THE Braille Forum Vol. XXX May 1992 No. 7 Published By The American Council of the Blind PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY LeRoy F. Saunders, President Oral O. Miller, J.D., National Representative Nolan Crabb, Editor Nicole Willson, Editorial Assistant National Office 1155 15th St. N.W. Suite 720 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 Fax (202) 467-5085 THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large type, half-speed four-track cassette tape, and MS-DOS computer disk. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to: Nolan Crabb, THE BRAILLE FORUM, 1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Those much-needed and appreciated cash contributions, which are tax-deductible, may be sent to Brian Charlson, Treasurer, 1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The ACB National Office offers printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will And Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you may contact the ACB National Office. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 6:00 p.m. to midnight eastern time Monday through Friday. Washington, D.C., residents only, tel. 296-3552. Copyright 1992 The American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: From Hawaii to Washington, the Work Moves Forward News Briefs From the ACB National Office Make Plans Now for the Perfect Working Vacation Affiliated Leadership League Hosts National Assembly "Newsweek" Correspondent Predicts 100 New Faces in Congress ADA: Get Ready to Implement Adjusting to Vision Loss One Way or Another Are You at Greater Risk of Being a Victim of Violent Crime? They're Making a Positive Difference in Washington Coalition Proposes New Mission Statement, Sets New Goals Looking Normal They're Building Bridges and Offering Hope Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act Here and There High Tech Swap Shop Acknowledgments This month's cassette edition was made possible by a grant from the Washington Council of the Blind. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FROM HAWAII TO WASHINGTON, THE WORK MOVES FORWARD by LeRoy F. Saunders One of the best things about being president of the American Council of the Blind is having the opportunity to visit our affiliates and attend their state conventions. I have just returned from the 25th anniversary convention of the Hawaii Association of the Blind in Honolulu. I am sure there are many people who are envious and would like to visit Hawaii. However, because of my particular circumstances, I was only able to stay a short time and was there primarily for the HAB meeting. After listening to a recap of the Hawaii Association's 25 years of service to the blind, I was very impressed with their accomplishments. Some of their achievements are as follows: 1. The Hawaii Association was responsible for having a team of five people conduct an evaluation of the services offered by the Department of Human Services through their Visual Services department. 2. They were instrumental in developing a white cane law and getting it passed. 3. They worked to change regulations so that insurance companies would provide adequate insurance for blind people. 4. HAB members advocated and won acceptance for totally blind people into the teaching schools. 5. They actively worked to obtain civil rights for the blind. 6. A statewide version of the Randolph-Sheppard Act was passed by their legislature. 7. They were instrumental in changing adoption laws so that totally blind people could not be excluded from adopting a child solely on the basis of blindness. 8. The HAB won a lawsuit against the state of Hawaii which dealt with visually impaired vendors working at the airport. This reinforces my assertion that state affiliates are extremely important. Their legislative work within their state directly affects blind people. Congratulations again to the Hawaii Association of the Blind for its 25th anniversary. I would not be surprised if it doubled this list of accomplishments in the next 25 years. My hat is off to Warren Toyama, Don Thompson and Filo Tu for their leadership in helping to make life better for blind Hawaiians. ALL CONFERENCE I recently attended the National Delegate Assembly of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America in Washington, D.C. I understand that at least 22 states were represented at this meeting. The delegate assembly included some very interesting speakers, and was followed by a Legislative Seminar designed to acquaint those attending with pertinent legislation presently being considered by Congress. This year, the Legislative Seminar was co-sponsored by ACB and ALL. Several people spoke about the Americans With Disabilities Act and how this law will be implemented. In addition, representatives from Social Security discussed various benefits and regulations that apply to the visually impaired. A review of how bills move through Congress was given for the benefit of delegates unfamiliar with the legislative process. The Legislative Seminar also contained information on how to present the important issues concerning the blind to the congressional staff. A day and a half of the seminar was devoted to appointments with senators and congressmen. (See "Affiliated Leadership League Hosts Delegate Assembly" and "Newsweek Correspondent Predicts 100 New Faces in Congress," this issue.) CONVENTION REMINDER It's getting closer to convention time and I hope you have made plans to join us in Phoenix. We're now in the process of putting the program together and I think it will be interesting to everyone. There will be many exhibits, and all of the special interest groups will be holding their meetings. Make your plans as early as possible so you will get the flight and hotel reservations you prefer. We are following through with our budget plans and have paid off about one-half of our indebtedness since the first of this year. I would like to give special thanks to the Florida Council of the Blind for forgiving our note. This was a very generous contribution and we gratefully acknowledge this demonstration of your support. NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ACB NATIONAL OFFICE by Oral O. Miller, National Representative Recently a reader suggested we explain again that this regular column in "The Braille Forum" does not attempt to summarize all of the activities taking place in the very busy ACB National Office. Instead, it generally highlights in a "news briefs" format only a few of the activities which, for reasons of space limitations, cannot be discussed in detail. Perhaps as many as half of the hundreds of calls that come in on our seven telephone lines each week would be suitable for treatment as a separate story if time and space were available. An old adage says that the world would beat a path to the door of the person who invents a better mousetrap. Over the years, we have been contacted by countless inventors and entrepreneurs who have been convinced that their products and services would solve countless problems for blind people while at the same time yielding profits for the providers. The passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act has also brought into the field a large number of consulting organizations which are anxious to sell their advice to the business and other entities covered by the ADA. While many of the inventors and would-be entrepreneurs are dismissed rather quickly, some are making meaningful efforts to develop devices that would be useful to a large percentage of the blind population. For example, one midwestern firm which recently visited the ACB National Office is developing a relatively simple and affordable broadcast system that would enable the carrier of a pocket-sized radio receiver to receive information concerning the identity or location of things or places such as moving buses or hard-to-locate facilities. No, such devices will never take the place of good orientation and mobility training, but there may be a place for them in some applications that are extremely visual in nature. Will it never end? The vendetta against specialized accreditation of facilities serving blind and visually impaired people recently moved to Ohio when that state's Rehabilitation Services Commission proposed to discontinue recognition of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped as an approved accrediting body. What prompted the proposed action? Out-of-date information concerning the National Accreditation Council, alleged recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education, which denied making them, and the usual "laundry list" of assertions which we have been hearing for years from one source concerning alleged misdeeds by accredited agencies. At press time, the Ohio agency had not made a final decision. In view of the misguided and illegal action taken by the Michigan Commission for the Blind a few years ago in a similar case, I had a feeling of deja vu when I met with the Board of Directors of the ACB of Ohio recently and I suspect that Paul Schroeder ACB's director of governmental affairs and a former Ohio resident, will have a similar feeling when he meets with the Ohio Commission in the near future. Do you believe that the regulations issued by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration a few years ago settled most of the issues of importance to blind and other disabled air travelers? Wrong! Recently, ACB representatives took part in another meeting of the Americans For Safe Air Travel Task Force, a cross-disability coalition formed in response to plans by the Air Transport Association to have those regulations amended to limit the number of disabled people who can fly together on one flight. Stay tuned for further developments! A pocket-sized, talking dictionary containing more than 300,000 words, a thesaurus and computerized game center, to be sold at an affordable price? While its claim to be "pocket- sized" may depend on the size of the pocket, such an instrument already exists and was demonstrated recently to ACB National Office staff members. We are to receive a demonstration unit soon, from the manufacturer, the Franklin Electronic Publishing Company, and we will publish an evaluation of it in a coming issue of the "Braille Forum." The manufacturer also plans to display the unit at this year's ACB National Convention in Phoenix. MAKE PLANS NOW FOR THE PERFECT WORKING VACATION by John A. Horst, Convention Coordinator In about another six weeks, it will be vacation time. Where could you experience a better vacation than at the 31st annual convention of the American Council of the Blind? Phoenix is waiting for you, so if you haven't made complete travel and hotel arrangements, don't wait any longer. The convention will begin July 4 and end July 11. Room rates at the Phoenix Hyatt Regency are $45 per night. To make reservations, call (602) 252-1234. The room rate at the Omni Adams is $40 per night. Call (602) 257-1525. International Tours of Muskogee, Okla., is ACB's designated travel agency. Contact them toll-free at (800) 847- 7676. Oklahoma residents call (800) 722-9822. Be sure you check on reduced air fares and new airline rules for traveler schedule changes and cancellations. As previously indicated, there will be shuttles from the airport to the hotels. Most charge an individual rate. Families or groups traveling together will find taking a taxi less expensive. Our 31st convention begins with the overnight Grand Canyon tour, departing from the north entrance of the Hyatt at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3. For those not taking the tour, the first program function is a workshop on the Americans With Disabilities Act on Saturday, July 4 at 1:00 p.m. This begins a full week of seminars, workshops, program sessions, tours, meal functions, receptions and other activities planned by ACB and its 20 special-interest affiliates ending with a planned dinner with entertainment away from the hotel on Saturday evening, July 11. This year again there will be an employment concerns workshop on "Communicating Your Way to the Top" with Billie Lee, an outstanding business consultant and lecturer from Colorado Springs. It will occur Sunday, July 5 at 9:00 a.m. An Environmental Access Committee workshop will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. A Mexican dinner away from the hotel planned by Council of Families with Visual Impairments and open to all will be held Sunday evening. A fitness and sports workshop is slated for Monday, and a narrated movie is set for Tuesday evening. A newsletter editors workshop planned by the Board of Publications and a training seminar for affiliate treasurers will be held on Thursday, July 9. A "Meet the Candidates Forum" will be held Thursday evening. And make plans now for our great banquet Friday evening at 7:30. CFVI will host crafts, games, and tours for children each morning Monday through Thursday, as well as a pizza and swim party Friday evening during the banquet. You will want to review carefully the information included in the pre-registration packet and the convention program calendar to ensure you don't miss out on functions in which you are interested. Sign up early for tours, since space on some tours is limited. Don't forget the Wednesday evening convention breakaway-- a tour to Rawhide for souvenir shopping, a hayride, dinner and entertainment. The ACB convention in 1992 will be outstanding in every way. ACB is making great progress and is moving ahead to a bright and challenging future of continued growth and excellence. This, our 31st convention, will be the best ever. AFFILIATED LEADERSHIP LEAGUE HOSTS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY by Nolan Crabb WASHINGTON - Members of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America gathered here in late March for the league's annual National Delegate Assembly and Legislative Seminar. Delegate members spent the weekend discussing issues of importance to league members including the American Council of the Blind. Representatives spent the early days of the week calling upon their respective representatives and senators. Those attending the ALL Board of Directors meeting listened to Dr. Theda Zawaiza, senior legislative analyst, House Committee on Select Education. Zawaiza said nearly all of the recommendations to Rep. Major Owens, D-N.Y., from the Affiliated Leadership League would be included in his version of legislation to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act. During the Friday evening session, delegates heard from Carl R. Augusto, executive director and president of the American Foundation for the Blind, Ritchie Geisel, president and CEO of Recording for the Blind, and Ruth Westman, executive director of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually handicapped. ACB President LeRoy F. Saunders opened the Saturday sessions with brief remarks. He reminded his audience of the value of participating in the political process. "The politicians control a lot that happens," he said. "From what I've been reading, I'd say they need a lot of help, and I think we're the people who can give them this help." Saunders said the real power, the real impact of congressional action occurs at the state level. "Maybe the most important thing that will happen in this meeting is that through the guidance of our people here, we all become better lobbyists and can go back to our states and do a better job working with our state people." He cautioned his listeners against "accepting second best" from members of Congress. "As you go on the Hill," he said, "everyone's going to tell you that money is short; and, they're telling the truth. ... There's still enough money around to fund our programs and to assist the people who need assistance. But if we don't stand up and fight for it, we're not going to get it." Saunders praised the leadership league for its ongoing close cooperation with ACB, pointing out that joint efforts are a more efficient way to accomplish common goals. Nell Carney, commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, keynoted the ALL conference. She began by reviewing the various aspects of the Rehabilitation Act supervised by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. She listed four goals she set for RSA when she became commissioner. Goals include a responsible administration of those authorities entrusted to RSA by Congress, embark on a policy reform initiative (something which had not been done since 1973), improve the internal management of RSA, and rebuild the constituency for the Rehabilitation Services Administration. In the area of policy revision, Carney said RSA has exempted scholarships awarded to blind and disabled students by organizations such as ACB. The second policy revision forces states to pick up the tab for blind and disabled students who don't qualify for other grant awards such as Pell grants. In the past, such students were encouraged to apply for student loans. She said RSA is developing "a set of standards with measurable indicators for the quality of vocational rehabilitation services delivered through the various (vocational rehabilitation) state agencies." Carney referred to some of the statistics RSA keeps regarding blind and visually impaired rehabilitation clients. She said new reporting methods will allow RSA to more accurately determine statistics on deaf-blindness. She said nine new programs to train mobility instructors and rehabilitation teachers specifically in the field of blindness and low vision will soon be implemented. She talked about recent meetings which involved ACB National Representative Oral Miller and others dealing with the Randolph-Sheppard vending program. "It's my sense that there's strong feeling among the consumer organizations that we should open the regulations for revision, and we probably are going to do that once this work group gets further into analyzing the comments we've received from around the country relative to the program," she said. Carney spelled out some of the challenges that lie ahead through the end of the decade. She said the lack of competitive employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired people remains a serious problem, as do the attitudes and stereotypes of others regarding blindness. "We have not kept up and done a good job in the area of technology," she said. "Nothing in my lifetime has changed the concept of what it means to be blind as technology has, and yet, we have not expended a tremendous amount of resources nor effort in making sure, particularly in the field of blindness, that we have kept up in this area." She said improvements are needed in the Randolph- Sheppard program and other rehabilitation-related activities, but she said some of the fault lies with consumers and others who "are guilty of a lot of in-fighting and not presenting a united front." She denied reports that her agency had denounced the National Accreditation Council to state rehabilitation employees in Ohio. THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Paul W. Schroeder, director of governmental affairs for the American Council of the Blind, encouraged the ALL delegates to look for ways of continued involvement in implementing the ADA. He said the disability law is "in many ways, a perfect conservative statement. It's not a government program, it's not an entitlement, it doesn't spend taxpayer dollars for anything; it simply mandates that people receive the kind of treatment they deserve." He said while the ADA requires little of government, it asks society to change. He said the law asks people with disabilities to fully participate in society before all the supports are in place. "We don't have full access to information," he said, "people who need personal assistance services don't have full access to such services, and we don't have perfect or even near perfect or in many cases any transportation systems in much of our country, so we're asked to participate before the supports are available." He said beginning with the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act, blind and disabled people would be asked to help build those supports. He urged delegates to go to their various states and establish a task force on the ADA specifically as it relates to blind people, or join an existing task force to make sure the needs of blind and visually impaired people are addressed. Once a task force is established, he said, its existence should be well publicized. "Get involved with some of the grant recipients in your state who have received money to inform others about the Americans With Disabilities Act," he said. He called for greater sustained involvement by blind and visually impaired people on various community committees and boards established to implement the ADA on the state and local government level. He said while business is now beginning to understand the regulations, it has questions about where to go to get information put into braille, large print or tape. "There's certainly no small number of entrepreneurs out there who are seeing an opportunity to provide braille information," he said. "We need to start learning about who and where they are and whether they're doing a good job. If they're not, we need to learn how to help them improve." Schroeder said regulations regarding state and local government and access will be published later this year. He urged his listeners to attend public hearings which may be scheduled to discuss the pending regulations. "I guess I don't need to tell anyone in this room that those of us who care about accessibility for blind people, who realize that there are things that can be done in this society on signage and warnings and automatic teller machines, those of us who believe those things were in the minority in those public hearings last year, and I sure don't want to see that repeated this year." HEALTH CARE Following Schroeder's remarks, delegates heard from Lorraine Driscoll, director for state policy issues for Citizen Action, a group which advocates the single payer health care system similar to that used in Canada. She briefly discussed other health care proposals, explaining how the Canadian health care system differs from insurance programs currently available in the United States. "The single payer approach (similar to the Canadian system) is the only one that would really cover everybody regardless of a pre-existing condition," she explained. "Insurance companies are getting tougher on that. They're even looking at incidences where if a fetus was sick before birth, it would be considered a pre-existing condition. That has great implications for people who have genetic markers for various things." LIBRARY SERVICES Caroline Longmoor, director of collection development for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress, discussed how NLS determines the books which will be recorded or brailled during a given year. She explained that 2,000 books are selected for addition to the collection. She said while many good titles are self published by authors, NLS relies on books produced by commercial publishers who pay the author for his work. BRAILLE LITERACY Dr. Susan Spungin, associate executive director for program services at the American Foundation for the Blind, talked about braille usage and the braille literacy problem facing blind children and adults. She expressed support for various state braille bills which require that textbooks made available in print be also available in braille for use by blind children in the state. Her support of those bills, she said, is a reversal of her previous position. Delegates heard from a rehabilitation panel which discussed the upcoming reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. (See "Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America position on Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act," this issue.) NEW STUDY Seattle Attorney Kenneth Hopkins was the speaker for the ALL banquet. He discussed the findings of a study he had conducted which dealt with the advantages of separate state agencies and service delivery systems for blind and visually impaired people. "This study gave us the opportunity to review and come to appreciate the uniformity in the field of blindness of the belief that special agencies are the way to deliver services to blind people." He cited a California study which indicated that consolidating state agencies does not necessarily promote efficiency. He said his study found that separate services to the blind do not cost more money. "As we said in the paper, services to the blind are uniformly expensive and they are uniformly high, but they are not higher in separate agencies than they are in other agencies (where services are consolidated)." The Sunday morning session began with a discussion by Disability Rights Attorney Charles D. Goldman. Goldman discussed the new edition of his "Disability Rights Guide" and talked about some of the tools available within the Americans With Disabilities Act. The legislative seminar began Sunday afternoon with an address by Eleanor Clift, the political correspondent for "Newsweek Magazine." (See "Newsweek Correspondent Predicts 100 new faces in Congress," this issue.) Following Clift's remarks, ALL delegates heard from Louis Enoff, principal deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Enoff said the Social Security Administration "wants to be an active, aggressive agent in helping our Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries achieve their life's goals; for a majority of these beneficiaries, that goal includes employment." He said the SSA had designed a handbook for advocates and SSA recipients to use in developing Plans for Achieving Self Support, a program whereby the Supplemental Security Income beneficiary can set aside financial resources which can be used for training or equipment. He said new computer software which is used in the field offices can help blind SSI or SSDI beneficiaries determine how a job would affect their benefits. The program can provide a benefit estimate for beneficiaries. He said the Social Security Administration is also targeting young people with videos and other information to help them understand more about the benefits available to them and how those benefits relate to employment. Enoff said outreach is a high priority with the SSA. SSI applications are up 10 percent since the SSA undertook an outreach program in 1990. Enoff explained that a commissioned report on modernizing the SSI program will be released soon. "I think that report will be of interest to many individuals and organizations within the umbrella of ALL," he said. The report will be published in the Federal Register. At the conclusion of Enoff's remarks, delegates heard from members of the Legislative Working Group, a Washington-based consortium of blindness agencies, who briefed the delegates on the issues to be discussed with members of Congress. The delegates spent the following two days visiting the various Congressional offices on Capitol Hill. "NEWSWEEK" CORRESPONDENT PREDICTS 100 NEW FACES IN CONGRESS WASHINGTON - A combination of redistricting, anti- incumbent fever, and retirements will result in at least 100 new faces in Congress next January. That's the estimate of Eleanor Clift, a political correspondent for "Newsweek." Clift addressed the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America's annual legislative seminar here in late March. She said the Illinois primary indicated the beginning of a trend. "Three incumbents lost in the primary election," she said, "and that's three times as many as lost in all of the primaries in 1988 and 1990. So that gives you some idea of how protected a class generally an elected congressman has been." Clift said this election year has produced more anger and turmoil than the nation has seen since the divisive Vietnam years. She credits Arkansas governor Bill Clinton with "intestinal fortitude" for having survived various repeated attacks during the campaign. She said Clinton and his strategists are gambling that the election issues are bigger than his personal past. " ... We're posed as an electorate to talk about big ideas instead of the distractions of Clinton's personal past," she said. She commented on the contrasts of the political climate of a year ago as opposed to the present. "Last spring, George Bush was considered a shoo-in for the presidency," she said. "The White House advisors were really quite cocky. Their in-house slogan was KKK which stood for Kuwait, Quotas, and Congress. Kuwait symbolized the Gulf war and the feeling that this was such a momentous victory for this country that we would still be celebrating a year later. Now, the war seems to symbolize as much as anything else how little George Bush has done at home--something I don't think anyone could have predicted even six months ago." She said while the quota issue is still alive, it has been "tarnished by the fact that David Duke took it up." She said beating up on Congress is the only option of the three Bush has left. "It seems to me that's a pretty weak hand because again, it's blaming someone else. George Bush is just not good in that role." She said while beating up on Congress isn't new, the reasons for Congress-bashing have increased. "The biggest scandal in Washington is perfectly legal," she said, "and that's the building up of these campaign war chests that then scare off challengers. ... Money so floods the system that they tend to listen to the interests that have the money. If you don't have the money, if you have a good moral cause like you people have, you're not going to be first through the door." Where the presidential candidates are concerned, she said Jerry Brown's message is attractive to many young voters, "but he may not be the best messenger for that message." Clift said the candidacy of Patrick Buchanan on the Republican side had "petered out. He is now in the position where if he keeps attacking George Bush, he really is seen as somebody who is a spoiler." She said Buchanan's determination to present a more positive message may backfire. "For Pat Buchanan to take on a positive message is like being a soldier without a sword," Clift explained. "He really has no meaning out there and what will happen is the press will stop covering him." Buchanan, she said, wants to be the next Ronald Reagan, a dream which will go unfulfilled because "he's too polarizing." Clift said Buchanan's campaign failure "shouldn't mask the fact that the Republican party is in a battle for its soul-- where it goes next." She said if Bush wins re-election, "the media will sleep through his presidency, just as he will." Bush's second term would be like Eisenhower's second term, she said, where the real action would be among the Republicans and Democrats going for the big prize in 1996. "The president is a very good campaigner when it comes to attacking the other fellow," she said, "but he has not yet advanced a rationale for voting for him, and that's his big challenge over the next couple of months." Texas Businessman H. Ross Perot's candidacy could pose another challenge for Bush in November. Clift said he offers an anti-establishment message as does Buchanan and Brown, "but he's respectable." She said Perot appeals to many Americans. "He's a businessman with a social conscience," she said. "The country needs to get the economy moving, and there's also concern that we haven't taken care of our own in terms of social justice; he brings both those elements in a kind of a tough guy Texas demeanor, so I think he's interesting." In a question and answer session after her remarks, Clift denounced term limits on members of Congress, suggesting that a 12-year deadline on members of the House and Senate would allow them to become to preoccupied with special interest groups as they try to figure out who they'll work for after their terms expire. She said groups who don't have money to throw at Congress can still have an influence if they can interest the media in their cause and adopt powerful symbols such as James Brady, former press secretary for Ronald Reagan. Commenting on the press's treatment of Clinton and Buchanan, Clift said the members of the press had been favorably impressed by Clinton, which ultimately turned to closer scrutiny. On Buchanan, "most of the people who were saying we weren't tough enough on him feel that we really didn't get him for being an anti-Semite. That's really hard because there's not a blood test you can give." She said if the press has gone easy on Buchanan, it may be because he's not a serious candidate. "If he had gotten 45 percent of the vote in New Hampshire and then went on to win a couple of primaries," Clift said, "I guarantee you you'd be reading a lot more about every one of his statements. ... If somebody's not going to win, the press is willing to let them keep some things private because there's no point." ADA: GET READY TO IMPLEMENT by Paul W. Schroeder Director of Governmental Affairs The nondiscrimination requirements placed upon state and local governments are the focus in this third part of the series explaining specific provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This section of the law went into effect on January 26, 1992. Prior to passage of the ADA, the only federal nondiscrimination statute protecting people with disabilities was Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. However, only recipients of federal funds needed to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504. Therefore, in crafting the ADA, Congress sought to extend the elimination of discrimination based on disability included in 504 to all services, programs and activities conducted or sponsored by any state or local government agency. The United States Department of Justice was charged with the responsibility for developing regulations to clarify the nondiscrimination language of Title II, Subtitle A of the ADA. The regulation approximates rules implementing Section 504. However, there are some differences in the ADA rule, because the Department of Justice also incorporated concepts found in other titles of the ADA. Taken together, Section 504 and Title II of the ADA ensure that our federal, state and local governments must include people with disabilities, addressing our needs in all governmental activities. WHO IS COVERED AND WHAT IS REQUIRED What is SPA? SPA stands for services, programs and activities. People with disabilities cannot be excluded from any government-sponsored service, program or activity, as long as the person with a disability meets applicable "essential eligibility requirements" such as residence or income. The prohibition against discrimination extends to all government entities, including state legislatures, courts, public schools, public libraries and the nongovernmental agencies with whom they may contract to provide services, programs or activities. It is important to understand that two key concepts direct the nondiscrimination mandate placed upon state and local government by the ADA. The law, and its implementing regulation, is written to foster integration of people with disabilities into the same services, programs and activities as non-disabled persons. At the same time, the regulation makes clear that individuals with disabilities must have the opportunity to "obtain the same results, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement" as others who make use of an aid, benefit or service provided by a government entity. To accomplish the goals of integration and effectiveness, the public entity must make reasonable modifications in its policies, practices or procedures to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. However, to protect government entities from undue costs, it can demonstrate that making these modifications would "fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity or that it would constitute an undue financial and administrative burden." In other instances, providing a separate aid, benefit or service to individuals with disabilities may prove to be the best, or only, way to provide these individuals with aids, benefits or services which are "as effective." When such "special" programs or services exist, the individual may still elect to make use of the "integrated" program. An often cited example of this issue is the blind person who elects not to use a special, "hands on" tour of a museum. Just because the separate, adapted tour exists, the museum cannot deny the individual who is blind the opportunity to participate in the "integrated" tour. The individual must be able to make the choice. Other specific nondiscrimination requirements are also included. * Public entities cannot discriminate against people with disabilities in hiring, promotion or other employment activities, and if necessary, agencies must provide reasonable accommodations within the limits of undue financial or administrative burdens. * Persons with disabilities cannot be denied the opportunity to participate on advisory or planning boards. * A government entity cannot carry out its duties or select the site for its activities in a way which would serve to exclude individuals with disabilities from the activity or otherwise subject them to discrimination. *A public entity must avoid the potential for discrimination when it chooses contractors from which it will purchase goods or services. * Government entities cannot discriminate in granting licenses and certificates. * Government services, programs or activities may carry "neutral" eligibility requirements for participation. These requirements cannot be designed to "screen out" individuals because of disability. COMMUNICATION AND PROGRAM ACCESS All communications between a government entity or government service provider and individuals with disabilities must be "as effective" as communications with non-disabled persons. This means that auxiliary aids and services must be furnished to individuals with disabilities who request them so that they can participate in and enjoy the government service, program or activity. The public entity is to provide the individual with the opportunity to choose which auxiliary aid or service would be most effective and is supposed to honor the choice. However, the government agency can try to prove that another aid or service would be as effective or that furnishing the individual's choice would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity being provided, or is too costly. Even so, a less burdensome, but still effective, aid or service must be provided. According to the Department of Justice's rule, auxiliary aids or services for communicating written material to individuals who are blind or visually impaired include brailled and large print material, taped texts and readers. Other aids or services such as signage, maps, audio description services and braille telecommunication display devices may also be appropriate in communicating "visually delivered" material. The individual is supposed to have the primary choice. As with federal funds recipients covered under Section 504, all programs conducted by or for government entities must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. In ensuring program access, the provider might choose to make a building accessible, move the program to an accessible location or provide assistance to the individual with a disability wishing to avail him or herself of the program. Government agencies which were not already covered by Section 504 are currently supposed to be working on a "self evaluation" of their services, programs and activities to determine what steps must be taken to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Self evaluations are required under Section 504 and agencies covered by that law are advised, though not necessarily required, to again conduct a self evaluation. These agencies must evaluate practices not covered specifically by Section 504 such as the effectiveness of their communication with individuals who have disabilities which affect their ability to access visually or aurally delivered material. Government agencies have until January 1993 to complete these self evaluations and take steps to correct any problems. They are encouraged to solicit input from persons with disabilities. You may consider offering assistance with the conduct of the self evaluation by local government agencies. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT Individuals with disabilities who believe that their rights under this section of the ADA have been violated have 180 days to file a complaint. Complaints may be filed with various federal agencies given responsibility over certain areas, or with the United States Department of Justice. Private court suits may also be filed and reasonable attorney's fees may be granted to the prevailing party. It is unlawful for government agencies to retaliate against or otherwise threaten someone who brings a complaint under the ADA or who assists an individual filing a complaint. As with Section 504, state and local government entities with 50 or more employees must establish an ADA complaint procedure and appoint an employee to be responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADJUSTING TO VISION LOSS ONE WAY OR ANOTHER by Nicole E. Willson "One Way or Another: A Guide to Independence for the Visually Impaired and Their Families." Vivian Younger and Jill Sardegna. Sardegna Productions, 1991. 193pp. $15.00. "Hello, I'm calling because I really need your help. My doctor just told me that I'm losing my sight. I don't know what's out there to help me, and I don't know how I'm going to do anything once my vision is gone. What can I do?" Calls like this one are a fixture of ACB's hotline, and it can be very difficult to convince such a caller that his life is not over. These calls also underscore just how little is generally known about products and programs for the blind. Many people don't realize that a white cane isn't going to do their newly-blind mother much good if she hasn't been taught how to use it. But they have no idea where to go to get orientation and mobility training. And what about guide dogs? Where do they get books on tape? The questions are endless. With "One Way or Another: A Guide to Independence for the Visually Impaired and Their Families," Jill Sardegna and Vivian Younger have taken on the task of answering as many of these questions as possible. The authors have tried to cover all aspects of adjustment to blindness, from contacting rehabilitation centers to less concrete topics such as how to cope with embarrassing situations. Throughout the book, blind people share observations about their own experiences. While no book could cover everything that a person going blind will encounter, Sardegna and Younger's guide will certainly do a great deal to help people get organized and get information they need. One of the book's best aspects is its emphasis on the fact that there are plenty of things a newly-blind person can do immediately, without help from a rehabilitation center or even much help from a sighted person. For someone whose previous experiences with blindness have been limited to the helpless, klutzy stereotypes often seen in movies and TV, these chapters will be reassuring. The authors explain techniques for orienting yourself in your home and doing chores. They clearly emphasize that their book is not intended to take the place of a rehabilitation program. However, the fact that they put such importance on independence sets "One Way or Another" apart from many other books dealing with blindness. The book does eventually cover more obvious aspects of adjusting to blindness, such as purchasing adaptive aids and contacting a rehabilitation center. There are also passages written for the family members and friends of the blind person, telling them what they can do to be supportive. An appendix contains many resource lists, a great feature for people who don't know how much is out there to help them. While these chapters will be useful to everyone, "One Way or Another" is at its best when it deals with more personal aspects of blindness. The book is written in a light, informal tone that's intended to put its readers at ease. While the tone occasionally becomes cloying, it's much more readable than a dry recital of facts. The observations from other blind people are also interesting and should help readers know what to expect as they adjust to their vision loss. Sardegna and Younger stress throughout the book that with some adaptations, the reader will be able to live a satisfying and productive life. And while a person may begin "One Way or Another" in a frightened, confused state of mind, no one will finish it still feeling that life is over. Vivian Younger is a general vocationalist counselor for the California State Department of Rehabilitation in San Jose. She is visually impaired and has done extensive work in the blindness field. Jill Sardegna is a freelance writer who also co-authored "The Encyclopedia of Blindness and Visual Impairment." To order "One Way or Another" in large print, send $15.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to Sardegna Productions, 710 Almondwood Way, San Jose, CA., 95120. Braille copies are available from the Braille Transcription Project of Santa Clara County, Inc., (408) 298-4468. ARE YOU AT GREATER RISK OF BEING A VICTIM OF VIOLENT CRIME? by Nolan Crabb Does blindness or low vision enhance your chances of being a victim of violent crime? It stands to reason that blindness or partial sight could make you a better target for sexual assault or other forms of violent crime, but no national data exists to confirm such suspicions. Dr. Wendy S. Pava, a member of the Washington Council of the Blind, set out last summer to gather national data on whether blind and visually impaired people wanted training on effective resistance to violent crimes. Once solid national data exists which indicates a need for self-defense training, Pava says curriculum can be developed and used by instructors throughout the country to help blind and visually impaired people reduce the odds of being victims. During the 30th annual convention in Tampa, Pava distributed a survey which sought to determine whether blind and visually impaired men and women felt the need for training to improve their self confidence through learning better avoidance and defense techniques. "In Seattle, there is an organization called Seattle Rape Relief which has been gathering data on victims of sexual assault in the Seattle area," Pava explains. "Between 1977 and 1987, they counted about 100 reported cases annually of sexual assault committed against persons with disabilities in the Seattle area alone." She says 20 percent of the sexual assault cases which occur among disabled Seattle residents are actually reported to authorities. Nationally, 10 percent of all sexual assault cases are reported. She says based on those estimates, some 500 disabled Seattle residents are victims of sexual assault annually. She says victims knew the assailant in 99 percent of the reported cases in Seattle. Pava says a rape occurs in the United States once every six minutes. She cites five myths commonly associated with rape. 1. Most rapes are committed by strangers in dark alleys. "In fact, most rapes, about 80 percent, are committed by an acquaintance. Women are three times more likely to be raped by an acquaintance than by a stranger. Half of all rapes occur in the victim's home." 2. Many reports of rape are unfounded. In reality, Pava says fewer than 10 percent of reported rapes turn out to be unfounded--about the same for other violent crimes. Ten percent of all rapes are actually reported, and only three percent of those reported actually end in conviction. 3. Rape has no lasting effect. Pava pointed out that rape victims often suffer from a variety of problems associated with the crime including loss of sleep, anxiety, depression, difficulty in sexual relationships, and suicide. 4. Resisting rape will increase your chances for greater injury. "In fact, it has not been shown that resistance will increase physical injury," Pava says. "Furthermore, the traditional advice against resistance does not appear to consider the injury of the rape itself as serious as physical injury." She says studies indicate the more things a potential rape victim tries, the more likely a rape can be avoided. She says screaming and struggling work better than merely talking or pleading, which doesn't generally work at all. 5. Physically attractive people are most likely the ones who will be raped. "In fact," Pava says, "90 percent of all rapes are pre-meditated and have very little if anything to do with physical appearance or sexual attractiveness." Pava encourages blind and partially sighted people to learn as much as possible about the myths of assault and about safety precautions. Education, she says, can increase confidence, which can make a difference in how well a blind or partially sighted person moves from one point to another. "There have been some studies of perpetrators of assault where they have been shown videos of crowd scenes and they've been asked to pick out good targets in the crowd," Pava says. "The ones who are picked are the ones who appear less likely to be able to get away. That may depend on age, weight, or even a lack of confidence when they walk. Regardless of the reason, the ones picked are generally the ones less mobile and less confident." Pava says national data on the need for self-defense training will allow her to work with Alternatives to Fear, a Seattle-based organization interested in developing self-defense curriculum for blind and partially sighted men and women. A basic self-defense class in which Pava participated has already been taught in the Seattle area, but the class was restricted to visually impaired women or women who used white canes. No training currently exists for guide dog users, she says. Both dog users and teachers are somewhat reluctant to provide self- defense training in an environment where dogs could be hurt or where they could be desensitized to the aspects of fighting. Pava says if sufficient need exists to interest donors in the project, classes could also be developed for blind men, blind and visually impaired children, and senior citizens. "We've worked hard to have the right to employment," Pava says, "we've worked hard to have the right to access, and I think we're also going to have to work hard to have the right to stay safe. The point isn't to make everybody paranoid; the point is to allow us the access and the independence we're striving for and keep us safe in the process." THEY'RE MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN WASHINGTON by Nolan Crabb Anyone visiting a Washington Council of the Blind convention as I did late last year would probably be struck with two impressions: First, Council members in Washington state have a good understanding of what it takes to enjoy one another's company and maintain a spirit of unity during serious discussion of the issues; and second, while they enjoy themselves, WCB members clearly feel a sense of purpose and recognize the value of their affiliation with ACB and their work on the state level. I was impressed with one additional element that seems to ensure continued success for WCB members--the desire to include as many members in various projects as possible. Indeed, Sue Ammeter, president of the Washington Council of the Blind, said the strength of various programs in that state is directly related to the involvement of people of all ages from throughout the state. Ammeter reviewed the WCB's accomplishments earlier this year when she participated in a panel discussion during the ACB State and Special-interest Affiliate Presidents Meeting in Phoenix. In addition to heavy member involvement, Ammeter cited a strong affiliate newsletter as an important part of membership development and continuing activity. Ammeter said the Washington Council awarded nine scholarships last year totaling $11,000. She said one chapter contributed $3,000 toward the scholarship fund. I was impressed with the solid attendance the scholarship meeting drew at the convention. Ammeter said interest in the program runs high in the state partly because of the group's attempt to maintain solid statewide representation on the scholarship committee. While WCB members clearly want to see their organization grow, they've managed to remember the value of being involved in other aspects of the blind community as well. Most recently, the Washington Council purchased braille printing equipment for the state school for the blind. Council members have also funded braille production equipment for the state library for the blind, and pledged their support at the convention for the financially troubled radio reading service. While assisting other organizations and agencies has become a WCB tradition, Council members are doing what they can for individuals as well, according to Ammeter. She said the Washington Council has established a crisis fund designed to provide one-time emergency assistance to blind and visually impaired people in the state. Ammeter emphasized that the fund is small, but it has been an excellent addition to the Washington Council's programs. "Last year, we assisted five people," she explained. "The crisis fund isn't designed as a long-term benefit program for anyone. Rather, it's an emergency fund which offers one-time assistance." Once again, ensuring equitable representation by WCB members from various parts of the state in deciding who gets crisis fund help is an integral part of the program. Add to that already impressive list the WCB's statewide toll-free information/referral number, the solid circulation of "Newsline," the WCB newsletter, and the equipment loan program, and it becomes evident that the hard work and united efforts of the members of the Washington Council of the Blind are making a positive difference for blind and visually impaired people throughout the state. COALITION PROPOSES NEW MISSION STATEMENT, SETS NEW GOALS by Nolan Crabb The Coalition for Information Access for Print Handicapped Readers drafted a proposed new mission statement at its annual winter meeting at the headquarters of Recording for the Blind in Princeton, N.J., in March. The new proposed mission statement reads: "To promote and facilitate access to information for individuals with print disabilities through a cooperative interchange of ideas and activities among producers, service providers, and consumer and advocacy groups." The drafted statement represents a change from the coalition's earlier statement, which called for the establishment of a comprehensive database or listing of books and other materials in alternative formats such as braille, tape and large print. The change in the mission statement means the coalition, known as CIAPHR, can focus its energies on the continuing need for public education and networking. CIAPHR members applauded the ongoing efforts of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to increase the number and types of holdings in its comprehensive listing called the Union Catalogue. According to "News," a publication of the National Library staff members began computerizing records of the library's holdings in 1975. In 1978, the national library began computerizing records of the regional libraries' holdings. More than 1,000 regional library entries were added to the list last year. In 1980, NLS began including book listings from Recording for the Blind. Today, more than 65,000 titles from RFB are part of NLS's Union Catalogue. Last summer, the Xavier Society for the Blind, Seedlings Braille Books for Children, and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland began adding their records to the NLS Union Catalogue. In the future, according to "News," NLS plans to include 100,000 holdings from the National Library of Canada in its database. To date, NLS has approximately 139,000 titles in the Union Catalogue. Currently, people with access to a personal computer and telephone modem can browse through the Union Catalogue or download information by calling a commercial database provider. For further information, contact the national Library Service at (202) 707-5100. Of course, library patrons may also request information on Union Catalogue listings through their regional libraries. NLS is preparing a CD-ROM version of its listings which can be used on computers equipped with CD-ROM players. Coalition members agreed on four goals for CIAPHR. First, the coalition would continue to monitor those agencies who list their titles with various databases. Second, CIAPHR would ensure that consumers and professionals had adequate information about where to borrow materials in alternative formats. Third, CIAPHR would continue to encourage those who produce materials in braille, large print, and tape to list their holdings with NLS and others where appropriate. Fourth, CIAPHR would continue to serve as a networking group, working closely with publishers and others to resolve copyright problems and work toward easier access of books and other materials. The Coalition for Information Access for Print Handicapped Readers was initiated by the American Foundation for the Blind in 1983. At that time, it was known as the AFB Networking Task Force. The American Council of the Blind is currently the only consumer organization which holds CIAPHR membership. The cooperation between agencies and consumers within CIAPHR allows for the timely exchange of information, the pooling of resources and expertise, and the opportunity for cooperative planning to affect change on a broad level. CIAPHR is a partnership of consumers, service providers, and producers. LOOKING NORMAL by Elaine Hagan One summer day, my sister and I stopped at a little country diner, where a strange customer was something of a phenomenon. A charmingly open sweet-sixteen-year-old waitress came over with two menus. I smilingly told her I didn't need one because I was blind. Though quite taken aback, she said reassuringly, "Well, that's all right: you look normal!" At sixteen, "looking normal" --exactly like your peers --is the most important thing in the world. My sister laughed understandingly, having teenagers of her own. "You fooled her because of your perfect makeup and hair," she commented. "In her mind, you're okay, and can do anything as long as you look normal." I thought about that incident, and the many other times people more sophisticated than the sweet, frank waitress had said things like: May I ask who does your makeup for you? They are unfailingly surprised, not to say skeptical, of my truthfulness when I assure them I do my makeup and hair by touch. Nevertheless, they seem more accepting and comfortable with my blindness. My husband, who is the perfect admirer, always insisting I'm beautiful-- even in the morning, when I assure you I am not-- suggested once that I didn't need makeup. I responded flippantly that blind women should always wear makeup because people never expect them to. The public stereotype of the blind is a person in rumpled clothing, with poor posture and odd mannerisms, having disheveled hair, with out-of-date dark glasses, and certainly without makeup. They attribute this generally poor grooming to the blind person's inability to manage such things. If people cannot manage good grooming, they probably cannot manage more challenging tasks performed on the job. And, of course, though no employer would admit this: Who wants a disheveled and disreputable-looking employee representing the firm? But we can and are changing these stereotypes. Present non- smoking policies show that society's attitudes can be changed, even if it takes time. Good grooming can help us do it. No, my ability to apply makeup does not relate directly to the skills I use as a counselor, though it does make it easier for my clients to forget my "differentness" and concentrate on solving their problems. Like it or not, I have simply learned that part of selling myself on the job market requires me to appear and perform-- you guessed it--not as well as my colleagues, but better! The good news is that great grooming is possible even if you can't see your image in a mirror. You must learn the necessary skills of grooming just as you learn many other things: with feedback from others. Luckily, I have an older sister who has sold cosmetics, and spends many helpful hours shopping with me. However, I do shop with my husband, and alone. Most department stores are willing to set up an appointment with a professional shopper who will be glad to help you choose flattering clothing and accessories. This goes for men as well as women. Do not rely on the usual floor clerks, for they have neither time nor proper motivation to give you good advice. For women who have never experimented with makeup, the fear of looking like a clown may deter you. I am certainly not advocating bright and heavy makeup, but you can learn to blend and control the products. Right now is an especially good time, because makeup is wonderfully natural-looking. Many major cosmetic companies in department stores are willing to do "makeovers," in which they not only choose the most flattering shades for your skin, but also take time to show you how to apply it yourself if you ask. Also, of course, beauty salons usually offer even longer appointment times to give you a luxurious facial and teach you how to make yourself up. You may then want to move on to your hairstylist for advice on the most flattering style for you, and assistance in learning the techniques of caring for that style. Don't be afraid to ask questions, or have the stylist demonstrate a step again. You will pay him or her well, and it will be worth it. Don't let yourself be styled in an odd or out-of-date style just because the stylist thinks it will be easy for you. I dream of a day when our conventions and conferences include vendors of the above-mentioned goods and services in addition to the miraculous adaptive technology which we have all learned is a must for our careers. I would also like to see appearance-conscious opticians and ocularists at our conventions. Many of us could make one major improvement in our appearances with tinted contacts and more attractive glasses for low-vision wearers, and new, sometimes downright glamorous sunglasses for those who need them. Attractive cosmetic shells may be fitted over sightless or atrophied eyes which need enhancing. When saleswomen tell me and my sister that we have such beautiful eyes and that they are exactly the same color, I usually do not have the heart to tell them that mine are both made of acrylic. My own eyes were certainly not so lovely with surgery scarring and cataracts, so when they both had to be removed, my appearance was improved immensely by movable Iowa implants, and the artistic genius of two exceptional creators of artificial eyes. Obviously, the image is not the woman, and clothes do not make the man, but in today's competitive job market, we can't afford not to make the best of ourselves. Our ability to perform the job is not really in question for those who know us well, but others don't have the advantage of that knowledge. There may be a reason why we are the most well-educated and underemployed group of the disabled. It seems to me that our education and skills are not the reason for such deplorable waste of talent and competency. Maybe the sixteen-year-old waitress had it right: If we look normal, we can do anything! THEY'RE BUILDING BRIDGES AND OFFERING HOPE by Nolan Crabb If it's true that knowledge is power, perhaps one way to prevent and combat drug and alcohol abuse among blind and disabled people is to provide information about substance abuse and disability. That's the purpose of the Resource Center on Substance Abuse Prevention and Disability. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, the center serves as a bridge between the substance abuse community and vocational rehabilitation workers, according to Jill Hereford, the center's information specialist. "The mission of the resource center is to bridge the gap between the substance abuse prevention and disability communities," Hereford explains. The center's target for services includes agencies and organizations, but Hereford says individuals are encouraged to call if they have questions. "We would refer individuals to their state organization or provide them with materials to educate them on substance abuse and disability. We'd be happy to help them locate services in their community, but in doing so, we would probably refer them to a more local agency or organization." Hereford says while statistics on substance abuse as they relate to disabled people aren't easily found, those statistics which do exist indicated a need for the center. In 1989, Very Special Arts, a Washington- based organization which deals with disability and the arts, established VSA Educational Services, the group who ultimately applied for the grant. The center opened in October, 1991. Hereford says she takes 15 to 20 calls per day on average. "While they're all different in nature," she says, "many of them come from rehabilitation counselors or certified alcohol counselors. On the rehabilitation side, they're telling me they're aware of substance abuse and they want more information on developing and initiating a prevention program for their organization or agency or they want prevention and intervention guidelines." According to Hereford, the center gets calls from researchers interested in statistics on substance abuse and disability and from others who want to inform the center of new findings and studies. "With every call and inquiry," she says, "we solicit information about organizations available in the caller's area. We might also ask about materials they've developed; or, if an organization is working on developing guidelines for an intervention or prevention program, I'll contact them in six months or so to determine their progress so we can pass that along to others from similar agencies." In addition to providing information, the resource center advocates for information in an accessible format. She provided "The Braille Forum" with braille copies of all the center's brochures, but she emphasized that the material is available on a very limited basis. Those interested in accessible information from the center should call or write to determine its availability. Accessibility advocacy means a variety of things to the center. It can include everything from reminding counselors not to have an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on the third floor of a building without elevators to encouraging program staff members to read material to blind people enrolled in their programs. She says educating counselors can help them better deal with the blind or disabled substance abuser. "A counselor who isn't educated to the characteristics of a particular disability may attempt to treat the disability." A counselor may misinterpret a person's tremors as related to substance abuse when in fact they may be related to his disability. Hereford says the center boasts a three-day turnaround time in fulfilling requests. "The best part of the job for me is receiving letters or calls from people who say the information we sent assisted them in some way." She says if the center can bridge the gap, get people on both sides to communicate, and help establish prevention programs, it will have succeeded in a far more meaningful way than merely fulfilling the stipulations of its grant. For more information on the center, contact the Resource Center on Substance Abuse Prevention and Disability, 1331 F St., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. Tel. (202) 783-2900; fax (202) 737-0725. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE REHABILITATION ACT The American Council of the Blind, along with a host of other organizations, is continuing to provide Congress with input regarding the pending reauthorization of the very important Rehabilitation Act. As you read this article, congressional subcommittees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are completing draft legislation to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. We must have a strong voice in the efforts to shape a rehabilitation system which truly meets the needs of those for whom it is intended. This article is intended to provide you with information about some of the many changes which are being advocated with respect to rehabilitation. The key United States Representatives and Senators are included in this article to help you make your voice heard. Most of the information in this article is drawn from the position paper prepared by the Affiliated Leadership League. A selection of ideas currently circulating among the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is also included. Most of the positions advocated by ACB have found their way into either the ALL document or the CCD draft. POSITIONS OF THE AFFILIATED LEADERSHIP LEAGUE The Affiliated Leadership League is a coalition of consumer, provider, and professional organizations, local, statewide, and national in scope. A position paper on reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act was presented to attendees at the ALL Legislative Seminar which was held in Washington, D.C. from March 22-24, 1992. ALL began its paper with a quote from the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind: "The uniqueness of blindness as a disability is widely recognized; the limitations it brings-- in mobility, reading, writing and many other daily activities-- make it extremely difficult for blind persons to function independently in the community unless they develop specialized skills such as the ability to travel, the use of braille, and other kinds of training unique to blindness." The time is right, states the ALL paper, for Congress to reaffirm this federal commitment to the importance of, and urgent need for, specialized services for blind and visually impaired people. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES FOR OLDER BLIND PERSONS Virtually every organization in the blindness field has stressed the importance of independent living services for older blind individuals. The ALL position paper puts it this way: "Nowhere is the urgent need for a greater federal commitment to blindness issues more apparent than in the case of Title VII, Part C of the Rehabilitation Act, which established a discretionary grant program for Independent Living Services for Elderly Blind Persons. The demographics on aging and vision loss are staggering, especially when the aging of the 'baby boomers' is factored in. Loss of vision is one of the major factors in the decision to institutionalize an elderly person. Many institutionalizations could be avoided if the individuals received the specialized training in adaptive daily living skills which are provided under Title VII, Part C. "We urge that the language of H.R. 2437 (Rep. Edward Roybal, D-Calif.,)/S. 1614 (Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla.,), to make Title VII, Part C a formula grant program, guaranteeing a funding base of $225,000 for every state, be substituted for the current language in Title VII, Part C of the Rehabilitation Act." NATIONAL COMMISSION TO STUDY REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION OF PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED Again, the ALL paper expresses the concern felt across our nation about the education and rehabilitation of people who are blind. "There is no clear, national policy regarding education and rehabilitation services provided to children, youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Yet, the exceptionally high unemployment rate among this population (estimated to be at least 70 percent), along with continuing disputes about the proper educational environment and media for blind children, indicate a need for a national assessment of rehabilitation and educational needs. The number of individuals who are blind or visually impaired is increasing, especially among the very young and the elderly. "A long-standing federal commitment to specialized services for blind persons is being diluted, notwithstanding a widespread belief that such services are both cost-effective and of far more value to the individuals than are generic services...This trend toward 'one size fits all' generic services and service agencies is viewed with growing alarm by the nation's blindness organizations. We ask Congress to create a national study commission to examine some of these critical issues. Authority for this Commission should be included in the bill reauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973." STRENGTHEN DIVISION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED One important means of strengthening the national commitment to rehabilitation of individuals who are blind would be to enhance the status and responsibility of the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired within the Rehabilitation Services Administration. "Within RSA the existing Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired should be given a central place in coordinating and monitoring programs and services designed for people who are blind or visually impaired. Statutory or report language should be included in this reauthorization designed to enhance the status and importance of RSA's Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired." RESEARCH EMPHASIS IN BLINDNESS The Rehabilitation Act includes a section which calls for national attention to research on disability and rehabilitation needs. The ALL paper suggests three areas in which Congress should direct attention to meet the rehabilitation and independent living needs of people who are blind. The areas are braille production, graphic user interface and affordable braille TDD (text telephones.) AUTHORIZATION FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES AND DAMAGES UNDER THE RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD ACT The Randolph-Sheppard Act is not part of the Rehabilitation Act. However, ALL has endorsed a change in the Rehabilitation Act which would, if enacted, benefit vendors. "Although a number of arbitration panels and courts have awarded fees and damages to blind vendors under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, a few have not, making the prosecution of vendor grievances difficult for vendors who do not have the resources for protracted litigation. Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act should be amended to reference the Randolph-Sheppard Act, thus ensuring fair treatment for vendors throughout the country." INDIVIDUALIZED WRITTEN REHABILITATION PROGRAM The Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program was intended to be the key agreement between the rehabilitation consumer and the state agency setting forth the rehabilitation goals and appropriate services. However, the Act needs to be changed to enhance the value and usefulness of the IWRP. ALL suggests the following changes: "* The IWRP should be signed by both the rehabilitation counselor and the client, or if appropriate the client's guardian. * Each client should be given a copy of his or her IWRP in an accessible format. * The procedures used to develop the IWRP must favor maximum individual choice by the person with a disability. The IWRP itself should document the rehabilitation consumer's involvement in its development, e.g., client statements about goals/objectives, services to be provided and choice of service provider. *...Career development and planning, with appropriate services, should be included in the IWRP development process." SEPARATE STATE PLAN FOR SERVICES TO THE BLIND According to the ALL position paper, "In order to strengthen and improve services, Congress should require a separate state plan detailing how services will be provided to people who are blind or visually impaired. We also urge Congress to encourage strongly the use of rehabilitation counselor caseloads which are limited to the blind and visually impaired." DRAFT CCD POSITIONS The Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of nearly 80 disability organizations, has been circulating several drafts of positions on reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. A key premise of the CCD positions is increasing the participation and involvement of people with disabilities (consumers) in rehabilitation policy and decision making. STATE CONSUMER COUNCILS One of the most interesting ideas contained in the CCD draft concerns the establishment of consumer councils in each state. The CCD draft recommends that the Act require each state to have a council with the majority of its members being individuals with disabilities, along with additional representation from among other individuals, employers or organizations involved in the provision of rehabilitation services. According to the CCD draft, the Council should be provided with a budget and the authority to manage that budget including hiring staff. Among its responsibilities, the Council should identify consumer rehabilitation needs, advise the state agency on these identified needs, review and approve the state plan and policies, disseminate information to consumers about the state rehabilitation system, provide training to consumers on their rights and evaluate the state system. ELIGIBILITY A great deal of frustration is constantly expressed by people with disabilities who are continually being "diagnosed" by various disability programs to "prove" they are disabled. To remove some of this frustration, and to save the money and time which are wasted in these duplicative assessments, CCD has suggested that the process for determining eligibility for rehabilitation be streamlined. "Presumptive eligibility" would mean that state rehabilitation agencies would accept a determination of disability for an individual who has been determined eligible for other federal or state disability-related programs and services. Social Security programs and special education are two examples of such programs. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES The disability community is virtually united on the need to enhance attention to technology by rehabilitation agencies. Among other recommendations, it is suggested that state rehabilitation plans incorporate specific language describing how assistive technology devices and services will be integrated into rehabilitation services. Similarly, the IWRP should also describe how such devices and services will be used in meeting an individual's needs. KEY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS Included here is a list of members of Congress who serve on the two most relevant subcommittees with jurisdiction over the Rehabilitation Act. If you live in one of the states represented here, you should consider writing to the member of Congress from your state. If you do not live in a state with a member on this list, you should direct your comments on the Rehabilitation Act to the chairs of the House and Senate subcommittees. The following list will include the name of the member of Congress, the party, state and key legislative aide. SENATE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY POLICY Tom Harkin, (Chair), D-Iowa; Robert Silverstein. Howard Metzenbaum D-Ohio; Gail Laster. Paul Simon, D-Ill.; Judy Wagner. Brock Adams, D-Wash.; Adele Robinson. David Durenberger R-Minn.; Annie Silberman. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Corinne Larson. James Jeffords R-Vt.; Pam Kruse. HOUSE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON SELECT EDUCATION Major R. Owens, (chair), D-NY; Dr. Theda Zawaiza. Donald Payne D-N.J.; Patricia Crawford. Jose Serrano D-N.Y.; Louis Davis. William Jefferson, D-La.; Mia Franklin. Pat Williams, D-Mont.; Christine Treadway. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz.; Terri Schroeder. Cass Ballenger R-N.C.; Sally Lovejoy. Scott Klug R-Wis.; Tim Taylor. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.; Camille Conway. William F. Goodling, R-Pa.; Kim Strycharz. TIPS ON MAKING YOUR VIEWS COUNT When you write your letter expressing your views on rehabilitation, be brief and stick to a few main points. Thousands of letters arrive at each member of Congress' office every day. Include any personal experience which helps illustrate the points in your letter. For example, perhaps you or a relative are losing eyesight with age and you are concerned about independent living services. Or, perhaps you have served on a state rehabilitation advisory council and you think these councils should be strengthened. Maybe you are a recent client of rehabilitation and you never received your IWRP nor do you remember participating in its development. These stories help illustrate the points in this article and they will help your member of Congress understand the importance of the changes advocated here. Remember, all United States Representatives can be reached at the same address: United States House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. The address for all Senators is: United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510. Including an attention line directing your letter to the legislative aide listed here usually helps ensure a more rapid response. HERE AND THERE by Elizabeth M. Lennon The announcement of new products and services in this column should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services 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 responsible for the reliability of products or services mentioned. PIANO TUNERS TO MEET The annual convention of the Piano Technicians Guild will be held at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency July 22--26. More than 50 classes and workshops will be held for the 1,000 technicians expected to attend. Blind and visually impaired technicians are encouraged to attend the conference. Contact the Piano Technicians Guild, 3930 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64111. The early registration deadline is June 24 at $140 for members, $210 for nonmembers. After June 24, registration fees are $160 for members and $230 for nonmembers. OHIO MAN HONORED Dr. Elmer E. Fischer, coordinator of Radio Reading Services for Ohio Educational Broadcasting, received the C. Stanley Potter award at last year's annual meeting of the Association of Radio Reading Services. According to the Fall 1991 issue of "The Ohio Connection," the award recognizes Fischer's help in the development and expansion of radio reading services throughout the United States and his participation in the Association of Radio Reading Services. A Cincinnati native, Fischer is credited with developing radio reading services and a statewide network of theaters offering audio description of visual events on stage. TAPED TRIVIA The four-track cassette format used by the National Library Service for the Blind is known for its utility. But now there's a product that truly takes advantage of the four-track format. A set of trivia questions and answers have been recorded on four-track tapes. The questions are on sides one and two, and the user simply flips the selector switch on the NLS cassette machines to sides three and four to hear the answers. According to "CCLVI News 1991-01," questions are categorized and each category is tone indexed. To order, send $7 to Top Dot Enterprises, 318 S. Judson St., Tacoma, WA 98444. Tel. (206) 685-1818. LOW VISION DIRECTORY A directory of low vision clinics, specialists, organizations, publications, resources, and manufacturers worldwide is now available, according to "CCLVI News 1991-01." Available in large print, the directory costs $12.95. Contact International Low Vision Directory Sales Office, Institute for the Visually Impaired, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 1200 W. Godfrey Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19141. Tel. (215) 276-6291. COURSE ON THE BIBLE Lighted Path Ministries offers a 24-lesson correspondence course on the Bible in braille or on cassette. The course is free, but the lesson materials must be returned when the student has completed each lesson. Contact Mrs. Betsy Grenevitch, 3183 Cedar Creek Parkway, Decatur, GA 30033. Tel. (404) 297-0883. No collect calls. CASSETTE MAGAZINE The "Sound Times" is a new commercially-produced weekly cassette magazine. It includes a variety of interviews and is targeted toward commuters. For more information or to subscribe to the magazine, call (800) 451-8273. Subscriptions cost $9.99 per month. Subscribers may be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually. BRAILLE GRAPHICS MSMT, a California-based braille transcribing organization, now offers braille graphics, according to a press release. MSMT's braille graphics collection includes 400 graphs currently being used in a college economics class. The company plans to expand into other areas of braille production as well. It also offers a 43-page braille guide to San Francisco for $7.50. The large print copy costs $3.75. For more information about MSMT and its products, contact MSMT, 3917 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95405. BRAILLE GREETING CARDS Prophecy Designs announces the availability of uniquely designed braille greeting cards. According to a press release, the cards are designed by Kristina Nutting. For a catalog, contact Prophecy Designs, P.O. Box 849, Round Pond, ME 04564. AL- ANON IN BRAILLE Al-Anon and Ala-Teen recovery literature is now available in braille and large print, according to an announcement from the Al-Anon Family Group headquarters. The transcription was done by Volunteer Braille Services of Marissa, Ill. Al-Anon is a worldwide self-help for the relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Seventy titles and the 1990-91 issues of Al-Anon's monthly magazine "The Forum" are now available through VBS. For more information, contact Volunteer Braille Services, Inc., P.O. Box 234, Marissa, IL 63227. ADA VIDEO Easter Seals is offering "Part of the Team" and "Nobody's Burning Wheelchairs," two videotapes which deal with the Americans With Disabilities Act and the relationship between employers and employees with disabilities. "Part of the Team" is available in VHS and 3/4-inch formats for $15 and $25 respectively. "Nobody's Burning Wheelchairs" costs $35 in VHS and 3/4-inch formats. Both tapes can be purchased with open captioning--words which are displayed along the bottom of the screen. For more information about the tapes and other brochures available, contact the National Easter Seals Society, 70 E. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60601. Tel. (312) 262-6200. FIVE-PART VIDEO SERIES The Braille Institute of America has produced five 25- minute videos which deal with various aspects of visual impairment. Each video in the "Insight Series" emphasizes the vital role of the professional and others in assisting individuals to adapt to their special needs. Narrated by various Hollywood personalities, the "Insight Series" will be available in the rent-free section of major video outlets. The tapes will also be available for purchase from the Braille Institute of America, 741 N. Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Tel. (213) 663-1111. LARGE PRINT DIRECTORY Resources for Rehabilitation has released an expanded edition of "Living With Low Vision: A Resource Guide for People With Sight Loss." The expanded edition includes chapters on services for children, senior citizens, and deaf-blind people. Chapters have been added on such topics as self-help groups, how to keep working with sight loss, and laws affecting people with low vision. To order, send $35 plus $4.50 for shipping and handling to Resources for Rehabilitation, 33 Bedford St., Suite 19A, Lexington, MA 02173. COMPUTER BRAILLE PAPER American Thermoform Corporation has added a lightweight computer paper to its CompuDot line. Available in 11-1/2 by 11 inches and 8-1/5 by 11 inch sizes, the paper can be used by interpoint printers. The company also offers white Brailleon, which is excellent when used to produce teaching aids. The larger size paper costs $28.50; the 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper costs $25.50. The paper is shipped at 1,000 sheets per box. The company also announces the availability of a German-made refreshable braille display. For additional information on the company and its products, contact American Thermoform Corporation, 7311 Travers Ave., City of Commerce, CA 90040. Tel. (213) 723-9021. VITAMINS FOR VISION A recent University of Western Ontario study supports evidence from earlier studies that Vitamin C and E supplements help prevent cataracts in humans, as reported in "Science News." Researchers found that those who took Vitamin E were 50 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those who took no vitamins. Those who took Vitamin C had a 70 percent risk reduction factor. PREVENTING BLINDNESS The International Eye Foundation has launched a program to combat Onchocerciasis, more commonly known as River Blindness. Carried by the Black Fly, the disease is especially prevalent in Latin America and Africa. The disease causes blindness and reduces life expectancy. According to "World Rehabilitation," the foundation will concentrate its initial efforts on Nigeria and Guatemala, educating the public and distributing medication. The foundation received support from the Public Welfare Foundation of Washington, D.C. IDENTIFYING MEDICINE Identi-Med, Inc. announces the release of the Identi- Med system, which helps visually impaired people on multiple medications determine which prescription they're taking and how often they should take it. According to a letter from the product's inventor, Identi-Med relies on a system of colors and shapes to provide the information. It comes complete with removable tabs which can be kept by the pharmacist for telephone refill convenience. For more information on the system, contact Identi-Med, Inc., 123 Patton Dr., Ponca City, OK 74601. Tel. (405) 765-0669 or toll-free (800) 752-9404. OLD TIME RADIO Radio Spirits offers a catalogue listing more than 100 old-time radio episodes, including comedy, suspense, and drama. Cassettes cost $7 each plus $5 shipping and handling for each order. Various quantity discounts are available. To receive a catalogue, contact Radio Spirits, Inc., P.O. Box 2141, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Radio Spirits also offers a list of radio stations throughout the nation which carry "When Radio Was," a program featuring many of the old-time shows sold by Radio Spirits. ALL IN A POUCH Hicks and Associates announces the availability of Twin Power, a pouch which contains both detergent and fabric softener. The user simply drops the pouch into the washer with the laundry. When the clothes are washed, simply transfer the load, including the pouch, to the dryer. The pouch acts as a static electricity reduction dryer sheet. For more information, write Hicks and Associates, 3201 Llewellyn Field Rd., Olney, MD 20832. Tel. (301) 924-4773. LASER CANE REDESIGNED Nurion Industries has announced the redesign of its Laser Cane. The redesign means that the cane will be lighter, slimmer, and collapsible. The new cane will feature a standard rechargeable battery as opposed to the special one currently in use. Nurion also now offers the POLARON, a hand-held secondary electronic mobility aid. For more information about the POLARON or the redesign of the Laser Cane, contact Nurion Industries, Station Square Three, Paoli, PA 19301. (215) 640-2345. LIGHTED CANES Cane users who want that something extra in their folding cane can now have it in the form of a Xenon strobe light in the handle, according to an advertisement from CSP Industries, Inc. The $65 Safe-T-Lite cane features a light which can be turned on and off. The light can be seen for up to two miles. CSP also offers a non-lighted collapsible cane for $20. The cane's elastic cord and tips are easily replaceable. For more information on either cane, contact Grant Foster, 4120 Delmar Ave., Victoria, B.C. Canada V8Z 5J6. Tel. (604) 479-1350. The canes may also be ordered at the same price from Bossert Specialties, Inc., P.O. Box 15441, Phoenix, AZ 85060. PUSH-BUTTON PADLOCKS A new padlock which opens when a series of clearly- defined buttons are pressed is now available from Lock-R-Lock. The padlock uses no keys and no combination dials. The user pushes buttons that correspond with a factory-set combination. The 15-button lock costs $6 plus $1.50 postage and handling. Volume discounts are available. A 10-button smaller version sells for $5. Contact Lock-R-Lock, Hill Top Associates, Customer Service, P.O. Box 273, Grinnell, IA 50112. Tel. (515) 236-6828. BRAILLE MENUS TESTED Forty-two Shoney's Restaurants in Tennessee have begun offering braille menus, according to an Associated Press story. The menus are currently being test marketed in Tennessee. A corporate spokesman says the project will expand to include all 715 restaurants in the nationwide chain if demand is strong in Tennessee. VISIT A MUSEUM The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City offers The Touch Collection to blind and visually impaired visitors. It consists of objects drawn from the permanent collection, supplemented with casts and reproductions. The program is offered on an appointment basis to individuals and groups of up to six people. Guides are available to escort visitors through the collection, describe exhibits, and read label copy. Large print brochures are also available. For more information, call (212) 879-5500, extension 3561. A MICHIGAN FACE-OFF Visitors to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center in Kalamazoo are greeted by a veritable sea of faces. Refusing to be just another group of faces in a crowd, some students who attended the center last year participated in a sculpturing process which uses ceramic impressions of faces called "Life Casting." The seven foot by seven foot sculpture was unveiled this fall and was the creation of a weekly sculpting class taught at the center. The faces are mortared together in the shape of the state of Michigan. The sculpture is also interspersed with objects from nature, including deer hoofprints and pine cones. Blind and visually impaired visitors are encouraged to touch the sculpture. HELP FOR DEAF-BLIND Those looking for additional resources for deaf-blind students may want to look at a program currently operating in Florida, according to a press release. Services for Students With Dual Sensory Impairments offers technical assistance, assessments, planning, implementation, staff and parent training. For more information, contact Connie Trent, Florida State University, 209 Carothers Hall, Tallahassee, FL 32306-3024. Tel. (904) 644-8491 or (904) 644-8420. BRAILLE LITERACY WEEK Resolutions to declare Braille Literacy Week in January 1993 have been introduced into both houses of Congress. For Congress to declare the week, half of the members of the House of Representatives must co-sponsor the House resolution and half of the Senate must co-sponsor the Senate resolution. Unfortunately, in the last issue of the "Braille Forum" we inadvertently printed the wrong number for the Senate resolution. The correct number in the Senate is S. J. Res. 278 and it is sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. In the House the resolution is H. J. Res. 353 and the sponsor is Representative Cass Ballenger, R-N.C. Generally, members of Congress will not sponsor resolutions like this one unless they are asked by a constituent. Braille Literacy Week will take place from January 3 through 9, 1993 if these resolutions are approved. AFFILIATE NEWS ROUNDUP The Georgia Council of the Blind's State Convention will be held August 20-23 at the Desoto Hilton in historic Savannah, Georgia. Pat Price will be the keynote speaker. Call Jim Sparks, (404) 436-3765 for more information. HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP FOR SALE: Mboss 1 braille printer in mint condition, only used a few times, $3,000 or best offer, buyer pays shipping. Also, Yamaha F5300 two-keyboard spinet organ, also in mint condition, one-octave bass pedals, professional rhythm unit, many selections of sounds available. $5,000 or best offer. Write in braille, tape or print to Karen and Rea Fetzer, P.O. Box 21, West Sacramento, CA 95691. For sale: 14-Inch Vantage CCTV system, practically new, with manual, $1,700. Tel. (301) 656-6541. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Organizations affiliated with ACB as well as corporations and foundations have made contributions in support of the American Council of the Blind. Therefore, ACB would like to thank the following organizations for their support during 1991. Florida Council of the Blind; California Council of the Blind; South Central Association of the Visually Impaired, IN; Washington Council of the Blind; Nevada Council of the Blind; Arizona Council of the Blind; Tennessee Council of the Blind; ACB of Columbus, Ohio; Visually Impaired Data Processors, International; Washington Council of the Blind; ACB of Minnesota; Kansas Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired; Missouri Council of the Blind; Mountain State Council of the Blind; Pennsylvania Council of the Blind; D.C. Association of Workers for the Blind; Vermont Council of the Blind; Iowa Council of the United Blind; North Dakota Association of the Blind; Oregon Council of the Blind; Friends in Art of ACB; Des Moines Chapter of the Iowa Council of the United Blind; Central Maryland Council of the Blind; ACB of Colorado; ACB of Nebraska; E-Z Reader, Inc.; Wayne Foster Entertainment Productions; Lake Elsinore Lions Club, CA; The Heart Foods Company; Dow Jones and Company; Nynex Corporations; Southwestern Bell Telephone; Alabama Council of the Blind; Region 10 Community Support Services; Blinded Veterans Association; Paracom, Incorporated; Lewis Vending; Albuquerque Self Storage, Inc.; Nokomis Venice Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind; Cambria County Association of the Blind, PA; Compton Council of the Blind; Bill R. Fulp Co., Inc.; Lighthouse for the Blind, Palm Beach, Inc.; Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Louisiana; Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc.; Price- Waterhouse; Kent Lions Club, OH; Industry Council for Tangible Assets; St. Joseph School; Chillum Lions Club, MD; Medescort International, Inc., National Captioning Institute; AA&T Enterprises, Inc. In addition, ACB would like to thank the following individual donors: Mildred Stokes, DE; Joyce Grewe, MI; Celeste L. Lopes, NY; Herman Peter, NY; Helen Broeren, WI. CORRECTIONS The zip code and telephone number for the Braille Bible Foundation was incorrectly listed in "Here and There," September/October 1991. The correct address and telephone is: Braille Bible Foundation, P.O. Box 948307, Maitland, FL 32794-8307. Tel. (407) 834-3628. In "Here and There" September/October 1991, we incorrectly listed the time which ACB Member Laura Oftedahl required to complete a tandem cycling race. The actual time was three hours six minutes for the 100 kilometer race. Had Oftedahl actually completed the competition in the amount of time we originally listed, she would have been traveling several hundred miles an hour. You can understand why we had to--uh--backpedal on this one. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT LEROY SAUNDERS P.O. BOX 24020 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73124 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT PAUL EDWARDS 170 N.E. 123rd STREET NORTH MIAMI, FL 33161 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES HODGE 1131 S. FOREST DRIVE ARLINGTON, VA 22204 SECRETARY PATRICIA PRICE 5707 BROCKTON DR. #302 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46220-5443 TREASURER BRIAN CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVENUE WATERTOWN, MA 02172 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ELIZABETH M. LENNON