Linda Bardis, outgoing
Deputy-Director of Blind Field Services within the Department of
Rehabilitation.  BFS'S top priority has been to increase the
numbers of jobs; this fiscal year has seen an improvement in
outcomes. All BFS counselors must be vocational counselors,
including counselor-teachers. Vocational cases must be emphasized
over homemaker cases, but the latter are still acceptable.
Richard Rueda is now Bfs's Youth Coordinator to prepare
youngsters for the world of work. BFS plans to build an
employment training program for kids to get experience in
competitive employment.
     The Saturday night banquet had Catherine Skivers as its
mistress of  ceremonies.  The highlight of the evening was the
relatively brief but moving speech delivered by former State
Senator John Burton, who has supported the legislative efforts of
the blind community since the mid-1960's. He said the only way
blind people are going to prevent cuts in SSI/SSP is to be seen
not only in the halls of the legislature but also at press
conferences up and down the state.  The only way to  prevent the
state of California from trying to steal money from the blind is
to let the public know what a terrible thing blind people are
experiencing. what both the Bush and Schwarzenegger
Administrations are trying to do is to balance the budget on the
backs of the poor. It is important for us to show up at rallies
and protests, along with nurses, teachers and cops. Blind people
have to make it very tough for Republicans to take their money or
to turn Medi-Cal into a Managed Care system.
The CCB presented Burton with a plaque honoring him. 
     The awards presented will be discussed in a separate article
in this issue of the BC.  the scholarship raffle, which drew more
than $3200, gave Margie Donovan the grand prize of $1000, Lucia
Greco  $500, Michael Downing $300, and Nellie Emerson $200. 
     In the final convention session on Sunday morning, Peter
Pardini gave the treasurer's report.  Anyone wishing a detailed
account of the organization's assets and liabilities can ask for
it from the office.  
     Resolutions Committee Chair Lucia Greco presented 14
resolutions, two of which were tabled for further consideration
in the fall.  All 12 resolutions were passed; they are summarized
in an article later in this magazine. Roger Petersen, reporting
for the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, requested that
suggested constitutional changes be discussed earlier in the
convention, since attendance on Sunday morning is poor; more
members are needed for the committee to do its work.  Several
other committees delivered brief reports before adjournment. It
was a great convention, and don't forget that you can purchase
any tapes of the convention sessions that you might like to have. 
Just call the office: 1-800 221-6359.  



                     JUSTICE, ALASKAN STYLE 

                        by Cecile Betts 

     During my first winter in Alaska, the two Anchorage
newspapers and the two radio stations featured a story about a
dead Eskimo woman. She was found naked, bruised and lying partly
hidden in a culvert under Gambell Street.
     A coroner's jury, according to law, convened to determine
the cause of death. In a quirk of fate, the police later arrested
a soldier who sat on that 6-man jury. The man confessed that they
had spent the night drinking, going from bar to bar in the
Eastchester area. He claimed the woman had demanded a large sum
of money from him for her sexual favors, and he simply shoved her
out of the car. He subsequently stood trial for her murder.
Inasmuch as the coroner's jury verdict stated that exposure to
freezing temperatures had caused her death, the man went free.
The army gave him a Dishonorable Discharge after a court martial.
     My husband Jack and I had become acquainted with people
involved in bizarre cases. On a day, for instance, when many
people sat eating their breakfast in the cafeteria, Johnny
Luster, a guide who lived several miles away, rushed through the
door.
     "Mrs. Betts, would you call the U.S. Commissioner for me?"
he asked while trying to catch his breath.
     "Sure, Johnny," I replied picking up the phone and dialing
the number. When Dorothy Saxton answered, I handed the phone to
Johnny.
     "You'd better come out here right away," he said almost in a
shout. "There's been a killing..."
Conversation in the cafeteria stopped, heads turned, eyes
widened, and everyone listened to his every word.
"Leo Kammemyer killed George Brown.  ... Leo is sitting up the
trail by the carcass. ... I'm at King Mountain Lodge. I'll wait
here for you." He hung up the phone and handed it back to me.
     I thought, strange to hear him refer to a dead person's body
as a carcass; that is how he would refer to a dead moose or bear.
     He sat at the counter, and I placed a mug of coffee in front
of him. He drained his cup and held it out for a refill.
     I saw Dorothy park outside, and a trooper pull in next to
her. Johnny placed 25 cents on the counter, walked out to
Dorothy's car and got in the passenger seat. With the trooper
following, they drove toward the Chickaloon River. Later I saw
them drive past on their way to Palmer, Johnny still with Dorothy
and Leo with the trooper.
     When Johnny came back from Palmer, he stopped in the Lodge
again. "Can you give me a ride back to my place, Jack? Lily will
be wondering what happened."
     "Okay, as soon as I finish stocking the liquor store," Jack
said. "What happened anyway? George came in for beer last night.
He said he was going to your cabin to have it out with Leo. He
claimed Leo owed him $800 for providing the horses for a hunting
trip, but he never threatened to kill Leo. In fact, he told us he
intended to sue him if Leo didn't pay him."  
     "George came to my house, he and Leo got into a furious
argument, and I told them to fight somewhere else. George left,
and Leo spent the night. He left early this morning; and a  short
time later, he came running back and said. 'George tried to
ambush me. I shot him in self-defense; he's dead. I followed him
to the body then told him to stay put and I'd call Dorothy Saxton
from King Mountain Lodge. You know the rest." Johnny looked
worried. Leo claimed self-defense, there were no witnesses, and
he did not stand trial.
     Another strange case involved a young couple named Grigsby,
who lived on a homestead near Lake Louise. Even people who lived
in remote areas had some contact with other people. When
neighbors asked Mr. Grigsby about his wife, he told them she
didn't like living on a homestead, not lively enough for her and
so she had gone to visit her parents in the States. He didn't
know when she'd return.
     Many months later, her parents asked the police to
investigate because they hadn't heard from their daughter. They
informed the police she hadn't visited them as the husband had
said.
     After intense questioning by the police, the husband
admitted that he had killed his wife the winter before, burned
her body and scattered the ashes on the frozen lake. When the ice
melted, the ashes mingled with the water of the lake.
Mr. Grigsby never stood trial. In Alaska, a man cannot be tried
for murder based solely on his confession. There was no corpus
delicti, no witness, and no corroborating evidence.
     (Author's note: This is part of a chapter titled "Did They
Get Away with Murder?" in Reluctant Pioneer, which tells the
story of my 46 years in Alaska. The book is available as an
e-book from the publisher, author house.com. Those who obtain the
4-track talking books from the Braille Institute in Los Angeles
can request it from that library.)




                       CAREER CONNECTIONS

                by Dr. Catherine Schmitt Whitaker

     Yesterday was one of the peak experiences of my life, for I
participated in the graduation and hooding ceremony for earning
my doctorate degree in organizational leadership.  It feels good! 
Reflecting over the four years of coursework, dissertation
writing and defense, I want to share a few of my "learnings"
along the journey.
     The old adage, "without pain, there is no gain" is true
since my achievement means so much to me because I was challenged
intellectually and had to find the inner strength to stay
disciplined during the "dark times".  There were periods when I
was discouraged, frustrated, had writer's block and wanted to
quit; yet, yesterday's ceremony and obtaining the title of
"doctor" was well worth the time and energy I put into the
journey.
     My learnings are what I want to share with you.  Whether you
are pursuing a doctoral degree, searching for a job, or writing
your first article for the Blind Californian, the learnings are
applicable to us all.  What I am really talking about is setting
and achieving a goal.    Below are four important questions to
ask yourself when setting a goal.  
     1. Do I really want to achieve the goal?
     2. Why do I want to achieve the goal?
     3. What am I willing to sacrifice to achieve the goal?
     4. What am I willing to endure to achieve the goal?
     Often we do not ask ourselves these types of questions when
we set a goal.  Being honest about your responses will go a long
way in achieving a goal.  For example, when I began my doctoral
work, I knew I would have to sacrifice the time I spent on many
community-related activities and socializing with friends in
order to work on my studies.  I also had to be strong and say
"no" or set boundaries as to what I would or would not
accomplish, sometimes to the disappointment of others.  I also
needed to recognize that at times I would be discouraged,
frustrated and tired.  I needed to have the strategies and
strength to cope with the stress and stamina that is present when
striving to reach a goal.  Having a purpose for achieving a goal,
understanding the sacrifices to be made and having the strategies
to endure the obstacles will empower you to achieve new goals.
     Once you have determined that you are willing to put in the
time, effort and energy to achieve your goal, the next step is
working to obtain the goal.  This step is just as important, if
not more important, than setting a goal.  Below are some
strategies to help you obtain your goal.  
     1. Procrastination is at the heart of Newton's Law of
Inertia.  Procrastination, or putting off doing things, is a
major obstacle to achieving a goal.  Newton's Law of Inertia says
that a body in motion tends to stay in motion; a body at rest
tends to stay at rest.  Thus, if you are taking action and
continuously moving towards reaching your goal, it is more likely
that you will achieve your goal.  However, if you procrastinate
and avoid your goal, it is likely that you will not achieve your
goal.
     2. Getting started is key.  Tell yourself that you will
spend the next 30 minutes (timed) on a goal related task.  Give
yourself permission to stop after the 30 minutes if the
experience is horrible.  What tends to happen is that you will
become involved in the task and find that you will give yourself
permission to also continue the task for a longer period of time. 
This strategy worked for me, especially at times when I was
feeling very tired.  I found once I got into the task, I was able
to keep my momentum going.
     3. Break down your goal into manageable steps.  The term
"goal" implies that you are after something big, so big that it
may be overwhelming.  Create smaller action steps that when
completed will move you closer to reaching the goal.
     4.   Reward yourself, after the task.  After working on my
dissertation for two hours, I could have a bowl of ice cream.  I
could not have a bowl of ice cream while I worked on the
dissertation.  Create opportunities to reward yourself after you
have completed a task.  
     5. Create a consequence if you do not achieve your goal or
goal related task.  For example, I committed myself to work on my
dissertation for ten hours every week.  If I did not complete the
ten hours in a week, I would need to write a $25 check to the
Republican Party.  I never had to write a check.  If you feel you
may not be honest with yourself, ask someone else to help you be
accountable.
     6. Manage your excuses for not achieving your goal. 
Opportunities and obstacles occur in life.  The key is to manage
the excuses for not being able to work on your goal.  If a
situation has occurred where you will not choose to work on
completing your goal, then give yourself permission to not work
on the goal for a specific time period.  At the end of the time
period, re-evaluate your situation and your ability to work on
the goal.  Often an excuse only prolongs your ability to achieve
your goal.
     These are only a few strategies that can assist you in
achieving your goal.  Remember, the greater the challenge and the
harder you work, the sweeter the success when you achieve the
goal!



              THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

     In recognition of the mission and purpose of the California
Council of the Blind and the San Francisco Chapter, the Good
Neighbor Assistance Fund will award a grant of $1000 to an
individual who demonstrates a significant need that cannot be met
through other funding sources.   
Requirements:
* Applicant must live in San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, or Contra
     Costa counties.
* Applicant must be legally blind. Medical documentation may be
     requested to support this claim.
* Applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2005and mailed
to either of the chairpersons listed below. 
 The individual must submit a short personal essay of
introduction and explain specifically what help is being sought
and why it is necessary.      
     The application must contain accurate contact information
including phone, and both e-mail and regular mailing addresses. 
Priority will be given to applications which are in accord with
the purpose of the California Council of the Blind and the San
Francisco Chapter such as to enhance educational opportunities,
expand remunerative employment, and promote the general welfare
of the blind.  
     In October, the Good Neighbor Assistance Fund Committee will
review applications and may contact applicants in order to obtain
additional information.  The awardee will be notified by October
30, 2005 if he/she has been selected to receive a grant, and a
check will be cut at that time.  An official award presentation
will be held during the San Francisco Chapter's annual Christmas
lunch in early December.  The person receiving the award will be
requested to attend this function.  
     Anyone having questions about the award process or wishing
to have copies of this material in any format should contact
either of the chair persons listed below. 
Charles Dorris, 966 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; (415)
     775-0487; tyreedorris@aol.com
Ellie Wong, 465 Dolores Street, Apt 8, San Francisco, CA
     94110; (415) 255-2058; elliesf@hotmail.com



                    AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2005

           by Catherine Skivers and Bernice Kandarian 

     It was again the pleasure of the CCB Awards Committee and
the Publications Committee to recognize excellence within and
surrounding the California Council of the Blind by presenting
awards to deserving people.  The CCB Membership Committee has
some awards activities too, which are discussed elsewhere in this
issue.
     The newly combined Awards and History Committee, chaired by
Cathie Skivers, announced the induction of Lynda Bardis to the
CCB Hall of Fame as its 30th member.  She received a plaque and a
nameplate was added to the Hall of Fame "super-plaque" which
resides in the CCB office. In inducting Lynda, we recognized her
service as CCB's legislative advocate, her long years of
directing the Office for the Blind of the State Department of
Social Services and her recent ascension to the new Deputy
Director position in the State Department of Rehabilitation,
implementing the new separate Blind Field Services program under
SB 105.
     Speaking of SB 105, its sponsor, John Burton, former
President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, spoke and received a
special Outstanding Service Award for his years as one of our
principal advocates in the state legislature.
     We presented this year's Community Service Award to Margie
Donovan for her long-time advocacy on behalf of people who are
blind, culminating in her successful efforts representing a blind
couple who were in danger of having their newborn baby taken from
them by some misguided county officials.
     Two Humanitarian Awards were presented to people who have
made life and literacy better for the blind people of California. 
Donine Hedrick recently retired after 18 years directing the
State Braille and Talking Book Library, part of the State Library
in Sacramento, which provides library services to the blind
people of northern California.  Bob Schmitz coordinates the
program at Folsom Prison where inmates transcribe braille, read
books on tape, and gather and classify used eyeglasses to be sent
all over the world. Much of the braille material prepared at
Folsom serves the children of California.  The unusual ability of
these men is obvious from the fact that several are certified in
mathematical braille and that, of the 18 people in the United
States who can transcribe braille music, 4 work at Folsom. 
     The Publications Committee presented its two writing awards 
for best articles published in The Blind Californian in 2004. The
award for the best issue-oriented article went to Brian Hall for
his profile of Frank Welt.  The award for best lifestyle article
was earned by Toni and Ed Eames for an article called "Visiting
Willy" about their adventures getting into and out of a state
prison to visit a visually impaired inmate.
     In closing, the authors/committee chairs thank their
committee members for their support and help in selecting the
recipients of these awards. Besides Chairperson Skivers, the
Awards/History Committee consists of Al Gil, Chris Gray, Bernice
Kandarian, Gussie Morgan and Joe Smith.  You will find a list of
the members of the Publications Committee at the end of this and
every issue of The Blind Californian. 



                       ACCEPTANCE REMARKS 

                         by Bob Schmitz
     (Bob was unable, because of a previous commitment, to be
present at the banquet of the spring convention.  He called to
tell me about the beautiful plaque he had received and asked if
his comments might be included in THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN.)
     Members and Supporters of the California Council of the
Blind and other distinguished guests: It is with the greatest
sincerity that I accept your Humanitarian Award. Recognition of
one's efforts is always appreciated; a Thank You for a good job
is what we hope for. 
     That's especially true when someone is doing what needs to
be done.  It goes without saying that I had a lot of support in
meeting the objectives set forth.  I have met many wonderful
people all working together, united in the goal of leveling the
playing field for blind persons, men and women, blind and
sighted, serving through legislative, rehabilitative, and
supportive groups to provide equal opportunity to the visually
impaired community.  Each individual's passion proclaims, "Just
because you're blind doesn't mean you can't get the job done." I
find it a privilege to be counted among such an esteemed group of
individuals whose primary ambition is to serve their community. I
am both honored and humbled by this award; with sincerity and
gratitude, I thank you. 



                    EYE SURGERY BREAKTHROUGH

                  submitted by Christopher Gray

     Chris Gray writes, "I received the following journal article
from Ann Ward. Anybody with glaucoma should certainly investigate
the information given here.
     Kansas City Businenss Journal, Wednesday, March 16, 2005,
Eye Surgery Breakthrough Reported in Journal of Glaucoma, Kansas
City, the FDA-cleared Ex-PRESS (TM) 
     Mini Glaucoma Shunt was found to be "safe and effective"
when it was implanted in 24 eyes of 23 patients with severe open
angle glaucoma--the most common form of glaucoma, affecting some
three million Americans.
     Of note, 16 of the 24 eyes (66 percent) had previously
failed the "gold standard" procedure for treating glaucoma: i.e.
trabeculectomy. The remaining eight (33 percent) were deemed
"high risk for failure" and therefore contraindicated for a
trabeculectomy procedure. Nevertheless, using the Ex-PRESS (TM)
Mini Glaucoma Shunt, intraocular pressure ("IOP") was
"significantly reduced" in all patients, on average by 50
percent. Increased IOP causes glaucoma.
     "The search for the perfect glaucoma device has continued
for nearly a century," said the clinical study's lead
investigator, Elie Dahan, MD, Med Ophth, Department of
Ophthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
South Africa. "This mini shunt procedure is relatively simple and
can be performed in less than half the time of a trabeculectomy.
Equally important, the Ex-PRESS (TM) device is biocompatible, and
its structure ensures minimal tissue trauma. In addition, no
removal of scleral tissue and good aqueous flow control (limited
by the 50-micron device lumen) suggest that the Ex-PRESS
procedure is less complicated and more predictable than the gold
standard, trabeculectomy."
     "Three million Americans have glaucoma, and half of them do
not know it," added Haral A. Orbach, Director of Marketing for
Optonol Ltd. (www.optonol.com), the manufacturer and marketer of
the Ex-PRESS (TM) Mini Glaucoma Shunt. "Glaucoma is a chronic
disease that silently steals eyesight. Fortunately, Ex-PRESS (TM)
now offers hope for thousands of victims a year who may not have
had access to physicians who could perform the complicated
alternative procedure, or who could not afford it.
     "Ex-PRESS (TM) is reimbursed by insurers. And it is a
straightforward and simple procedure that can be easily adopted
by most eye surgeons throughout the United States," said Mr.
Orbach.
     Glaucoma is a disease usually characterized by an increase
in pressure within the eye. This may, in time, result in damage
to the optic nerve, loss of peripheral or side vision, and
ultimately blindness. The higher the pressure within the eye, the
greater the chance of damage to the optic nerve. Approximately 10
million Americans have elevated eye pressure ("intraocular
pressure"), which places them at risk for the onset of glaucoma.
Eighty thousand Americans are already blind from the disease.
African-Americans have a five-fold greater risk of developing
glaucoma.
     Measurement of intraocular pressure ("IOP") is an important
part of any eye exam in patients over 50 and/or risk groups. The
IOP is determined by a balance of the eye's production and
drainage of aqueous humor (the clear fluid inside the eye) from
the anterior chamber into the trabecular meshwork. If the IOP is
elevated, it can cause pressure within the eye to increase and
damage the optic nerve.
     Optonol is a privately held medical technology company
founded by a group of experienced clinicians, engineers and
entrepreneurs. The Company's initial area of focus is the
development of innovative devices for ophthalmologic
applications. Its first product in this field is the patented
Ex-PRESS(TM) Mini Glaucoma Shunt, a microscopic-sized implant
that significantly reduces intraocular pressure. Optonol's U.S.
headquarters are located in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company is
headquartered in Neve-Ilan, Israel, and has operations in Zug,
Switzerland.



                   MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

                 by Ardis Bazyn and Rhonda King

     At the spring convention, the Membership Committee held
another open forum for chapters and affiliates of CCB. Ardis
Bazyn and Rhonda King, co-chairs, asked participants for
suggestions for ways to attract and retain more members. 
     One of the constant problems is transportation. Some
suggestions were to use Paratransit, apply for help from local
service organizations for transportation cost, allow stipends to
members who do not have Paratransit and are not close to bus
lines, and find volunteer drivers from nearby Lions Clubs or
other service organizations.
     The appropriate way to encourage sighted persons to become
members was another topic for consideration. If sighted persons
are active in the chapter, they can be regular members as long as
the majority of the total membership is legally blind. If sighted
individuals do not regularly attend meetings, they can become
associate members. 
     Most chapters already give rosters of members to other
chapter members. If possible, these should be handed out in 
accessible formats.
     Participants then suggested strategies for involving younger
applicants for membership. One suggestion was to invite students
to be on a panel to discuss issues of particular interest to 
young people: employment, job development, school to work
adjustment and assistive technology. It might also be helpful to
have a meeting just to emphasize what CCB offers to students and
other young persons.  An employment panel with blind persons from
different fields of work, and advertising the work of the chapter
by letters to offices serving disabled students at nearby
colleges and universities were other ideas brought forward.
     Some chapters arrange monthly events in addition to the
chapter meetings like a birthday get-together during the month
where the birthday guests get the lunch free. 
     A gift certificate could be given to members who pay their
dues early, and a drawing could be held for those members who pay
dues by January 1. Members should be reminded to listen to the
California Connection, chapters should encourage their members to
attend functions of other chapters, and a  regular process should
be instituted to inform members of activities by phone calls or
e-mail. 
     Each chapter and some affiliates have a liaison on the CCB
Membership Committee. The liaison will be contacting chapters and
is available to be called about any membership issue. If your
affiliate needs assistance and does not currently have a liaison,
contact one of these individuals.  Here is the list of chapters
and affiliate liaisons:
     Ardis Bazyn: Antelope Valley, East L.A., Glendale-Burbank,
San Gabriel Valley, and Blind Students of California.
     Rhonda King: Butte County, El Dorado, Humboldt, Inland
Empire, and Solano.
     Beryl Brown: Alameda County, Golden Gate, Stanislaus, and
San Mateo.
     Coletta Davis: Greater Long Beach, San Diego Braille Club,
and San Diego.
     Bernice Kandarian: Bayview, California School for the Blind
Alumni, Orientation Center for the Blind, and San Francisco.
     Ken Metz: CCB Capitol, Compton, Greater Bakersfield, and
Pyramid.
     Lordes Martinez: Active Blind Inland Valley, High Desert,
San Bernardino, and Greater San Joaquin.
     Louis Preston: Greater L.A., Orange County, Redwood Empire,
and Silicon Valley.
     Jeff Thom: AMC, Berkeley, and San Luis Obispo.
     We also want to remind you of the Membership Committee
Awards. Each spring convention, we give an award to the chapter
which has gained the highest percentage of members since the
previous spring. This spring's winner was the Inland Empire
Chapter. We did not receive any letters for our other spring
convention award. The Chapter of the Year award is given to the
chapter with the best overall chapter project for the previous
year. It would be great to see some chapters submit letters for
this award next year. 
     At the fall convention, we give an award to the chapter
gaining the most members (percentage) between the two
conventions. Good luck to all our chapters and affiliates!



                     WASHINGTON REHAB RALLY

                        by Brian L. Hall

     I had the great honor of being asked by CCB President Jeff
Thom to participate, along with Richard Rueda, in an historic
Washington D.C. rally to save rehabilitation services for the
blind and disabled.  At the May 26th rally, we were among the
representatives of the California affiliate of the American
Council of the Blind (ACB), a co-sponsor of the march.  ACB
joined in this effort with the National Federation of the Blind,
and forty-six other organizations.
     More than 50 ACB leaders, staff, and members united in the
nation's capitol to oppose restructuring of the Department of
Rehabilitation and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
ACB members came from as far away as Florida, Texas, Missouri,
Georgia, and Mississippi. Together, we marched and chanted behind
the banner of the American Council of the Blind.  Rally
representatives estimated the number of protesters at 800 to
1,000, though U.S. Department of Education officials gave a lower
estimate.
     "It was an historic event," said ACB Policy Analyst Krista
Merritt.  "People came from all over the country and it was a
huge success."
     The rally was peaceful, no tear gas, water cannons,
truncheons or attack dogs.  On a personal note, the feelings of
unity and solidarity were overwhelming and energizing. Under
alternately overcast and hazy sunny skies, we marched side by
side, using canes and dog guides outside the front doors of the
Department of Education. Our message: We oppose the Bush
Administration's proposals to merge disability employment
programs into state block grants, eliminate the separate funding
stream for disability employment programs, close Rehabilitation
Services Administration regional offices and downgrade the
position of RSA commissioner to a directorship.
RSA gives the Department of Rehab technical assistance and
monitors compliance and progress in increasing the independence
and employment of people who are blind and disabled.  The RSA
Commissioner, currently a presidential appointee, would be
demoted to an appointment by an assistant secretary within the
Department of Education. About 80 percent of Department of
Rehabilitation funds come from the federal government, the
remaining 20 percent from the states. Under the block grants, the
states could choose to put little or no money into specialized
vocational programs for the blind and disabled.
     "What this says is that people with disabilities are not of
import, that vocational training and getting them back in the
workforce is not a priority," ACB Executive Director Melanie
Brunson stated in a press release before the rally.
     A large banner carried at the front of the ralliers listed
ACB and other sponsors. Many of us carried signs with slogans
like: "Two, Four, Six, Eight, we and "No blind adults left
behind."  The "left behind" refers to the No Child Left Behind
Act and the statement "No child left behind" proclaimed on the
little red school houses placed around the grounds of the
Department of Education.
     Other sayings adorning signs or yelled in the protest chants
included:  "Pencils 5 cents, Rehab priceless", "No Rehab, No
jobs" and "If you listen to Hager, you'll learn to be a beggar". 
Hager is a reference to John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, who is in charge
of the consolidation. Neither Hager nor any other representative
of the Department of Education came out to meet with the
protesters.  
     The day's highlight was a visit from the Grim Reaper whose
protest leaders said was the only person who could speak on
behalf of the department's viewpoint. Yes, the Grim Reaper.  In
an extended moment of high political theater at the protests
climax, someone dressed as death used a scythe symbolically to
tear up the hopes, dreams and careers of the blind along with the
RSA, Department of Rehabilitation and the Rehabilitation Act, all
to the accompaniment of heavy metal and funerial music.
     Members of the crowd then attacked the grim reaper.
Throughout the day and the prior day, ralliers handed out fact
sheets and spoke with legislators and reporters.  News of the
rally appeared in numerous media outlets including the Washington
Post. It was historic to get this many disability-related and
government employee groups to unite physically in a rally behind
a single cause.  Rally speakers said this kind of unity hadn't
been seen since the 1970's when consumer-based disability
advocacy organizations pushed for disability rights and anti-
discrimination laws that most of us now take for granted. Now in
2005, our job is to take nothing for granted, to fight for
individualized vocational rehabilitation services and to block
generic one-size-fits-all solutions such as the block grant
scheme.  



           RESOLUTIONS REPORT, SPRING CONVENTION, 2005

                       by Winifred Downing

     The Resolutions Committee dealt with 14 resolutions, two of
which (Resolutions 2005A3 and 2005A-5) were tabled for later
consideration and two of which (Resolutions A-13 and A-14)
expressed gratitude to the hotel staff and the volunteers for
their assistance.  Ten resolutions were passed without dissent. 
     Resolution 2005A-1 requires that the California Council of
the Blind enter into discussions with the California Public
Utilities Commission and any phone company doing business in this
state to extend the 411 directory assistance exemption to cover
statewide requests. Many blind persons are not able to access the
online telephone directory, and a charge of several dollars can
be levied if the number being sought is more than 12 miles from
where the callis placed.  It also forwards this resolution to the
national convention of the American Council of the Blind for
consideration in the development of national legislation which
would provide directory assistance exemptions nationwide. 
     Resolution 2005A-2 requests that the California Council of
the Blind and the American Council of the Blind enter in to
discussions with the National Association of Broadcasters, the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the Academy of
Television Arts & Sciences to establish awards in the following
categories: network with the most descriptive video content, best
described children's program, situation comedy, television drama,
cinematic production and most productions by a single movie
studio. 
     Resolution 2005A-4 mandates that the California Council of
the Blind strongly recommend that a specialist in blindness and
low vision issues be hired to serve clients in Mendocino and Lake
counties which are presently without a counselor or supervisor
possessing this expertise; and that,  until this position is
filled, anyone serving blind clients in these counties be
required to consult with Blind Field Services supervisors and/or
counselors serving blind and low vision clients.  
     Resolution 2005A-6 requires the California Council of the
Blind to recommend to the Department of Rehabilitation and Blind
Field Services that, when a generalist rehabilitation counselor
is working with a blind or visually impaired client, a Blind
Field Services supervisor be consulted on that particular
individual's case.  The generalist   counselor has no knowledge
of the needs or capabilities of blind persons nor of the special
opportunities available to them. 
     Resolution 2005A-7 Urges Dr. Catherine Campisi, Director of
the Department of Rehabilitation, to assign an Office Support
Supervisor III to Blind Field Services to bring about immediate
uniformity, quality, and fairness in its services to consumers
forthwith.
     Resolution 2005A-8 requires that the California Council of
the Blind deplore and condemn Recording for the Blind (RFB&D) for
its practice of mandating installation of an authorization key on
the machines that read its digital books only at its headquarters
in Princeton, New Jersey. For persons who purchase their machines
from sources other than RFB&D, this practice is an added expense
and also causes unnecessary delays in service. This resolution is
to be forwarded to the American Council of the Blind for
consideration at its national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.    
     Resolution 2005A-9 directs the California Council of the
Blind to request that the Attorney General issue a directive to
all California Public Utilities Commission licensees of limousine
services relative to California's Public Conveyance Access
regulations as well as the service animal provisions of the
Americans with disabilities act and the implementation
regulations of the Department of Justus.  Several limousine
services, when contacted by phone, maintained that they have a
"no dog" policy, regardless of the dog's function as a service
animal.
     Resolution 2005A-10 requires that the California Council of
the Blind strongly urge the Department of Rehabilitation to take
the necessary steps immediately to have the regulations proposed
by the California Bureau of State Audits concerning changes to
the operation of the Business Enerprises Program issued. It is
particularly important that the procedures for allocating interim
locations be established.  
     Resolution 2005A-11 directs the California Council of the 
Blind to express in a letter its dissatisfaction with the
alternative text-based Web pages of Albertson's and Von's
supermarkets. The CCB president should take steps to develop a
package of materials which may be used by the membership in
similar situations, and the resolution should be forwarded to
other affiliates of the American Council of the Blind for their
review and consideration.
     Resolution 2005A-12 requires that the California Council of
the Blind strongly encourage retail chains to install, as soon as
possible, keypad PIN entry devices in order that blind and
visually impaired people have equal access to secure and private
point-of-sale transactions. This resolution is to be forwarded to
the American Council of the Blind for  presentation at  its
national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  
     The members of the Resolutions Committee are: Lucy Greco,
Chair; Mitch Pomerantz, Vice Chair; Winifred Downing, Ken Metz,
Abbie Vincent; Eugene Lozano, Jr.; Dirk Neyhart; Rhonda King;
Gabe Griffith; and Stephanie Enyart. 



                WHY CHANGE A PERFECTLY GOOD NAME?

                        by Bonnie Rennie


      Many interesting things occurred at our recent spring
convention. One of them was a simple name change. The CCB
committee formerly known as the Committee on Senior Blind became
the Seniors with Vision Loss Committee. Committee members present
at our March 24, 2005, conference call recommended this change.
Our President Jeff Thom, and then the Board, approved. 
     That explains the how; more important is the why. Better put
where is this committee heading? What is the current scene in
which seniors with vision loss are moving? What are the social
and attitudinal conditions we encounter when reaching out to this
emerging group? 
     Think back to the fall convention and the speeches by both
Jeff Thom and Paul Edwards. In discussing the future of CCB, they
identified seniors as one target group CCB needs to attract.
Their view served to energize this committee in terms of planning
how we might do more outreach, and part of that effort may
include speaking better the language of the members being sought
and understanding where they might be coming from. 
     So what are some things to consider about this group of
seniors CCB might want to reach? Let's start with some pretty
well known demographics: most people who are legally blind become
so later in life. They have lived their adult lives up to that
point as sighted people and often still think of themselves as
sighted. It's often a reference point for them which even severe
vision loss does little to change. The great majority of people
who lose vision retain some usable sight and function as person
with low vision. One of our recent convention program presenters,
for example, stated that just 6 percent of the older population
served in that program were totally blind. 
     All too often, unfortunately, those who lose significant
vision later in life have not been exposed to positive attitudes
about being legally blind. After all, many have not known any
confidence-inspiring role models and have not had the benefit of
contact with capable, well adjusted blind persons. As a
consequence, many may come to their vision loss carrying the
burden of dark fears and outdated stereotypical images of
blindness. There is much more we could say about this particular
area, but for now,  suffice it to ask what such seniors might say
or do when they hear the words "senior blind." 
     The term "vision loss" was selected to replace "blind," with
the acknowledgment that no term is ideal. "Vision loss" does not
denote any specific degree of visual disability since It can mean
anything from a minor visual limitation to blindness. It does,
however, imply the loss of something, a degree of functional
eyesight. It also dovetails with the name of the ACB affiliate,
The Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss. 
     Finally, we offer a conciliatory word to those who still
ask, what's the big problem with using the word blind? By
adopting the soft approach, are we, as some may believe,
reinforcing negative attitudes? We guess time will tell; but if
we don't scare the new folks away first, perhaps we can encourage
them by example and education that joining us is a good idea and
a help to them in learning to live with their new situation.
     This article is intended to get us thinking and to begin a
dialogue on how to reach the seniors who would  benefit from
joining our ranks. Their number increases daily.  Next time,
we'll look a little more into the world inhabited by some of
those seniors. 

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                    BLIND STUDENT EARNS M.D.

 Saturday, April 2, 2005, Associated press, MadiSon, Wisconsin. 
     The young medical student was nervous as he slid the soft,
thin tube down into the patient's windpipe. It was a delicate
maneuver, and he knew he had to get it right. Tim Cordes leaned
over the patient as his professor and a team of others closely
monitored his every step. Carefully, he positioned the tube,
waiting for the special signal that oxygen was flowing. The
anesthesia machine was set to emit musical tones to confirm the
tube was in the trachea and carbon dioxide was present. Soon,
Cordes heard the sounds. He double-checked with a stethoscope.
All was OK. He had completed the intubation.
      Several times over two weeks, Cordes performed this
difficult task at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and
Clinics. His professor, Dr. George Arndt, marveled at his
student's skills. "He was 100 percent," the doctor says. "He did
it better than the people who could see."
     Tim Cordes is blind. He has mastered much in his 28 years:
Jujitsu, Biochemistry, Water-skiing, Musical composition. Any one
of these accomplishments would be impressive. Together, they're
dazzling; And now, there's more luster for his gold-plated resume
with a new title: Doctor.
      Cordes has earned his M.D. In a world where skeptics always
seem to be saying, stop, this isn't something a blind person
should be doing, it was one more barrier to overcome. There are
only a handful of blind doctors in this country, but Cordes makes
it clear he could not have joined this elite club alone.
     "I signed on with a bunch of real team players who decided
that things are only impossible until they're done," he says.
     That's modesty speaking. Cordes finished medical school at
the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the top sixth of his class
(he received just one B), earning honors, accolades and admirers
along the way. "He was confident, he was professional, he was
respectful and he was a great listener," says Sandy Roof, a nurse
practitioner who worked with Cordes as part of a training program
in a small-town clinic.
     Without sight, Cordes had to learn how to identify clusters
of spaghetti-thin nerves and vessels in cadavers, study X-rays,
read EKGs and patient charts, examine slides showing slices of
the brain, diagnose rashes, and more. He used a variety of
special tools, including raised line drawings, a computer that
simultaneously reads into his earpiece whatever he types, a
visual describer, a portable printer that allowed him to write
notes for patient charts, and a device called an Optacon that has
a small camera with vibrating pins that help his fingers feel
images.
     "It was kind of whatever worked," Cordes says. "Sometimes
you can psych yourself out and anticipate problems that don't
materialize. ... You can sit there and plan for every contingency
or you just go out and do things.
   ... That was the best way." That's been his philosophy much of
his life. Cordes was just 5 months old when he was diagnosed with
Leber's disease. He wore glasses by age 2, and gradually lost his
sight. At age 16, when his peers were getting their car keys, he
took his first steps with a guide dog.
     Still, blindness didn't stop him. He wrestled and earned a
black belt in tae kwon do and jujitsu. An academic whiz, he
graduated as valedictorian at the University of Notre Dame as a
crowd of 10,000 gave him a standing ovation.
      Cordes finished medical school in December but still is
working on his Ph.D. studying the structure of a protein involved
in bacteria that causes pneumonia and other infections. Though he
spends 10 to 12 hours a day in the lab, Cordes also carried the
Olympic torch when it made its way through Wisconsin in 2002 (he
runs four miles twice a week) and has managed to give a few
motivational speeches and accept an award or two. He's even found
time to fall in love; he's engaged to a medical school student. 
     But Tim Cordes doesn't want to be cast as the noble hero of
a Hallmark special. "I just think that you deal with what you're
dealt," he says. "I've just been trying to do the best with what
I've got. I don't think that's any different from anybody else."
     He also shuns suggestions that his IQ leaves his peers in
the dust. "I just work hard and study," he says. "If you're not
modest, you're probably overestimating yourself." Through the
years, plenty of people have underestimated Cordes.  That was
especially true when he applied for medical school and was
rejected by several universities, despite glowing references, two
years of antibiotics research and a 3.99 undergraduate average as
a biochemistry major. Even when Wisconsin-Madison accepted him,
Cordes says, he knew there was "some healthy skepticism. " But,
he adds, "the people I worked with were top notch and really gave
me a chance." The dean of the medical school, Dr. Philip Farrell,
says the faculty determined early on that Cordes would have "a
successful experience. Once you decide that, it's only a question
of options and choices." Farrell worried a bit how Cordes might
fare in the hospital settings but says he needn't have. "We've
learned from him as much as he's learned from us ... one should
never assume that any student is going to have a barrier, an
obstacle that they can't overcome," he says.
     Sandy Roof, the nurse practitioner who worked with Cordes in
a clinic in the town of Waterloo, wondered about that. "My first
reaction was the same as others': How can he possibly see and
treat patients?" she says. "I was skeptical; but within a short
time I realized he was very capable, very sensitive."
     She recalls watching him examine a patient with a rash, feel
the area, ask the appropriate questions and come up with a
correct diagnosis. "He didn't try to sell himself," Roof adds.
"He just did what needed to be done." Cordes says he thinks
people accepted him because most of his training was in   a
teaching hospital where he blended in with other medical
students. One patient apparently didn't even realize the young
man treating him was blind. Cordes grins as he recalls examining
a 7-year-old while making the hospital rounds with Vance, his
German shepherd guide dog. The next day, he saw the boy's father,
who said, "I think you did a great job. (But) when my son got
out, he asked me, `What's the dog for?' "
     With his sandy hair and choirboy's face, Cordes became a
familiar sight with Vance at the university hospital. The two
were so good at navigating the maze of hallways that interns
would sometimes ask Cordes for the quickest route to a particular
destination.
     Some professors say Cordes compensates for his lack of sight
with his other senses especially his incredible sense of touch.
"He can pick up things with his hands you and I wouldn't pick up
like vibrations," says Arndt, the anesthesiology professor.
Cordes says some of his most valuable lessons came from doctors
who  believed in showing rather than telling. "You can describe
what it feels like to put your hand on the aorta and feel
someone's blood flowing through it," he says, his face lighting
up, "but until you feel it, you really don't get a sense of what
that's like."
     Dr. Yolanda Becker, assistant professor of surgery who
performs transplants, noticed that Cordes had a talent for
finding veins. "I tell the students, 'You have to feel them ...
you just can't look. For Tim, that was not an option." Becker
soon became one more member of Tim Cordes' fan club.
     "He was a breath of fresh air," she says. "He appreciated
the fact people took time with him to feel the pulse, feel the
grafts, feel where the kidneys are. ... He asked very good
questions." Cordes' training included observing surgery, helping
treat psychiatric patients at a veterans hospital and traveling
beyond the hospital walls to the rural corners of Wisconsin.
     For six weeks, he experienced the front lines of medicine
with Dr. Ben Schmidt, accompanying him from house calls to the
hospital, tending to everything from heart trouble to chicken
scratches.  They took time, too, to indulge Cordes' passion for
cars. Cordes, who reads Road and Track and Car and Driver
magazines faithfully, is a Porsche fan. Knowing that, an
internist in Schmidt's clinic brought her husband's metallic gray
Turbo 911 to work one day. Schmidt took the wheel, roaring down
the road with Cordes in the passenger seat, his keen hearing
detecting the sounds of the valves opening up. 
     Cordes also enjoys camping and canoeing with his fiancee,
Blue-leaf Hannah (her exotic first name comes from a character in
"Centennial," a James Michener novel). They met when both
interviewed for medical school.
     "I was just mostly curious how he was going to do it," she
says. "I must have asked him a million questions."
     "I figured she was just sizing up the competition," he
teases. 
     She was impressed. "He was smart and pretty modest," she
says.
     "Handsome, too," he adds.
     "Yes, handsome," she laughs. They began dating and will
marry this fall. It's a match made for Mensa. Hannah is now in
medical school. She already has a Ph.D. in pharmacology; her
dissertation was on a human protein implicated in heart disease
called thrombospondin. "Too long for a Scrabble game," Cordes
jokes. The two have talked about starting a research lab together
some day.
     Looking back on medical school, Cordes says he savored the
chance to help deliver babies and observe surgery, things he's
probably not going to do again. "I just made it a point to
treasure them while I had them," he says.
     He once thought he'd become a researcher but is now
considering psychiatry and internal medicine. "The surprise for
me was how much I liked dealing with the human side," he says.
"It took a little work to get over. I'm kind of a shy guy."
Cordes plans to attend graduation ceremonies in May. For now,
he's humble about his latest milestone. "I might be the front man
in the show but there were a lot of people  involved," he says.
"Everybody was giving a good effort for me, and I wanted to do
right by them."



                       ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

                        by Evelyn Drewry

     Hello fellow CCB members.  I want to take a minute to
introduce myself and my new column.
     My name is Evelyn Drewry, and I live in the San Diego area
where for the past 19 years I have been a rehab instructor at the
San Diego Center for the Blind. It has been my experience that
laughter can be not only the source of a lot of fun, but a stress
reducer and an ice breaker.  Throughout my life, I have found
myself in many amusing situations because of my lack of sight,
and it is my hope that we can use this column to share our
experiences.  Although I have some amusing stories to pass along,
I urge you to contact me with your own.  My e-mail address is:
mixed.up@cox.net and I certainly look forward to hearing any of
the humorous incidents you have known. So sit back and relax with
the first story of the column; I hope that, by the time you have
reached the end, you will have a smile on your face.
     A friend who happens to be totally blind sang with a band
while she was in high school.  One afternoon everyone came over
to her house to practice.  For some reason the group stayed much
later than was expected; and after a while,  my friend started
thinking that she really needed to offer them something to eat. 
     She excused herself and went out to the kitchen to see what
she could find.  A quick check of the pantry shelf revealed a can
of tuna, so she set about preparing a bowl of tuna salad to
provide tuna sandwiches.
     The finished product turned out to be quite the hit, and
everyone raved about the wonderful sandwiches!  When everyone had 
finished, the bowl was completely empty.  Of course my friend was
pleased, because we always feel gratified when others enjoy what
we have prepared for them.
     Shortly after the delicious sandwiches were eaten and
enjoyed, everyone went home.  Soon after that, my friend's
grandmother came in from work and was very surprised to find the
last can of cat food missing!
     I'd have to say this was a definite case of what her friends
didn't know didn't hurt them.  <grin>
     Until next time, be sure to try to look on the lighter side.





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                 FUNDRAISING ACCLIVITIES PLANNED

                 by Peter Pardini, CCB Treasurer

     Once again, the first prize for  our annual CCB sweepstakes
drawing will be a 5-day Caribbean cruise for two people leaving
out of Miami, Florida, donated by Carnival Cruise Lines. The
lucky winners will be staying in the luxurious owner suite which
includes a separate bedroom and setting room.  If this suite were
available to the public, it would cost $2,500.00 per person.  The
winner is responsible for airfare to and from Miami.  
     Other wonderful prizes are to be announced. The drawing will
be held at our fall CCB banquet on October 15, 2005. Remember,
for each book of 10 tickets sold, the chapter will receive $5.
Tickets are available from your chapter president or the CCB
Office.
     At our fall, 2005, convention in Long Beach, the CCB will be
conducting a silent auction. Auction items will be on display,
and bids will be accepted in the exhibit room on Friday and
Saturday. If you wish to donate an item for the auction, please
contact the CCB office at 800-221-6359.  We hope to have between
10 to 15 items available for bid. In the convention announcement
and on the connection prior to the fall convention, we will
publish a list of items to be auctioned so that you have time to
decide what items you will want to bid on.
     If you have any questions regarding sweepstakes on the
silent auction, please contact me at 866-570-5335 or by e-mail at
peterpar@pacbell.net.
     Thank you for supporting the California Council of the
Blind.


                         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.
     From Newsreel, June, 2005: Graphic Audio is a new line of
exciting audio books brought to you by Potomac Talking Book
Services, Inc. Graphic audio is a virtual movie in your mind. It
is intense images generated by full-cast action, 3D sound
effects, and original music. These books are available for a
single purchase or with a subscription rate in two formats, 4-
track 15/16ths audio cassette and MP3 CD. for a free Graphic
Audio catalog on audio cassette please call 877-848-4354 or e-
mail graphicaudio@ptbs.org. 
     From Dialogue Magazine, Winter, 2004: Money Talks is an
accessible banking account management software package which is
currently being field tested. In fact, our readers can take part
in the field testing. You don't need to be a technology expert to
participate. The program includes its own voices; no screen
reader is necessary. You can also enlarge the font or turn off
the built-in speech.  The program includes an electronic check
register with categories and subcategories. If you can download
QIF files from your bank's Website, you can import them into
Money Talks and reconcile your check register. Although printing
features are not enabled in the field test version of the
software. You will eventually be able to print various types of
checks on your printer, including Quicken checks and raised-line
large-print checks.  The beta test requires that individuals join
a mailing list to discuss the program, and that they download all
updates.  Those who work hardest on the beta test will be given a
full-fledged version of the software when it is available. To
field test the program, visit www.aph.org/beta.        *The
MyReader (TM) is a transportable autofocus low-vision reading
machine that provides magnification from 0.7X to 45X and
gives the user a choice of up to 56 color combinations. The
machine can capture full pages of data, and it doesn't require an
x/y table for scrolling.  Scrolling is automated.  For additional
information, call 800-487-5389 or visit www.eschenbach.com.
     From Dialogue Magazine, May, 2005: Having trouble dialing
the telephone, setting stove controls or identifying medications?
E.A.R.S. (Enhancement Audio Resources Services) offers free
instructional audio tapes for seniors with low vision. Tapes
teach adaptive living skills in a number of areas. For more
information or to order, call 800-843-6816 or visit
www.earsforeyes.org.
    *Walgreen's now offers large print prescription instructions
free of charge to customers who request the large print option at
their local Walgreen's when dropping off or calling in
prescriptions. The pharmacist will provide instructions printed
in 19-point type in either English or Spanish.

    *The Rex Talking RX Medication Pill Bottle Starter Kit allows
the recording of customized verbal medication instructions. The
kit contains easy-to-follow instructions, a power supply, 3
bottles and a microphone. Instructions can be recorded for
over-the-counter or prescription medications as well as refill
reminders and medication warnings.  For more information or to
order, contact: MedivoxRX Technologies, Inc., phone
866-RXtalks-(798-2557); e-mail
sales@rxtalks.com; or Web site www.rxalks.com.  The starter kit
can also be ordered for $69.95 from Independent Living Aids at
800-537-2118 or www.independentliving.com.
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, April, 2005: Merger. New
Zealand-based Pulse Data International and Canada-based VisuAide
recently merged, creating a new international organization to
serve the needs of people with visual impairments. The new
corporation will be called the HumanWare Group.
     Its combined products include the SmartView Video Magnifier;
MyReader (the new low-vision automatic reader); the Victor Reader
family of digital talking book players; the Braille Note
notetaker; and the orientation solutions, Trekker and Braille
Note GPS.
     Dr. Russell Smith, formerly Pulse Data's DEO, heads the new
organization. With over 200 employees worldwide, HumanWare is now
one of the largest companies in the world in the field of
blindness and low vision.  Sales offices are located in the
United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand with
the parent company based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
    *Job Openings.  Ziegler reader Robin Gwinn recommends Liberty
Career Development's newsletter about work opportunities at home
or on site. They research each job to ensure it is legitimate.
The newsletter costs $9.95.  Visit
 www.freewebs.com/libertyoutreach/employmentopportunities/html.
Send e-mail to gwinnjrc@adelphia.net, or call 423-638-3736. Ms.
Gwinn knows of an employer in urgent need of part-time employees
at $8 an hour.
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, May, 2005: Anthology.
"Choice Magazine Listening" (CML), a free audio periodical,
offers the best of contemporary magazine writing to
people who are blind, visually or physically impaired or
dyslexic. CML selects and records memorable writing from more
than 100
leading magazines.  Every other month, it presents eight hours of
unabridged articles, fiction and poetry, read by professionals
and recorded on four-track cassettes.  Call 888-724-6423 or
516-883-8280. Write to 85 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY
11050, or send e-mail to choicemaga@aol.com.  Visit
www.choicemagazinelistening.org.
    *Web Site.  Blind Vision NYC, an audio show broadcast on the
Internet, offers news, weather and political commentary, as well
as astrological predictions, songs, jokes, a library of links, a
shopping mall and more. Dennis, the editor, is a Ziegler reader
whose interest in radio began when he lost his sight at age 12.
Visit www.blindvisionnyc.com, or call 773-572-3100 to hear the
program by phone.
     From Nessreel, June, 2005: Graphic Audio is a new  line of
exciting audio books brought to you by Potomac Talking Book
Services, Inc. Graphic Audio is a virtual movie in your mind. It
is intense images generated by full-cast action, 3D sound
effects, and original music.  These books are available for
single purchase or with a subscription rate in two formats, 4-
track 15/16ths IPS audio cassette and mp3 CD.  For a free Graphic
Audio catalog on audio cassette please call 877-848-4354 or e-
mail graphicaudio@ptbs.org.



                          ROSE'S STORY

                          by Jean Cross

     Part of this story was published in Clearly Caring Magazine, 
Vol 24, 6 November/December, 2004.
     Rose Dent Deterding's Message: Rose Dent, born in 1932,
prematurely, delivered at home by the family doctor, weighed just
1 lb. 12 ounces. Such an early birth resulted in under
development of her eyes.  She has no vision in one eye but says
God allowed her to have a small window of light in the other
which permits her to see light, color and shapes though blurred. 
He also gave her a cheerful, plucky disposition, rosy cheeks and
naturally curly hair. Her inspiring story is one of a purpose for
every human life, especially showing how God increases the human
race through a loving marriage and allows triumph over adversity. 
 She survived her fragile beginning to marry the love of her
life, Ted Deterding, a fellow student at the special school for
the blind in Jacksonville, Illinois, which she attended nine
months out of every year from age 5-18.  
     She called the hotline of the Alameda Pregnancy Counseling
Center in San Jose, CA, during Pro-Life week, January, 2004,
asking to tell her story.  She has pictures from the earliest
days of her birth to the present to validate her words.  In a
recent visit to her San Jose mobile home, Roger Cross, Center
Board Member, transferred her pictures to computer disc and Jean
Cross took down and reports her story.
     Rose stated that her mother had a difficult time with the
pregnancy. She had lost a baby before her, and Rose was now her
fourth pregnancy. While visiting relatives, her parents had to
return home because her mother was not feeling well.  She went
into labor and experienced heavy bleeding. The doctor worked to
pull the mother through and told the father that Rose had been a
miscarriage and left. After this, her father walked into the
bedroom and saw on the foot of the bed a little 1 pound 12 ounce
baby girl move ever so slightly. Realizing that she was still
alive, he picked her up, cleaned her up, wrapped her in a soft
cloth, and placed her in a cigar box in the oven (at a very low
temperature!) with the oven door ajar. He fed her milk with an
eyedropper. Three days later the doctor came back to check the
mother.  As he turned to leave, her father said, "Don't you want
to see the baby?" The doctor asked, "What baby?"  
     Needless to say, Rose was taken to the hospital and placed
in an incubator; her father supplied blood for three or four
necessary transfusions. She stayed there for 3 months in the care
of loving nurses who took pictures of this amazing baby while she
continued to grow and thrive. Some of these nurses stayed in
contact with her all through her childhood days.   
     Another challenge arose when she was four years old. (Rose
doesn't call things problems. She prefers the word challenges.) 
A tumor was discovered behind her right eye.  Again a happy
ending: her vision improved after the needed surgery. When she
was out of the hospital, her father brought her to an amusement
park where they took a ride in a boat on the lake. She could see
the sparks from the electric cable, the first time she had ever
seen sparks,  and was at first frightened, then delighted! 
     At age five, her parents enrolled her in a special school
for the blind in Jacksonville, Illinois.  There she learned how
to function as a blind person in a world where others can see. 
On the occasion of her graduation from high school, Dr. Hess, who
had followed her case from her premature birth, sent her a
bouquet of orchids, the memory of which puts a smile on her face
today!
     Rose recalls that she learned many things at the School for
the Blind. She learned braille, typing and even taught herself to
read print since she was able to make out the letters on a screen
that went with the braille she was learning.  Today she is very
grateful that she went to the extra effort to learn to read on
her own. Currently she is proficient on a computer she bought
from her daughter, using special adaptive programs to assist her
diminished vision.
     Spending nine months of the year away from home helped Rose
to become independent. Her parents, on the other hand, felt very
protective toward her when she was home, though they never
learned braille or other things in her school program.  As she
neared her last years in the school,  she was in a school play
where she met Ted Deterding, and the experience began a
friendship which blossomed into real love. They graduated and,
after a 2-week visit in her family home, they left and went to
see Ted's mother in southern Illinois.  She had a small cabin on
her property and was more accepting of their plans,  so they were
married by a Justice of the Peace in November of 1951, setting up
housekeeping in the little cabin.  In 1952 their first son was
born, two  months premature, presenting another challenge. He
grew up to be a healthy man 6 feet tall. After this, a total of 7
children arrived in 9 years, a bit overwhelming; but somehow they
managed.
     Ted was a bright man with an IQ of 140 and became a college
graduate of Carbondale University in Illinois (1961-1965). His
dream was to be a history teacher, but the college felt he could
not succeed in this effort, so he took music courses, becoming a
good musician who played the keyboard, mandolin and guitar.  In
1975 when the college had an opening for a coordinator between
the students and the teaching staff, he applied for the job but
once again was disappointed.  Finally, he was offered a job as a
door-to-door salesman in Rockford, Illinois, but the job did not
work out.  
     In 1976 Ted, Rose and their family moved from a small town
to the metropolis of San Jose, California, and good things began
to happen. Ted and Rose went to a Bay Area Meeting of Jazz
Musicians who liked Ted's music so much that he became part of a
group called The Entertainers,  playing engagements for the Elks
Club, country clubs, weddings and other events. More good news! 
Rose started work in the packaging department and eventually did
quality control.  
     In 1979, though, she was diagnosed with cataracts, another
challenge. Her vision at that time was 20/400. After cataract
removal, her vision improved so that, with glasses, it was
20/200. With glasses and good lighting she could get by. On her
rides to work on a city bus, Rose with her friendly ways made a
friend who worked for the Probation Department.  With the help of
this friend, in August of 1980 Rose began transcribing court
reports of kids who went to trial. She never got bored, for each
case was like a story she absorbed as she listened to tapes and
typed. Later she brought blessing to a lady who worked at
Juvenile Hall. This woman needed a kidney, and Rose's grandson,
was the donor so that someone was helped because of his untimely
passing from an auto accident.
     A Deterding family photo was taken in 1989 on the wedding
day of Rose's grandson, Michael, to his bride, Robin.  This photo
also shows the other six Deterding children along with Ted and
Rose.  
     Now consider this: in 1932, if Rose's father had not walked
into the bedroom and rescued her, this picture would look like
this:  everyone in silhouette and only Ted Deterding and the
bride would be visible. Today, Rose marvels at how God uses
people to accomplish His loving purpose and so feels compelled to
tell her story.
     In 1996, the Lord took Ted home. Rose really misses him, but
is thankful to have had such a good husband and father for her
children. Since then, the same Lord has helped Rose fill her days
with new and interesting experiences. In 2002, she went on a
cruise with five other visually challenged friends and a special
travel agent who could explain the sights. They took a 16-day
trip through the Panama Canal. The trainer had to clap repeatedly
to get the dolphin, which was kissing Rose, to stop. You'd fall
in love with Rose, too, if you could meet her!
     Currently, Rose lives with a roommate she met at Enchanted
Hills Camp sponsored by the San Francisco Lighthouse, an agency
that helps the blind. She is also a member of the San Jose
Visionary Lions Club whose members are mostly visually
challenged. This group holds fundraisers, puts on dinners, and
holds auctions to support the Center for the Blind at 1101 N.
Bascom, San Jose, CA. With a winning smile, Rose states that this
group needs volunteers with good vision as well.  Seeing and
hearing her, a person might just give this a try! On occasion,
various organizations ask Rose to speak and tell her story of how
God provides and has a wonderful plan for every life.
     Rose serves in the Silicon Valley Council for the Blind. 
This group is active in improving signage on buildings and
obtaining tactile and voice-activated aids as well as chirping
signals at crosswalks.  Even the local newspaper, The San Jose
Mercury News, loves Rose.  On June 6, 2003, a reporter snapped
her picture while she was listening to a speaker protest cutbacks
in shuttle and bus services.
     God continues to bless Rose and make her a blessing to
others. With her lovely alto voice, she can sing you a tune and
accompany herself on her Q-Chord or play it on her harmonica. You
name it, and she can deliver anything from "Hey, Good Lookin,
Whatsha Got Cookin'" to "Amazing Grace." Rose says, "I have the
joy of Jesus in me and you can do anything if you have that."  



                 THE PRESENT STATUS OF MEDICAID

     From the Desk of Day Al-Mohamed, Director of Advocacy and
Governmental Affairs, American Council of the Blind, June 5, 2005
     In my last Legislative Update on Medicaid, I spoke about the
creation of a Medicaid Commission to study Medicaid policy. Since
that time, there have been some interesting changes in
Washington. Originally, the concept of a Medicaid Commission was
greeted enthusiastically as it offered an opportunity for study
before any drastic changes were made. The commission is supposed
to issue a report by September 1 with suggestions on how to
achieve the $10 billion in Medicaid reductions required under the
fiscal year 2006 budget resolution. By Dec. 31, 2006, the
commission must produce longer-range Medicaid reform
recommendations. Recently, however, many legislators are
expressing anger and disappointment at the way the commission is
being created.
     The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt,
announced that the commission would have 15 voting members
appointed by him, 15 non-voting members also appointed by him,
and eight non-voting members appointed by Republicans and
Democrats in Congress.
     The Congressional response (and the response of many
advocacy organizations) is that the Medicaid Commission, as
proposed by the administration and Leavitt, falls short of the
unbiased, independent advisory panel proposed by Senators Smith
and Bingaman. In fact, the Democrats refuse to participate in the
Leavitt Commission at all and have not appointed a Member of
Congress to participate as a non-voting member.
     At the state level, governors, too, are taking action,
adamantly opposing the congressional proposal to cut $10 billion
from the $330 billion Medicaid program over five years and they
announced June 1 that they too would not join in the Leavitt
commission.
     A bipartisan task force of 11 governors, consulting with
Medicaid officials from at least 30 states, has been holding
teleconferences for the past few months to draw up their own
plans for restructuring Medicaid.  Right now, there are no
specific details available; but on June 15 the Chairman and Vice
Chairman of the National Governors' Association will testify
before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.  I expect to have more
information then.
     Because of its length, I am providing the link to the
National Governors' Association Medicaid Summary:
http://www.nga.org/nga/legislativeUpdate/policypositionDetailprin
t/1,1390,8460,00.html
     We will be closely monitoring any upcoming changes, actions
or activities. This is especially important because as it
currently stands, this commission offers very little room for
advocates to maneuver and Leavitt's structure does not allow for
significant stakeholder influence.



                                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@charter.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
Cecile Betts,
     952 Avenida Carmel, Unit A
     Laguna Woods, CZ
     92637
     949 586-2957
     cecebetts@fea.net
inifred Downing, Editor
     1587 38th Avenue
     San Francisco, CA 94122
     415 564-5798
     wmdowning@mindspring.com
Evelyn Drewry
     1455 Royal Vista Drive
     Ramona, CA
     920065
     760 789-6479
     mixed.up@cox.net
Brian Hall
     5722 Abraham Avenue
     Westminster, CA 92683
     714 894-3497
     brianlhall@earthlink.net
Daveed Mandell
     1921 Francisco St., Apt. 7A
     Berkeley
     94709-2105
     510 665-9260
     daveedm@sbcglobal.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

