THE BRAILLE FORUM Volume XLV April 2007 No. 8 Published by the American Council of the Blind THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND STRIVES TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. Christopher Gray, President Melanie Brunson, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor National Office: 1155 15th St. NW Suite 1004 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 Fax: (202) 467-5085 Web site: http://www.acb.org THE BRAILLE FORUM (TM) is available in braille, large print, half-speed four-track cassette tape, and via e-mail. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to Sharon Lovering at the address above, or via e-mail to slovering@acb.org. Submission deadlines are the first of the month. The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, visit the ACB web site and complete an application form, or contact the national office at the number listed above. Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Mike Godino at the above mailing address. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office can make printed cards available for this purpose. To remember the American Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, contact the ACB national office. Join the MMS program and help improve tomorrow today in ACB. Contact Ron Milliman by e-mail, rmilliman@insightbb.com, or by phone at (270) 782-9325 and get started making tomorrow look brighter today! To make a contribution to ACB via the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 5 p.m. to midnight Eastern time, or visit the Washington Connection online at http://www.acb.org. Copyright 2007 American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: Fighting for Assistive Technology, by Christopher Gray There's a Job Opening in ACB's National Office, by Melanie Brunson Al-Mohamed Bids ACB A Fond Farewell ACB Board Discusses Treasury Case, Rehabilitation, State of ACB; ACBES Elects Board, by Charles S.P. Hodge The Road to Minneapolis: Are We There Yet?, by Carla Ruschival The Beginning As Told By Durward K. McDaniel, by Frank and Terry Pacheco Assistive Listening Devices: Something New This Year Board of Publications Hosts Internet Candidates' Page Affiliate News Membership Strategies for the Year, compiled by Ardis Bazyn Here and There, by Sue Lichtenfels High Tech Swap Shop FORUM SUBSCRIPTION NOTES You can now get "The Braille Forum" by podcast! To subscribe, go to "The Braille Forum" page on www.acb.org. If you do not yet have a podcast client, you can download one from the Forum page. To subscribe to "The Braille Forum" via e-mail, send a blank e-mail message to brailleforum-L-subscribe@acb.org. ARE YOU MOVING? DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll take care of the changes for you. ***** PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: FIGHTING FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY by Christopher Gray When it comes to services that are provided in significant part for the blind, we as a community usually have strong reactions to them. For example, it would be hard to find anybody who really hates library services. We love to read and learn as a community, and in most cases library services help us do just that. On the other end of the spectrum, it's hard to find any blind person who loves their rehabilitation services. While we may believe in the importance and support the continuance of such services, the majority of stories one hears about rehab services are fraught with negativity and unsuccessful outcomes. In this article, I'd like to explore the relationship of the blind community with adaptive technology vendors, or what many refer to as assistive technology. This is an area no less important than library or rehabilitation services, an area which we as blind people watch and use on at least a monthly basis, and yet it is an area in which we have no overarching organizational policy and little organizational consensus to guide our actions, individually or collectively. The love/hate relationship with which many approach the companies in this sphere of business makes for additional problems in sorting out such policies at the organizational level. In the past several years, the greatest amount of controversy has revolved around mid-level companies in the assistive technology arena. The two main players that have emerged here are Maxi-Aids of Farmingdale, N.Y., and Independent Living Aids of Jericho, N.Y. For years these companies have sought competitive advantage against one another, and unfortunately, Maxi-Aids has been subjected to unrelenting, vicious and relatively unsubstantiated attacks in magazines similar to "The Braille Forum," but certainly not any magazines related to the work or philosophy of the American Council of the Blind. To any discerning reader, the attacks against Maxi-Aids are in large part propagandistic. For example, it was recently alleged that the president of Maxi-Aids said his company created the game of dominoes. Of course, investigation reveals that what he actually said is that his company owns the molds for the accessible version of the game of dominoes. So shocking and flagrant are the published criticisms against Maxi-Aids, I feel that a part of this article should be devoted to an actual substantiated claim against Independent Living Aids, the alleged "good guy" within this industry. Read this quote from a recent press release from Assistech, and draw your own conclusions about its content. Assistech Reports Independent Living Aids to the FTC Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 27, 2007 -- Today, Assistech reported Independent Living Aids, a former supplier, to the Federal Trade Commission for questionable business practices. Assistech had been an ILA customer since June 2002. In a unilateral move, Marvin Sandler, President of ILA, a New York-based company, decided to terminate Assistech's account earlier this year in response to Assistech's refusal to pay $60 for an order that had not been authorized by Assistech. Sandler's justification for the account termination was a "nasty fax" that Assistech sent Independent Living Aids in response to ILA's insistence in collecting the unauthorized charge. In his five-page termination letter, Sandler labeled Assistech a high- maintenance customer and suggested that he was not making enough profit off Assistech orders. Assistech purchased nearly $100,000 last year alone, and had been an ILA customer for over four years. Prompted by years of unsatisfactory customer service, which culminated in the account termination, Assistech found a new supplier and, as a result, had to replace the entire line of low vision products on its web site, which took about two months to complete and cost the company a considerable amount of money. "I've been a loyal customer, always paid my bills on time, but when I refused to acquiesce to ILA's unjust demands to pay for something I had not authorized, they used the stick, and continue to use it to this day," said Oliver Simoes, owner of Assistech. ILA's latest move was to void the stated warranties on products purchased from them. "ILA-branded items had a six-month warranty, and ILA had a history of honoring such warranties. All of a sudden, they decided to trash the warranty and simply refused to accept any more returns of defective items," said Simoes. ... Another complaint against ILA is that they withheld a couple of refund checks for items that had been returned to them for credit. Assistech plans on filing a claim with the Better Business Bureau, the New York State Consumer Protection Board, and the New York Attorney General's Office, besides placing posts in strategic consumer protection web sites warning against ILA's unethical business practices. If ILA does not reverse its decision, Assistech may refer this company to the BBB's arbitration panel. One cannot help but feel shock and amazement at what appears to be such a unilateral and unfair attack by ILA against a major purchaser who is working to help the blind community. How can one believe, assuming the majority of the details are true in this published report, that Independent Living Aids is working from an ethical position? Finally, and here is the most important point, what should be the reaction taken and/or the role played by the American Council of the Blind as the premiere organization working to protect the rights of blind people when such an activity is brought to our attention? Taking the concept of reaction first, it is my belief and suggestion that ACB's reaction can and should be to print substantiated facts in such matters. In the case of the quoted report above, Assistech has publicly made claims and reported events. ACB covers these events as newsworthy. We should do so in cases where such claims can be substantiated. What about the concept of our role when such circumstances are brought to our attention? This is a matter that has no easy answer. It's an issue that has been discussed and should continue to be discussed within ACB. To facilitate such a discussion, let me share my view with you. It is that ACB not only SHOULD but MUST remain entirely neutral in such matters with regard to its policy and actions toward any one company in the assistive technology business. Unless there is a specific quarrel between ACB itself and a vendor, we have no business involving ourselves in such matters. We report facts to our members, but our members and guests are completely capable of making their own purchasing decisions. ACB's job is not to hold its members' hands, but to facilitate their independence to do as they believe is most correct. Let me share a personal example with you. Right now, I'm in the market for an exercise device that can duplicate the functions you see on treadmills and stair climbers. I want it to give my heart rate, calories burned, time spent, and so on. There's virtually no doubt that the two primary choices for purchasing such a device are the rival companies, Independent Living Aids and Maxi-Aids. When checking with them on the phone, sure enough, both have candidates for my money. As expected and as has been the case for me over and over again, Maxi-Aids has the lowest prices on items shared in their and ILA's catalogs, hence the Maxi-Aids slogan: "The Low-Priced Leader." But not all catalog entries are shared between the companies. I find myself in the position of wanting to check out products from each company. This leads me back to the point about ACB's role in such matters. While I might choose not to do business with ILA based on the above-quoted release, this is an individual choice. It's a matter in which ACB has no direct responsibility and should take no direct action. Let suppliers and agencies work out such difficulties between them. Let those directly harmed seek appropriate redress. This, I believe, should be ACB's underlying policy in such matters, at least for consumer-oriented, relatively low-priced products. Perhaps, though, a line needs to be drawn between companies such as those discussed thus far and the higher-priced technology companies which sell computer access software, braille displays, and so on. Perhaps the formation of a consumer council within ACB could be a means of addressing issues that arise between our members and such companies. I believe that one way or another, ACB needs to move toward some real policies in this area, and I look forward to discussion from the membership about what you believe might be a sound policy for the future. ***** THERE'S A JOB OPENING IN ACB'S NATIONAL OFFICE by Melanie Brunson Since my last report, there has been a surprising and disappointing development in the ACB national office. Day Al-Mohamed, our director of advocacy and governmental affairs, has resigned to take a position in the governmental affairs department of the American Psychological Association. Her last day at ACB was March 20. Day has been a joy to work with and has done a great deal to advance ACB's legislative and advocacy agendas. She will be missed, but we all wish her well in her new endeavor. It is my intention to fill the vacancy Day's departure has created as soon as possible. Therefore, I am hoping to circulate the vacancy announcement as widely as possible between now and mid-May. If any of you can help us do this, please feel free to do so. The announcement is below, and of course, if anyone reading this would be interested in applying for the position, I'd be happy to hear from you. Please note that applications must be received in the ACB national office by May 15. Position Available: Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is seeking a Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs to work in its national office in Washington, D.C. The primary duties of this position will include: - Promoting and developing ACB's advocacy and legislative agendas; - Supervising advocacy and governmental affairs support staff; - Recommending actions to be taken and policies to be adopted by ACB; - Overseeing the implementation of resolutions adopted at ACB conventions; - Responding to requests for information and advice concerning the rights and/or obligations of individuals regarding blindness-related issues, and providing referral to other appropriate sources of assistance; - Providing technical assistance to individuals and ACB affiliates pursuing advocacy projects; - Representing ACB on advisory committees and consultative bodies seeking organizational input; - Drafting proposed bills and rules for presentation to members of Congress, or administrative agencies; - Preparing written comments on pending legislation and proposed rules; - Presenting oral comments on pending legislation at Congressional committee hearings; - Developing and maintaining ongoing working relationships with members of Congress, Congressional staff and agency administrators to promote ACB's legislative and advocacy agendas; - Maintaining cooperative relationships with other disability and civil rights organizations; - Preparing articles on legislative, judicial, and administrative developments for ACB publications and ACB Radio; - Staffing ACB's resolutions and environmental access committees; - And other duties as assigned by the executive director. The director of advocacy and governmental affairs reports to the executive director. The successful candidate must: - Be a self-starter with excellent organizational skills; - Have a minimum of two years experience working with federal legislative and regulatory processes; - Have knowledge of service-delivery systems and government programs impacting people who are blind; - Be available for frequent travel; - Be willing to work evenings and weekends in order to attend meetings with ACB leaders and affiliates; - Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills; - Have the ability to move quickly between tasks and respond promptly to deadlines; - And demonstrate an ability to locate and understand laws and regulations. Desirable skills or training include a law degree or specific disability-related advocacy training, computer literacy, general familiarity with assistive devices used by people who are blind, and knowledge and use of braille. Salary depends upon experience. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to Governmental Affairs Director Search, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th Street NW, Suite 1004, Washington, D.C. 20005. Applications may also be submitted by electronic mail sent to staffing@acb.org, or faxed to (202) 467-5085. All applications must be received in the ACB national office by May 15, 2007. ***** AL-MOHAMED BIDS ACB A FOND FAREWELL Dear Friends and Colleagues: It is with both regret and anticipation that I write this letter. I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have accepted the position of senior legislative and federal affairs officer with the American Psychological Association. The decision to leave was a difficult one and it has been my genuine pleasure to work for the American Council of the Blind during these last two years. I do not have the words to express how much of an honor and a pleasure it has been to serve as ACB's Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs. I have had the privilege of working with committed, dedicated and enthusiastic members, officers and staff. Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at ACB. Even though I will miss my colleagues, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my career. Please keep in touch. I will be sure to leave contact information with the national office. I can also be reached at my personal e-mail address at DayAlMohamed@gmail.com and, as some of you know, I blog regularly from my web site, www.DayAlMohamed.com. We have worked hard together, with many obstacles and just as many triumphs to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. I wish all of you and ACB continued success in all your endeavors. Best of everything, Day ***** ACB BOARD DISCUSSES TREASURY CASE, REHABILITATION, STATE OF ACB; ACBES ELECTS BOARD by Charles S.P. Hodge President Chris Gray called the board of directors meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 4, 2007. Secretary Donna Seliger then called the roll. All board members were present except for Naomi Soule. Also present on the call were Melanie Brunson, Michael Garrett and Lane Waters. Paul Edwards moved that the meeting agenda be adopted as amended; the board approved. Mitch Pomerantz moved to approve the minutes of the Nov. 6, 2006 meeting. M.J. Schmitt moved to recess the ACB board meeting and convene a meeting of American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services (ACBES). When the ACB board reconvened at 9:47 p.m., Gray reported that the following matters had taken place during the ACBES meeting. Michael Garrett and Lane Waters had reported that ACBES was holding its own financially, but that some ongoing problems continue to plague operations at certain store locations. Ed Bradley moved to accept the report given by Michael Garrett and Lane Waters. Gray reported further that ACBES had then turned its attention to filling three seats on the board. Paul Edwards nominated LeRoy Saunders; Carla Ruschival nominated Oral Miller; and Ray Campbell nominated M.J. Schmitt. All three were elected by acclamation. Paul Edwards moved to adjourn the ACBES meeting and reconvene the ACB board meeting. As the ACB board meeting reconvened, Ed Bradley moved that Michael Garrett be included in any future announcements pertaining to ACB board meetings. Melanie Brunson then updated the board on news from the national office. She reported that the most important development was the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Robertson in the lawsuit brought by ACB against the Department of the Treasury seeking that the U.S. Treasury make differing denominations of U.S. currency accessible to and identifiable by blind and visually impaired Americans. Judge Robertson ruled that the Department of the Treasury was in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for its failure to make U.S. currency accessible to and identifiable by blind and visually impaired Americans. Brunson stated that she remains hopeful about moving some of ACB's legislative initiatives in the new Congressional session. Lane Waters then presented the Minneapolis office report. He stated that while all of the paperwork related to the 2006 national convention was virtually completed, special-interest affiliates had not yet received reimbursement checks. He indicated that this would be accomplished as expeditiously as possible. He also reported that for the past year -- 2006 --revenues to ACB exceeded budgetary estimations, and ACB expenditures were less than budgetary estimations. Waters then discussed the need to obtain a resolution in writing from the board authorizing him to deal with and do business with financial institutions which are refusing to recognize him as an authorized representative of ACB for such purposes. Paul Edwards moved that the ACB and ACBES boards adopt the following resolution: "Resolved that Lane Waters, comptroller of this corporation, be hereby fully authorized and empowered to transfer, endorse, sell, assign, settle and deliver any and all annuities, shares of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, evidences of indebtedness or other securities now and hereafter standing in the name of or owned by this corporation, and necessary or proper to effectuate the authority hereby conferred under the direction of the president or the executive director." Billie Jean Keith then discussed the white paper setting forth ACB's philosophy and principles regarding rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired people in the U.S., which had been sent to board members for their review on Dec. 26, 2006. Ed Bradley moved to approve the written report of the rehabilitation task force. Bradley then moved that ACB utilize the now- approved rehabilitation white paper in its education, training and public relations efforts, and that the task force be the entity designated to develop plans and strategies designed to disseminate the paper. Paul Edwards moved that the task force broaden its purview with the view of trying to develop its dissemination plan for the white paper, and to have its dissemination plan ready for review and action by the board by April. Edwards then moved that the ACB board authorize the creation of a rehabilitation council distribution list which would be a closed list whose membership would consist of the ACB board, members of the rehabilitation task force, such other individuals as the president shall determine, and all ACB members currently serving on state rehabilitation councils, and that, in addition, the board authorize the planning and holding of a telephone conference call once every two months that would be hosted by the president or his designee in order to provide an opportunity for discussion of rehabilitation issues with ACB members serving on state rehabilitation councils. The board accepted the task force's report. Gray then led a discussion about the accessible currency online petition that an ACB member, Michael Malver from Minnesota, had written and put on a web site for everyone to sign. Edwards moved to direct the president to put out a note on the leadership list as well as on the ACB-L list and in such other places as the president deems appropriate, acknowledging the existence of the online petition and urging people to sign it. The board approved. The board next discussed a survey regarding the accessible currency issue that has been made available by the American Foundation for the Blind. Edwards suggested that ACB prepare and distribute its own survey with a more generic approach. Gray indicated that he would like to have a few individuals volunteer to work on developing such a survey. Those who volunteered were Paul Edwards, Melanie Brunson and M.J. Schmitt. The committee agreed to meet on Jan. 7, 2007, at 8 p.m. Eastern. Brunson then stated that she has not used the ACB-announce list for some time now for several reasons. Edwards, Brunson, Gray and Campbell will work together to resolve the announce list problems. Gray asked Campbell to chair this ad hoc committee, which would meet on Jan. 17. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:58 p.m. Eastern. ***** THE ROAD TO MINNEAPOLIS: ARE WE THERE YET? by Carla Ruschival The family leaves on vacation, and the kids are in the back seat. Pretty soon they begin asking, "Are we there yet?" We're on the road to Minneapolis for the 2007 ACB convention, but we aren't quite there yet. Just like that family vacation, we plan a long time before the convention actually happens. When my children were young, ACB conventions were their summer vacations. Today, the convention offers even more for families. Here's what's in store for the younger set: YAC: Patti Cox, Youth Activity Center Coordinator, has a week of fun planned for kids 6 to 17. The YAC opens on Sunday afternoon with crafts and games. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, every day is packed with trips and fun. The younger set will visit the Firefighters Museum; everyone will take a step back in time to the 19th century at Dakota Village. The YAC will visit Mill City and have a fun scavenger hunt and ride the Flour Tower while learning about milling and flour-making. There's a day at the water park and an afternoon at Gameworks. While parents are in the business meeting all day on Friday, kids will go to the Mall of America to visit the sharks in the aquarium, play miniature golf, and ride the amusement park attractions. During the banquet, the YAC will have a pizza party, games and contests, and of course lots of prizes. Recreation Zone: Young and young-at-heart will love the 2007 Recreation Zone. Play audible darts, Power Showdown, and much more; expanded hours will make every evening fun! Watch for schedules in the convention program. Tours: Be sure to read the tour details in your pre-registration packet; you'll find a pre-convention tour to Mason City (Iowa) and another to a piano factory followed by a cruise. There are tours to a cheese factory, Mill City (flour-making), the Minnesota Historical Museum, Fort Snelling, a casino, the Guthrie Theater for an audio-described play, the Mall of America and much, much more. Details and More Details Convention Sponsors: You are invited to become a 2007 convention sponsor. Individual bronze, silver, gold and platinum sponsors receive a special ribbon to wear proudly on their convention badges; our corporate and affiliate gems (Pearl, Topaz, Opal, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond) are recognized in many ways for their generosity and support. All individual, affiliate and corporate sponsors are recognized on the convention floor and on ACB Radio. ALDs: Please read if you wish to use one of ACB's assistive listening devices (ALDs) during the convention. Reserve your ALD when you complete your pre-registration form. Pay your $20 deposit for the use of the ALD with your pre-registration. Then pick up your ALD at the registration desk with your packet. The ALD will be supplied with fresh batteries, but you will need to bring replacement batteries with you if you plan to use the device extensively throughout the week. When you are finished with the ALD, return it to registration and receive your refund. Pre-Registration: Look for your pre-registration forms around May 20. You may pre-register by mail or through our quick and easy on-line process. Convention dates are June 28 through July 7. Pre-convention tours are on Friday, June 29. Get on the road to Minneapolis by making your hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency ($81 single/double, $91 triple/quad; 1- 800-233-1234), or at the Millennium ($84 single/double, $94 triple/quad; 1- 800-522-8856). Rates are quoted per night, and do not include tax. If you have convention questions or special concerns, contact Carla Ruschival, convention committee chair, at (502) 897-1472 or by e-mail at adamcarla@bellsouth.net; or call the ACB national office at 1-800-424-8666. ***** THE BEGINNING AS TOLD BY DURWARD K. MCDANIEL by Frank and Terry Pacheco While going through a box of old cassettes recently, we were stunned to hear an old familiar voice when Terry pressed the play button. It was Durward McDaniel. He had made a taped letter in 1972 to tell some of the background and history of ACB. The tape was essentially directed to Charlie Crawford as president of the Blind Leadership Club of Massachusetts (ACB's first state affiliate there) and some of us who were being affected by a proposed NFB resolution banning dual membership in both national organizations. Re-hearing the story of the first 15 years in Durward's words was just wonderful. We immediately decided that something should be done to make this artifact available to ACB in a way that would best benefit one of his goals. To that end, a special cassette edition of "People of Vision: A History of the American Council of the Blind" by James J. & Marjorie L. Megivern that includes this tape by Durward K. McDaniel is being offered at $40. For each copy sold, $15 of the proceeds will be contributed to the Durward K. McDaniel Fund. This is the funding source for bringing first-timers to an ACB national convention each year. Advance credit card orders may be placed by calling the ACB Minneapolis office at 1-800-866-3242, or at www.acb.org/store. This special six-cassette edition will be shipped in June. Only one hundred copies will be made available at this time, so order yours today! Durward worked tirelessly to advance the opportunity for people to experience a national convention and become active leaders in our great organization. Let's carry on his work. The Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee will be holding its annual event on Thursday evening of convention week, where you will have an opportunity to meet this year's first-timers. The theme of this year's festivities will be "New Beginnings" in celebration of the special edition of the book. Come, enjoy and hear some excerpts. Watch for your convention pre-registration packet and be sure to get your tickets early! ***** ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES: SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR Convention time is fast approaching, and the Sight and Sound Impaired (SASI) Committee has some news for you regarding assistive listening devices (ALDs) and how they will be handled. There are some changes this year, so please read carefully. Starting this year, the refundable deposit of $20 will be on the pre-registration form. If you need an ALD, you will pay this deposit on your pre-registration form. You will then pick up your device at the registration office, along with your convention package. It is wise to pre- register for this so that we know how many people will need receivers. You will then return your device to the registration office when you are done with it and your deposit will either be refunded or credited to your credit card. For those who will be there all day Friday or will be at the banquet on Friday night, there will be a table available where you may turn in your device. Another change which you need to be aware of this year is that you will need to bring an extra 9-volt battery if you will need the device for the whole week. This is to ensure that you have enough battery power for the entire convention. ACB will give you the first battery, but you are responsible for anything after that. People will be available to help you change the battery if you need help. More information will follow in future issues of the Forum. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Sarchi or Karyn Campbell. Requesting a Sign Language Interpreter for the Convention If you will need an interpreter or SSP for the 2007 convention, please contact Lori Scharff by May 25. E-mail loris1@optonline.net with the subject Minneapolis convention request; or via voice phone at (516) 887-1336. ***** BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS HOSTS INTERNET CANDIDATES' PAGE It's back! The board of publications is again hosting an Internet candidates' page on www.acb.org. The candidates' page is a read-only web page where people who want to run for office can allow the ACB membership to get to know them. All candidates will be asked to respond to the same set of questions. This page will also allow ACB chapters and affiliates to have more information at their disposal before they send delegates to the national convention. Over the past several years, a number of chapters have provided copies of the candidates' responses to their members in braille or had all the responses read aloud at membership meetings. Lively discussions ensued, and many members have told us how much they appreciated the opportunity to participate more actively in ACB's democracy because of the early dissemination of information which the online forum was able to facilitate. This year, the elections are for officers: president, first and second vice president, secretary, and treasurer. As it stands, the officers who may run for re-election are the two vice presidents and the treasurer; the president and the secretary are at the ends of their terms. In a meeting March 15, the board of publications developed a set of questions for officer candidates, as follows. 1. What office are you seeking, and what qualifications do you possess which make you qualified to serve in that office? 2. What would you do to strengthen the relationship between the ACB national board and affiliates? 3. How can long-term financial stability be achieved for ACB? 4. What strategies could ACB implement to make its advocacy efforts more effective? 5. Identify the issues which you think are most important to the welfare of ACB and the blindness community as a whole. 6. Tell the membership anything you think they should know when considering your candidacy. Answer each question with a maximum of 300 words. Submit answers in any accessible, readable media, i.e., in print, or braille, on paper, computer disk (in ASCII text, WordPerfect 5.1, or Microsoft Word formats), or via e-mail. Pasting the text into an e-mail message is preferable to sending attachments, but attachments in ASCII text, Microsoft Word or WordPerfect 5.1 will be accepted. Submissions will not be accepted via telephone, voice mail, audiocassette, or in handwriting. Note that we will not edit submissions for spelling, grammar, or content. The only change which will occur to submissions is conversion to the HTML code to facilitate online posting. Note further that it is our webmaster's role to convert documents into HTML; we will not accept submissions which you have coded in this format yourself. When submitting your answers, please place your name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and employer and job title at the top of each page. Center each item. The top of your page should look like this: Jane Smith 1234 Main Street Anytown, AnyState 00000 (555) 222-3333 (home) (555) 000-4444 (work) E-mail: js@anyisp.net Writer/Editor at AnyJob, Inc. Write each question, and then place your corresponding answer underneath. Please number your pages. Send your completed submissions to the following address: American Council of the Blind Candidates' Page, 1155 15th Street NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005. Responses may be submitted by e-mail, according to the guidelines noted above, to slovering@acb.org. Time Lines Submissions should be mailed, either by postal delivery or electronic mail, so that they reach the ACB national office no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on May 31, 2007. When we receive a declared candidate's materials, we will check the membership database to ensure that he or she is a member in good standing. We hope to have the online candidates' page available at the ACB web site as soon after we have received all the submissions as possible, so that members will have access to the information in time for June membership meetings of local chapters. The pages will be available online no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, June 8, and will remain online at http://www.acb.org until the conclusion of convention. We encourage ACB members who have computer access to share the contents of the candidates' page with members who do not. We will notify members on the day that the page goes live online on all the ACB e-mailing lists. When official campaigns begin in earnest at the ACB national convention, declared candidates will present at formal and informal state and special-interest caucuses. In addition, the board of publications will sponsor a live question-and-answer Candidates' Forum, which will be held on Thursday of convention week. The board of publications encourages all ACB members to submit written questions to be considered for this forum to the convention communications center. More details about this and other aspects of communications center operations will be included in the June issue. ***** AFFILIATE NEWS ACB of Nebraska 2007 State Convention The 2007 ACB of Nebraska state convention is scheduled for the weekend of April 27-29 at the New World Inn and Conference Center located at 265 33rd Avenue in Columbus, Neb. Room reservations may be made by calling the hotel at 1-800-433-1492. Be sure to mention ACBN in order to receive the discounted room rate of $55 plus tax per night (single through quad occupancy). This promises to be the best convention yet. For more information, call Janis Compton at (402) 592-3462. Friends-In-Art Scholarship Announcement High school seniors and college students are invited to apply for the Friends-In-Art Scholarship for the school year 2007-2008. This $1,500 scholarship is offered annually for achievement, talent, and excellence in the arts. If you are planning to major or are currently majoring in the field of music, art, drama, or creative writing, and are a blind or visually impaired student and live in North America, you may apply for this scholarship. You may obtain an application form by writing to Harvey Miller, 402 E. French Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712-3410. Include a self-addressed-stamped envelope when requesting the application. You also may request an electronic application by sending an e-mail to hhmiller@citcom.net. All applications and supporting information must be turned in by May 31, 2007. Louisiana Council Convention in Baton Rouge The Louisiana Council of the Blind will hold its state convention at the University Plaza Comfort Center and Hotel in Baton Rouge May 25-27. Friday night opens with a social. Saturday boasts general sessions, special programs and an afternoon business meeting, plus a banquet that evening (where tickets will be no more than $25). The board will meet on Sunday morning. Brenda Dillon, president of the Tennessee Council of the Blind, will be the national representative and banquet speaker. Much of the agenda is tentative, but information and a program on grant writing for non-profit organizations will be featured, as well as a report updating members about issues on the national level relevant to them. Room rates are $80 per day plus tax. To make or to confirm reservations, call the University Plaza Comfort Center and Hotel at (225) 761-1234. The street address is 5211 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. If you have any additional questions not addressed or answered in this article, please contact Dan Marshall at (337) 392-2459, or by e-mail, paulaanddan@bellsouth.net. Spartanburg Chapter Seeks Members The Spartanburg, S.C. chapter of the American Council of the Blind needs you. Please contact Barbara Mattson, 519 E. Main St. #8, Spartanburg, SC 29302; phone (864) 585-7323, or e-mail ka4uiv@juno.com. ACBHSP Invites You to Join ACBHSP would like you to join us in our affiliate. If you are employed as a human service professional, would like to be, have an interest in helping others or are studying in the field of human services, you are almost here. Now, all you have to do is officially join us. What is ACBHSP and what do we do? We help people and we come in many forms, shapes and sizes, from mental health professionals, social workers, rehabilitation teachers, mobility instructors, information-referral specialists, health professionals, and other similar professions. But those are the careers. Maybe your career happens to be that of a technician and you find yourself actually spending your spare time providing advocacy, supporting others or caring for them. We need you, too. Many people can benefit from our affiliate and we can benefit from having you. What do we do? We have a monthly conference call wherein we have a presentation focusing on mental health and/or blindness-related issues, then open the discussion to general issues of concern or ACBHSP specific concerns. We have an ACBHSP e-mail discussion list. We meet at the annual convention. We are new and we are growing, so you never know what will happen next. And you can be part of this exciting venture. You join by simply sending $10 annual dues along with your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and preferred format (large print, braille, cassette, or e-mail) to: Jessie L. Rayl, President, ACBHSP, 305 S. Maple Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25401. Or you may e-mail her, thedogmom@verizon.net, or phone (304) 263-2996 or (304) 671-9780. ***** MEMBERSHIP STRATEGIES FOR THE YEAR Compiled by Ardis Bazyn For our membership focus call on Jan. 21, 2007, we had a great turnout. It was wonderful to hear all the ideas on "new strategies for a new year." Some states suggested strategies that they had tried which had been successful. Several members told how some of the current issues should be used to encourage people to join ACB and your affiliate, both renewing and new members. For example, the new momentum around the paper currency issue is a way to tell others what ACB is doing. Our work on audio description, both for emergency information and television in general, is another issue that should draw interest. Transportation is always a problem for many blind and visually impaired people. Many other issues like Social Security, health coverage, and the Randolph-Sheppard and JWOD issues and concerns would be of interest to others. Ron Milliman just recently wrote an article about Skype in the Forum. Your chapters can get more members to participate by allowing members to attend meetings using that system. You can download version 3.1 free at www.skype.com. SkypeOut is a cheap way to call from Skype to land lines and mobile phones. You can use a computer with a wireless connection, wireless microphones (about $5 each), and a mixer (about $40). The total cost would likely be under $180. Using Skype with a phone costs $30 a year; it is free to those using a computer. A nearby Lions Club or local Wal-Mart may be willing to cover the costs of setting up Skype for your chapter or affiliate, particularly if you have 501(c)(3) status. Sometimes, grant-providing organizations only need to know if you have articles of association or incorporation. It may be less expensive to have articles of association rather than incorporation. Many visually impaired people are older and have other disabilities. Skype would give your chapters a way to include those individuals who are unable to attend meetings. Sometimes, members quit attending meetings if speakers aren't interesting, or if the surroundings are noisy. The president should have a gavel to use when background conversations interfere with meeting proceedings. Speakers should use microphones so everyone can hear what is happening. Assistive listening devices may also help older members feel comfortable attending a meeting. A typical system would include one transmitter and four receivers, and cost about $2,000. Some state affiliates may have grants for local chapters for these systems. Grants from Lions Club or Wal-Mart might also work here. Government grants may be available for some groups. Social activities may draw newcomers as well. You could hold an old- time radio show in a senior center or home for the blind in your community. DVS movie nights, book clubs, or "meet and greet" activities in senior centers might attract older people. New devices -- low-, high- and no-tech - - would interest a wide segment of the community. Fund-raising events can be fun and attract newcomers. Be sure to advertise these events on radio, cable, radio reading services, newspapers, and listservs. Does your chapter need drivers to get people to special events and/or regular meetings? Try approaching local non-profits, asking for volunteer drivers. Invite students of all ages by contacting your local colleges and high schools, state agencies, employment places like Lighthouses, senior centers, braille or talking book libraries, transportation agencies, and other places where blind and visually impaired people attend regularly. Distribute packets of information about your local chapter(s) to any agency, library, or transportation facility so you can collaborate with them on a variety of projects. You could offer to train employees about blindness, offer to give or show an audio-described movie, or offer to make a presentation at a senior center or college/high school. You can tell them about your affiliate scholarships, awards, meetings, conventions, newsletters, and other sources of information and support. Offer to speak to local service clubs about your chapter or affiliate. Members should keep brochures and/or business cards with your chapter/affiliate contact information on them. You can tell those you meet about your chapter or affiliate. If you meet those that may be more interested in a special-interest group, offer to get the contact information for them or give them the ACB web site information or toll-free number. Are you looking to reach out to newly blinded individuals? Talk with your ophthalmologist or optometrist about the support your affiliate gives to those losing their vision. Help them to understand that there is hope. Let them know about the type of speakers your group has to offer. Ask them to attend a meeting to offer suggestions on sight-saving techniques. It might get them to refer others losing vision to your group. You can also leave brochures, flyers, and other information at different medical facilities and offer your chapter's expertise for those they know losing their sight. Or plan to set up an information booth at community fairs, resource fairs, health fairs, malls, non-profit days, disability fairs, and other local events. State legislators sometimes have non-profit days where booths can be set up. Many cities have expos of all types. Most cities have web sites where you can look for possibilities. You may need to check whether such activities require fees to set up booths, though. Plan activities around holidays and other special days. For example, January is Louis Braille week and October has White Cane Safety Day. Make sure you start planning early for any special events. You could talk to a local Barnes and Noble store about setting up a display showing blind people reading braille. They could display "Dots for Tots" braille/print books, books written by blind people, books about Louis Braille, or books about vision loss that customers may want to purchase. Each affiliate should have a web site. You should have the contact information for chapter presidents or another designated person so Internet users can contact them. Web site developers can create e-mail addresses so that spammers would be less likely to pick them up. If you meet at the same place each time, be sure to include the meeting date, time, and address of the meeting place. If your local Chamber of Commerce has a resource directory, ask if they will add your chapter president's contact information. Your library may have a resource guide as well. A listing in the phone directory or blue pages might elicit messages as well. Some cities have information lines and 211 directories. Some listings are free; others have small fees. Local newsletters or newspapers are ways to get the word out about your chapter events. Some newspapers have web sites where you can list events for non-profits for free. Most media companies will give coverage for events you inform them about in advance, particularly if it has good participation or noteworthy attendees. Your state blindness agency or state talking book library will send out your materials about conventions or services if you provide it in the various formats. They will not share their client or patron list or print labels for you. Local independent living centers will accept articles on blindness-related topics for their newsletters. To ensure that newcomers enjoy your conventions, provide buddies for them. Buddies can tell the newcomers about the different events and even attend a couple with them. The buddy should also contact the newcomer later to find out how they enjoyed the convention and suggest ways to get involved at a local chapter if possible. If your state or special-interest affiliate gives scholarships of any type (education or convention stipend), make sure you save the contact information from each scholarship application. You can send a letter to each applicant including information about your convention, the schedule of events, your committees and their functions, your membership benefits, and local chapters near them. You may also want to include local chapter contact information, or assign a person to invite the applicants to the local chapter meeting. It is sometimes difficult to get students involved, but this added information may attract them. Finally, we talked about future membership focus calls. Possible topics included team-building, internal communication, leadership development, 501(c)(3) status, state and national convention program ideas, and student involvement. The next quarterly call will focus on state and national convention program ideas. The date will be April 15, 2007 at 5 p.m. Pacific time/8 p.m. Eastern time. The passcode will be 041507. We look forward to seeing you all on the call! ***** HERE AND THERE by Sue Lichtenfels The announcement of products and services in this column is not an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its staff, or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to info@acb.org, or call ACB at 1-800-424-8666 and leave a message in mailbox 26. Please remember that postal regulations prohibit us from including advertisements, and that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates. ** SUMMER RETREAT Candle in the Window will hold its 20th annual conference, entitled "Can You Relate: Navigating Relationships as Blind People," Aug. 8-12 at Wooded Glen, a retreat center in Henryville, Ind. The weekend will include provocative presentations and stimulating discussions, hiking, eating, singing, and quiet reflection. Cost is $360 ($15 discount with a $35 non-refundable deposit by July 1). For additional information, contact Peter Altschul at (573) 445-5564 or atschu@erols.com. You may also contact Kathy Szinnyey at (502) 895-0866 or fredkate@insightbb.com. ** ALUMNI REUNION The Oregon State School for the Blind announces a reunion of alumni, staff and friends to be held June 8-10, 2007 at the school in Salem, Ore. Activities will include a sack lunch social, bowling, a banquet, and a dance with karaoke music. Limited lodging is available on a first-requested, first-served basis. If you have not yet received a registration packet, contact Claude and Anne Garvin at (503) 232-1344 or via e-mail, cgarvin@dialoregon.net. ** FREE MENOPAUSE GUIDE BOOK The Menopause Guidebook is now available in braille for free through National Braille Press. The book, published by the North American Menopause Society, is the most complete and current discussion of the subject available anywhere. It contains information on perimenopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms, long-term effects of estrogen loss, and a wide variety of therapies to enhance health. To request a copy, send an e-mail to nbp@nbp.org or call 1-888-965-8965. ** 2007 ACE AWARDS The American Kennel Club is now accepting nominations for its 2007 ACE awards. The program honors five dogs each year who have performed an exemplary act or series of acts, whether large or seemingly small, that have significantly benefitted a community or individual. One award is given in each category: law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy, service, and exemplary companion dog. Submission deadline is June 29, 2007. For submission requirements and nomination form, visit www.akc.org/news/ace/index.cfm. ** WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP The White House Internship Program is seeking candidates for its fall 2007 internship opportunity that runs Sept. 4 through Dec. 14. In addition to typical office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in college, and at least 18. For an application, visit www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html. Deadline is June 26, 2007. If you have questions, contact Karen Race at (202) 456-5979 or via e-mail, intern_application@whitehouse.gov. ** ZIEGLER CELEBRATES 100 Congratulations to the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind on its 100th anniversary! The first magazine was published in March 1907 when Matilda Ziegler, a mother of a blind child and heiress to a fortune, donated her inheritance to publishing a monthly general interest magazine for the blind. To commemorate this great anniversary, Ziegler's March issue featured many newspaper articles written about the magazine's start, along with letters of praise from two Presidents and Helen Keller. The magazine is published in contracted braille, on four-track cassette, by e-mail, and online at www.matildaziegler.org. To subscribe, call (212) 242-0263. ** LOVE IS BLIND Dominic Carrejo has launched the Love Is Blind web site specifically designed to help the visually impaired community meet new and interesting people for both friendship and romance. You can visit this subscription-based site at www.luvisblind.net. ** TRAVELEYES & TREKKER TOGETHER Traveleyes, a company that specializes in organizing overseas trips for the visually impaired, now provides its clients with HumanWare's Trekker talking GPS system. The Trekker will allow blind travelers to pinpoint exactly where they are, learn about area attractions, and find out in real time how to get to specific destinations. To learn more about Traveleyes, visit its web site at www.traveleyes.co.uk. ** OLD-TIME RADIO PROGRAMS Helping Hands for the Blind provides free of charge to visually impaired people books and recordings of the radio programs that were broadcast between 1925 and 1961, commonly known as the "Golden Age of Radio." Now, Radio Spirits, the license holder for thousands of popular old-time radio and classic video programs, including vintage comedy, mystery, detective, adventure and suspense programs such as The Jack Benny Program, The Shadow, Abbott & Costello and more will be donating recordings to Helping Hands for distribution to visually impaired people. Contact Helping Hands for the Blind at (818) 341-8217. You can learn more about Radio Spirits programs at www.radiospirits.com. ** GOURMET MIXES All Mixed Up offers fresh gourmet mixes, including breads, soups, dips and desserts. Mixes are made in the mountains of Virginia and serve two to six people. For more information, contact Tara Fairchild via e-mail at amustore@gmail.com or visit her web site, www.allmixedupgourmet.com/store/affiliate.asp?aff=151. ** DOLPHIN PRODUCT SUITE Dolphin Computer Access, Inc. offers a suite of speech products. Smart Hal speaks aloud the contents of a cell phone screen, allowing a visually impaired person to make full use of features such as cameras and e-mail. Pocket Hal screen reader offers full access to any mainstream PDA. Dolphin Pen is a thumb drive that allows users to use Dolphin speech, magnification or braille software on any computer with full settings intact. For more information, visit www.yourdolphin.com. ** REAL 'U' GUIDES National Braille Press now offers three new "Real U" Guides: "The Real U Guide to Your First Job, "The Real U Guide to Bank Accounts and Credit Cards," and "The Real U Guide to Your First Apartment." The "Real U" series of books consists of fun and informative guides for first-timers in a variety of fields. They offer hip, common-sense advice from people who've been there and done that! Each book has been specially adapted for visually impaired readers by Anna Dresner and Amy Ruell. Individual books are $6.95, or get all three for just $18. For more information, visit www.nbp.org or call 1-800-548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 x20. ** CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS Facts On File and the advisors for the Encyclopedia of American Disability History are looking for contributors to this three-volume reference book. It will cover basic information on important events, issues, developments, laws, biographies, and related topics in American disability history. For specific topics and writing guidelines, contact Dr. Susan Burch by e-mailing s.burch@abdn.ac.uk. ** CAMPS FOR BLIND YOUTH Camp Tuhsmeheta offers a variety of weekend programs throughout the summer for youths with visual impairments. Sample programs include drama, art, sports, music, dressing for success, technology, and outdoor adventure. For the complete schedule and program descriptions, visit www.campt.org or call 1-866-789-9065 or (517) 487-3923. ** ORAL HULL CAMP The Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind announces its summer camps for individuals who are visually impaired. Young adult camp will be Aug. 5-11, 2007; adult camp will run Aug. 12-19. The camps, held near Sandy, Ore., will offer field trips, swimming, hot tubbing, competitive games, crafts, entertainment, and great food. Each camp costs $350. For additional information, contact Jeff Lann at (503) 668-6195 or oralhull@teleport.com, or visit www.oralhull.com. ** SEEDLINGS GOES ELECTRONIC Seedlings Braille Books for Children has begun offering some of its most popular two-volume books in electronic braille for $10, a considerable discount from the hard copy prices. The BRF formatted files are sent via e-mail. To browse the selection, visit www.seedlings.org. ***** HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP ** FOR SALE: Merlin CCTV. Not quite two years old; in excellent condition. Price negotiable. Contact E.C. Martin at (423) 542-8552. ** FOR SALE OR TRADE: Sony laptop, model F520. Asking $400; will trade for a Franklin Language Master. Laptop is about five years old and in excellent condition. Also selling a reconditioned Perkins Brailler. Asking $350. Payment plan can be negotiated for either item. If interested, please contact Nino Pacini at (313) 885-7330 or e-mail npacini@att.net. ** FOR SALE: Braille Blazer. Asking $600. Contact Barbara Mattson, 519 E. Main St. #8, Spartanburg, SC 29302; phone (864) 585-7323, or e-mail ka4uiv@juno.com. ** FOR SALE: A 32-cell Braille Note with external disk drive. Comes with serial cable connector, battery and charger, braille manual and carrying case. In excellent condition. Asking $3,000. Contact Maria at (818) 739-9147 or via e-mail at mgp345@socal.rr.com. ** FOR SALE: Gateway notebook computer, high-end Pentium M, 1 GB RAM, 100 GB hard drive, slim and lightweight. Has full-size keyboard with keypad and wide screen; includes the newest installed JAWS screen reader and Kurzweil scanning software, Microsoft Office, integrated wireless, docking station with stereo speakers, long battery life (more than four hours), thousands of songs on hard drive, watch movies and record too with the R-DVD drive, multiple USB and card reading slots. Only months old, in perfect condition. Asking $1,300. ColorTest Deluxe color ID from Caretec. Virtually brand new; detects more than 1,000 colors and nuances, plus it is a light sensor, appointment calendar, alarm clock, talking thermometer and more. Comes with recharger and leather carrying case. Asking only $450. Pay directly with cash or use your credit card and pay me with PayPal. Contact Al at (410) 616-9510 or via e-mail, Ducharme.alfred@gmail.com. ** FOR SALE: Talking calculator, $250. Contact Rosemir Rodriguez at (714) 267-3399. ** FOR SALE: 17-inch swivel color monitor and separate Optelec camera that has black on white, white on black and color capability. Used about 3 years. Asking $500 or best offer plus $50 shipping. Bank checks and money orders accepted. Call Lisa at (619) 993-1836 or e-mail at monalisa64@sbcglobal.net. ** FOR SALE OR TRADE: Braille Sense notetaker still in its first year of service coverage. In excellent condition; comes with extra battery, leather case and cables. Looking to trade for a Braille Note PK, preferably with GPS. Contact Cheree Heppe via e-mail, cheree@dogsc4me.com. ** FOR SALE: Aladdin Classic CCTV with 14-inch screen. Asking $450. If interested, send e-mail to wjkrol@yahoo.com, or ask for Wanda at (281) 533-9776. ** FOR SALE: 72-volume Webster College Dictionary -- like new. Asking $400 or best offer. Will ship free matter. Contact Terry Gorman by phone at (773) 728-9378; write him at 5415 N. Sheridan Rd., Apt. #3307, Chicago, IL 60640, or e-mail him, t.gorman@sbcglobal.net, and put "braille dictionary" in subject line. ** WANTED: Braille Scrabble in excellent condition. Contact Mary Kozy, 12481 Rock Island Trail, Huntley, IL 60142; phone (847) 659-1897, or e-mail mkozy@sbcglobal.net. ** WANTED: BrailleNote QT in good condition. Contact Angela Randall via e-mail, arandall1983@yahoo.com. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER GRAY 94 RAMONA AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT M.J. SCHMITT 119 SHELL EDGE DR ROCHESTER, NY 14623 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT MITCH POMERANTZ 1115 CORDOVA STREET #402 PASADENA, CA 91106 SECRETARY DONNA SELIGER 3912 SE 5TH ST DES MOINES, IA 50315 TREASURER MIKE GODINO 104 TILROSE AVE MALVERNE, NY 11565-2024 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT PAUL EDWARDS 20330 NE 20TH CT. MIAMI, FL 33179 ACB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ed Bradley, Houston, TX Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, IL Brenda Dillon, Hermitage, TN Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA Oral Miller, Washington, DC Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD Naomi Soule, St. Louis, MO Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA David Trott, Talladega, AL Ex Officio: Charles Hodge, Arlington, VA BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Mike Duke, Chairman, Jackson, MS Charles Hodge, Arlington, VA DeAnna Noriega, Fulton, MO Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY Cindy Van Winkle, Bremerton, WA Ex Officios: Ralph Sanders, Las Vegas, NV Janelle Edwards, Springfield, MO