THE Braille Forum Vol. XXIX September/October 1990 No. 2 Published By The American Council of the Blind PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY Oral O. Miller, J.D., National Representative Nolan Crabb, Editor 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 cassette tape, and IBM 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, 8 p.m. to midnight eastern time Monday through Friday. Copyright 1990 The American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: Shaping Strategies for Tomorrow, By LeRoy F. Saunders The Americans With Disabilities Act--Now the Law of the Land, By Oral O. Miller, National Representative Legal Access: Beyond ADA: Which Way?, by Charles D. Goldman, Esq. Convention Round-up, By Nolan Crabb News Briefs From the ACB National Office, By Oral O. Miller, National Representative Summary of Resolutions, 1990 The Death and Resurrection of Dialogue?, By Nolan Crabb Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report, by Jean Mann, Committee Chairperson ACB Election Results, 1990 Recording for the Blind and Computerized Books Pledge Cooperation ACB Awards Announced One Wrong Note, by Walt Stromer A Convention Coordinator says "Thank you", by Robert J. Acosta She Blazed a Trail at IRS, by Juliet Bindt Esterly Special Interest Affiliate Broadens Horizons, Changes Name, by Charles Hodge, ACB Second Vice President Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon High Tech Swap Shop PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE SHAPING STRATEGIES FOR TOMORROW By LeRoy F. Saunders Since our convention and the last publication of the Braille Forum, I have received many calls and letters from people in reference to my President's Message. I had no idea there would be so many people who evidently are concerned about the same issues and problems which have troubled me for quite some time. I am very pleased and flattered to have had this much response. Now it is up to me to establish the format for ACB to become more involved in finding solutions to these problems. I hope we can obtain the necessary resources to accomplish our goals. A key factor in our progress is ongoing dialogue with the presidents of our state and special-interest affiliates. To that end, I've scheduled a meeting with our affiliate presidents in Oklahoma City prior to the ACB board meeting in October. Since many of the problems we want to solve must be solved on a local and state level, I'm convinced that meetings with the affiliate presidents can enhance ACB's ability to most effectively target our resources, find the solutions, and meet the goals of greater independence and more dignity for all of us. As The Braille Forum goes to press, I'm pleased with the response I've received from the presidents planning to attend this meeting. I expect more will be informing me of their plans to participate once they receive authorization from their various boards of directors. I'm currently formulating our agenda, determining who will be involved and the nature of their presentations. Rest assured, however, that this meeting will emphasize two-way communication. It will not be a meeting in which those who attend merely sit and receive information. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the various members of the American Council of the Blind who served on committees and worked so diligently at our convention. Without the help of our members, volunteers, and staff, we would not have been able to provide the rich variety of activities and great programs that we enjoyed at our convention. John Horst has agreed to chair the National Convention Committee and Patricia Beattie has agreed to serve as vice chair. They have already started making arrangements for the upcoming convention in Tampa next July. I am in the process of appointing a few people to our committees, but I do not expect to make major changes in most of them. If you have a recommendation of a person who might serve on a committee, or if you wish to serve, please let me know as soon as possible. I hope to have the majority of these committees appointed by our January ACB board meeting. Since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, things have been relatively quiet in Washington where disability legislation is concerned. However, I'm sure things will accelerate in coming weeks and that ACB will be extremely busy. In the near future, we will be involved in providing input to the various agencies responsible for establishing the regulations to implement the ADA. The implementation process could take time, but I can assure you that ACB will be well represented and will assist any way we can. We will do whatever is necessary on our part to expedite the regulation-writing process so that the law will be effective in a timely manner. THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT--NOW THE LAW OF THE LAND By Oral O. Miller, National Representative Eureka! Alleluia! The Americans With Disabilities Act is now the law of the land! It was signed into law by President George Bush on Thursday morning, July 26, 1990, on the south lawn of the White House as approximately 3,000 invited guests looked on and cheered mightily as the president set pen to paper on that historic occasion. I was seated with several ACB members who work in the White House complex, and within 50 feet of us were at least 10 other ACB members including Braille Forum Editor Nolan Crabb, Board of Publications Member Deborah Kendrick, "ACB Reports" producer Laura Oftedahl, and ACB Board Members Charles Hodge, Michael Byington, and Durward K. McDaniel. The United States Marine Band, "The President's Own," serenaded the crowd before and after the signing, which was observed also by Vice President Dan Quayle and many Congressional leaders. During his lengthy remarks preceding the signing of the law, President Bush said, in part, "This is, indeed, an incredible day, especially for the thousands of people across the nation who have given so much of their time, their vision, and their courage to see this act become a reality. ... Everywhere I look, I see people who have dedicated themselves to making sure that this day would come to pass. ... To all of you, I just want to say your triumph is that your bill will now be law, and that this day belongs to you. ... "Three weeks ago, we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today, we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another "Independence Day," one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom. As I look around at all these joyous faces, I remember clearly how many years of dedicated commitment have gone into making this historic new civil rights act a reality. It's been the work of a true coalition, a strong and inspiring coalition of people who have shared both a dream and a passionate determination to make that dream come true. ... "This historic act is the world's first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. ... Its passage has made the United States the international leader on this human rights issue. Already, leaders of several other countries, including Sweden, Japan, the Soviet Union, and all 12 members of the EEC have announced that they hope to enact now similar legislation. ... Today's legislation brings us closer to that day when no Americans will ever again be deprived of their basic guarantee of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard-- independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream. ... "First, the ADA ensures that employers covered by the act cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Second, the ADA ensures access to public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and offices. And third, the ADA ensures expanded access to transportation services. And fourth, the ADA ensures equivalent telephone services for people with speech or hearing impediments. ... I also want to say a special word to our friends in the business community. You have in your hands the key to the success of this act, for you can unlock a splendid resource of untapped human potential that, when freed, will enrich us all. I know there have been concerns that the ADA may be vague or costly, or may lead endlessly to litigation, but I want to reassure you right now that my administration and the United States Congress have carefully crafted this act. We've all been determined to ensure that it gives flexibility, particularly in terms of the timetable of implementation; and we've been committed to containing the costs that may be incurred. ... "Last year we celebrated a victory of international freedom. Even the strongest person couldn't scale the Berlin Wall to gain the elusive promise of independence that lay just beyond, and so together we rejoiced when that barrier fell. And now I sign legislation which takes a sledge hammer to another wall, one which has, for too many generations, separated Americans with disabilities from the freedom they could glimpse but not grasp. "Once again we rejoice as this barrier falls, proclaiming together we will not accept, we will not excuse, we will not tolerate discrimination in America. ... And on your behalf, as well as the behalf of this entire country, I now lift my pen to sign this, the Americans With Disabilities Act and say, let the shameful wall of exclusion come tumbling down. God bless you all." The signing, which took place in the morning of a very hot and sunny day, was followed by a victory celebration and picnic on the Ellipse south of the White House. During lunch and throughout the afternoon, the thousands who were present heard short speeches by dozens of Congressional leaders and advocates who had worked for passage of the ADA. The day concluded with a massive and crowded Capitol Hill reception honoring congressional leaders, administration officials, and consumer advocates who had worked for passage of the ADA. Many of the remarks made by the speakers emphasized the importance of taking part in drafting regulations that will implement the ADA. Inkprint copies of the remarks of President Bush may be obtained from the ACB National Office. Inkprint and volunteer-recorded copies of the ADA, Public Law 101-336, may be obtained from the National Office as well. (See "Here and There" in this issue for information concerning the availability of professionally produced copies of the ADA in braille, large print, cassette, and flexible disc editions from the American Printing House for the Blind.) CONVENTION ROUND-UP By Nolan Crabb Those doomsayers who assured leaders of the American Council of the Blind that no one would attend an historic Sunday night session of the 29th Annual National Convention were soundly proven wrong when the history-making session was gaveled to order by President LeRoy Saunders. From that opening gavel on July 1, 1990 to the motion to adjourn, the ACB convention in Denver offered unprecedented opportunities for ACB members to gain new ideas, enhance their knowledge of a host of programs and organizations, and do the kind of networking essential to personal progress. Dr. Robert R. Davila, assistant secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, in Washington, D.C., keynoted the convention. Davila said ACB plays a valuable part in helping to improve services to blind Americans. "No matter how extensive a commitment governments make to providing assistance to persons with disabilities," he said, "there will always be a need for the work done by organizations like your own." He said ACB helps service providers work on the premise that blind and partially sighted people have potential rather than limitations. Following Davila's remarks, Membership Committee Chairman Durward K. McDaniel presented new membership certificates to The American Council of the Blind Social Service Providers and the Washington Council of the Blind which now includes members of The United Blind of Washington State. (See "United Blind of Washington State and Washington Council of the Blind Unite into Single Organization," THE BRAILLE FORUM, March/April 1990). Upon completion of the roll call of states, President Saunders gave his report to the convention. (See President's Message: Let's Take The Initiative Now," THE BRAILLE FORUM, July/August 1990). Complete printed copies of President Saunders's remarks are available free upon request from the ACB National Office. Rep. Patricia Schroeder, D-Colo., opened the July 2 session of the convention. She assured her audience that while the ADA was not yet law, it would be before the next ACB convention. Schroeder called for enhanced health care and family legislation and reductions in defense spending. She encouraged ACB members to become more politically involved. "Don't let them just call you in to consult with you about what they should do with the Disabled," she said. "You say, 'let me tell you, we want to also talk about other parts of the budget, too' because there's a lot of good brain power in here and probably more common sense than there is in Washington any day of the week." Talking Book Narrator Robert Askey followed Schroeder at the podium. He explained the process involved in the production of recorded books and magazines. Askey said in 1987, he initiated "The Bob Askey Newsletter," a 90- minute cassette designed to keep Askey fans informed of material he's reading and other pertinent events. In a question and answer session after his address, Askey talked about the amount of work involved in narrating a recorded book. "For a 40 hour week," he said, "I suppose I put down about 20 hours of tape. In other words, it's about two hours of reading for one hour of tape. Sometimes it's a lot easier than that; if I'm reading a novel or an old Louis L'Amour western, those are fun and they just go on and on because there aren't any big, hard words. As far as my voice's durability goes, I guess I've got callouses on my vocal chords." Askey expressed his love for his job, saying he has been a reader "since the earth cooled." Ritchie Geisel, executive director of Recording for the Blind in Princeton, N.J., encouraged ACB members to take advantage of RFB's services. He said services are available to non-students as well as students. "RFB depends almost entirely on the work of 4,000 volunteers," Geisel said. "Our volunteers record about 3,000 new books every year." Geisel said RFB would eventually offer its catalogue on computer disks. Future plans also include recording professional journals. Geisel wasn't the only convention speaker with the future on his mind. Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, said he is considering ways of enhancing the efficiency of library services. He said one way to improve services might be consolidation of braille materials and talking book players for easier distribution. "You know if you're a braille user that there are significant problems both in timeliness and in other matters related to the delivery of the service," Cylke said. "I know, and you might not know, that it is an extraordinarily expensive operation. We thought it really should be irrelevant to the user where the braille came from as long as it got into your hands within a reasonable period of time after you had indicated an interest in receiving it. If we can demonstrate that we can do this from a central location, or two central locations, hopefully we will be able to provide a better service." Roderick Macdonald, president of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind, was the final speaker of the Monday, July 2 session. He said while deaf-blind people have much in common with ACB members, they have their share of unique circumstances. He cautioned ACB members who want to further involve deaf-blind people in local affiliates to look beyond braille as a mode of communication. "You can't just assume that because the other person happens to be blind that braille and braille notes will be the answer to the problem," he said. Julia Strong, director of social services for AIDS Atlanta, a community-based organization which assists people infected with AIDS, was the first speaker of the July 3rd session. She encouraged her audience to educate themselves and others regarding AIDS. She described the symptoms AIDS patients experience and said people infected with the AIDS virus must choose between saving their vision or prolonging their life. She said because of conflicts with the various medications used, AIDS patients must make the choice. "You can have one or the other, but you can't have them both," she said. "You have to choose between prolonging your life or losing your sight, and that's a real tough decision to make." She said since people infected with AIDS are living longer, those who lose their sight may ultimately need more than independent living skills. Following Strong's remarks, conventioneers gained some insight into Colorado history from a local historian and heard about the opportunities that await them in Tampa from staff members of the hotels where the ACB's 30th annual convention will meet. Roger Neppl, director of the United States Association for Blind Athletes, who followed the Tampa presentation, told convention attendees that disabled sports is "a real growth industry." He said the USABA participates in 11 sports currently and wants to involve more blind people than ever in adult and youth athletics. He said his organization is experimenting with new sports for blind and partially sighted people. Neppl said he ultimately plans to involve people from 6 years old and up in various types of competition. Athletes and couch potatoes alike were interested in remarks on descriptive video delivered by Laurie Everett, director, Descriptive Video Services, WGBH-TV, Boston. Everett called DVS "a small miracle." "I met with you two years ago in Little Rock and told you we were going to try to make DVS a reality," Everett said. "We wanted to create a national, permanent, free service that would make television programs accessible to visually impaired audiences. We tested it in 10 cities; you told us it was a good idea; you made DVS your issue. ... " Everett said she hopes for a day when descriptive video will be as prevalent as closed captioning currently is for deaf viewers. She encouraged ACB members to contact their representatives in Congress to encourage ongoing support of DVS. James C. Benfield, executive director of the Washington, D.C.- based Coin Coalition, was the final speaker for the July 3rd session. He presented some advantages of having a dollar coin. He promised ACB members that any dollar coin his coalition seeks to implement will be easily recognizable by blind people. "I'll continue to look to Oral Miller and other members of your organization for input," he said, "because if this gets to the mint, we want to make damn sure this coin has good surface features and also make sure that it has an edge that can be easily discriminated." The July 4th session opened with a brief video presentation which aired on CBS TV's "Rescue 911." It featured ACB Member Felix Bannon of California who helped rescue his neighbors from a burning apartment building. Gil Johnson, director of the Illinois Bureau of Services for the Blind, representing the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, was the first speaker of the July 4th session. He explained the mission and talked about the various activities of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. "This is the first year that we've attempted to be on the program and give a report as I am now," Johnson said. "We want to strengthen that; we believe that state agencies and consumer organizations must strengthen their relationships and join together where we can on issues of common concern." He said in addition to working more closely with consumer organizations, the council is taking a more active part in legislative matters in such areas as employment and literacy. Following Johnson's remarks, conventioneers heard from a computer and technology panel moderated by ACB Board Member Patricia M. Beattie. Bill West, coordinator of Colorado's Assistive Technology System Project, was the first panelist to speak. He encouraged his audience to become more familiar with the various technology assistance programs in their states. "Technology is out there," West said. "It's going to continue to develop; it's not going to go away, and you have the choice to either be involved or be left behind. Plug yourselves in and do assistive tech." Jim Flemming, president of the Visually Impaired Data Processors International, an ACB special-interest affiliate, spoke on Public Law 99-506 Section 508 which, among other things, requires that federal agencies accommodate blind and visually impaired computer users. "The answer to 'are the feds allowed to buy Graphical User Interface computers' is short, sweet, and to the point--yes," he said. "But that's not the point; the point is, do you have access to the same data that the GUI interface does, which is exactly what Section 508 deals with." He said while many criticize the bureaucracy, the current federal procurement policies have actually assisted blind and otherwise disabled computer users where access is concerned. "Whether you get data through a GUI environment or use an alternative method ... the government is working to make sure that you have access," Flemming said. Dr. Greg C. Vanderheiden, director of the Trace Research and Development Center at the University of Wisconsin, was the concluding speaker for the panel. He briefly described what a Graphical User Interface is and how it works. He said while ACB members should be aware of events in the Graphical User Interface world, they need not feel hopeless. "Nothing, absolutely nothing, is advancing as fast as computers and information technologies," he said. "Every four years, the power of computers goes up by a factor of 10, and every five years, the cost is one-tenth per computing power. "If you want to compare this to cars, let's say in 1965 you could get a $10,000 Cadillac that would go 120 miles an hour," he said. "If cars advanced as computers have today, you would have your choice of either a $10,000 Cadillac that went the speed of light or a Cadillac that goes 120 miles an hour and costs 10 cents." He said progress is being made that will eventually allow blind users increasing access to graphical interfaces. Following the technology panel, ACB National Representative Oral O. Miller presented ACB Life Memberships. Memberships were given to ACB Second Vice President Charles Hodge, ACB Board Member Durward K. McDaniel and his wife Eileen McDaniel, Illinois Council Member James H. Veale, Myrtle Echols and Billie P. Elder, both of Little Rock, Ark., Washington Council of the Blind Member Frank Cuta, and William Standage of Sacramento, Calif. Dr. William Graves, director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, wrapped up the July 4th session with descriptions of the research projects currently funded by NIDRR. He mentioned a variety of projects ranging from research among blind Hopi Indians in Arizona to projects that would provide better access to graphical computer data. He assured his audience that information about NIDRR projects would be more easily available. "NIDRR has a Congressional mandate to disseminate knowledge and informational materials that we collect and produce," Graves said. "Through the information dissemination process, NIDRR can assist in empowering blind and visually impaired people and their families by making knowledge and information ... accessible so that they can make informed choices. That is what NIDRR will do under my leadership. Dissemination will become the bridge between research and empowerment." The July 5th session opened with reports from various committees and a panel discussion on services to the blind. Dr. Tuck Tinsley, president of the American Printing House for the Blind, was the first panelist speaker. He said some of his goals as president of APH include reducing braille costs and back orders. He said the day of "braille on demand" is rapidly approaching. Kenneth Schmidt, director of field services for Colorado's rehabilitation services, recalled the various changes that have occurred in rehabilitation over the past 30 years. He said while technology has revolutionized rehabilitation, the future will still have its share of reliance on tried and true methods. "We can have the technology," he said, "we can all become learned on computers, but we still have to learn how to add two and two; we need to learn how to use braille; when you're sitting in a phone booth and you need to write a number down, you still have to have a slate and stylus to handle tasks like that." Bill Peterson, director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind, was the third presenter. He called for increased funding for services to elderly blind people when the Rehabilitation Act is reauthorized next year. He encouraged ACB members to find innovative ways to be involved with rehabilitation services in their states. ACB National Representative Oral O. Miller opened the July 6th session with his report to the membership. He listed the various legislative activities in which the National Office was engaged during the past year, ACB's continuing work with the National Accreditation Council, the National Office's new address, and the personnel changes within ACB. ACB Treasurer Brian Charlson reported to the convention that ACB's revenues had increased during the previous year, and ACB continues to retire its debt. The ACB banquet was held on July 6. This year's featured speaker was former California Congressman Tony Coelho. In introducing Coelho, ACB Board Member Robert J. Acosta called him "the architect of the Americans With Disabilities Act." Coelho said those who would exclude disabled Americans from full participation in society force the nation to shoulder an expensive economic burden. "Dependency increases the cost of entitlements," he said, "lowers our gross national product, and reduces revenue to the federal government. While the charity model once represented a step forward in the treatment of persons with disabilities, in today's society, it does all of us, each and every one of us, a great disservice. It is time to stop the excuses and strip off the veneer of good intentions." An epileptic, Coelho talked about his experiences with job discrimination and family rejection. "When I called my father to wish him a happy Father's Day," Coelho reminisced, "I was told 'no son of mine has epilepsy.' Little did I know at that time that with a lot of Latins, and particularly my particular heritage, that if you have epilepsy, it means that you are possessed with a devil. I had a hard time accepting that my family thought I was possessed. A lot of my Republican friends know I am. "That was 25 years ago, " he said. "To this day, my family still has not accepted it. Before they die, I'm committed to get them to change." Coelho said he began drinking heavily and became suicidal shortly after his epilepsy was diagnosed. His life turned around, he said, when a priest introduced him to Comedian Bob Hope, who introduced him to politics. He said his disability has strengthened him, and he encouraged banquet attendees to leave the convention with "a re- invigorated spirit with which to wage our battle for equal opportunity to the American dream." The final session of the convention was filled with lively debates, close votes, and all the electric excitement associated with a great convention. CAPTIONS ACB President LeRoy F. Saunders reports on his first year in office and outlines strategies for the coming year.--Lisa Griffin for The Braille Forum Robert R. Davila, assistant secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, expresses appreciation for ACB and other consumer groups in his speech during the opening session of ACB's 29th Annual National Convention in Denver.--Lisa Griffin for The Braille Forum Rep. Patricia Schroeder, D-Colo., welcomes conventioneers to ACB's 29th Annual National Convention in Denver.--Lisa Griffin for The Braille Forum LEGAL ACCESS BEYOND ADA: WHICH WAY? By Charles D. Goldman, Esq. Reprinted with permission from "Horizons" September, 1990. I must confess a certain sense of awe in being part of the throng that saw President Bush sign the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, Public Law 101-336, 42 U.S.C. Section 12101 Note. After all, it is history. It is law being made. President Bush in his remarks just prior to signing the ADA into law urged the business community to consider persons with disabilities as a resource of people who want the opportunity to work, a most positive, constructive message. The ADA signing was a commencement, in the finest sense of the word--a new day. Civil rights for qualified individuals with disabilities are now guaranteed, not to be meted out as eleemosynary gestures. It was a day of empowerment of 43 million people. The ceremony, picnic, handshakes, and hugs afterward had all the best attributes of a large graduation, wedding, confirmation, bar mitzvah, class reunion, and Beach Boys Fourth of July party rolled into one. It was, as my southern friends say, a real "do." However, now comes the next important part: Implementation (not enforcement). Over the next calendar year, many new regulations must be proposed and finalized to implement the non-discrimination provisions related to employment, state and local government services, accessibility guidelines, as well as public accommodations (including transportation). However, precedent in the regulatory process is present. ADA is modeled on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act, especially Section 504. The wisdom of ADA is that few terms are really new. ADA uses definitions, such as of reasonable accommodation, disability, employer, employee, public accommodation, and qualified individual with a disability, for which there is history of usages in these other acts. This will greatly enhance the opportunity for reasonable regulations to be timely written by the federal government and for covered entities and persons with disabilities to voluntarily comply with the law. These most positive prospects must be taken in the context of some looming dark clouds. The current euphoria over ADA was scarcely over when Congress began serious consideration of the Civil Rights Act of 1990. That legislation, while aimed at reversing certain recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court relating to how you prove discrimination, is also related to ADA. It would amend ADA to provide greater damages for violations of the non-discrimination mandate. As Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, grappled with the legislation, negotiations were ongoing with the Bush administration so that the publicly threatened presidential veto would not occur. Readers should be most mindful that the Civil Rights Act of 1990, if adopted, will significantly enhance the sanctions available to redress discrimination under ADA. The other persistent theme these days is how large the deficit is. Let's put it another way; we, as a country, are broke. There will have to be pragmatic cuts and a tax increase to even begin to get out from under the burden. This is without figuring in the cost of the savings and loan crisis. The disability issues cannot be segregated out from the overall financial situation. Resources for implementation of the ADA are absolutely essential if we are to avoid a rerun of the sad history of non-implementation of the rehabilitation act that ensued from 1973 to 1977, when regulations were not issued for four years. In a nutshell, it is time to keep ADA the focal point and see what programs really do serve people with disabilities most effectively. Signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act changed the picture dramatically by providing persons with disabilities the opportunity for equality. However, if we are unable to fund the implementation of ADA or get embroiled in protracted confrontation over the Civil Rights Act of 1990, the positive impetus from the signing of ADA could be eviscerated. The question to be answered over the next few months is which way do we go--forward with implementation of ADA or will the dark clouds envelope us in confrontations over the Civil Rights Act of 1990 and the budget, raining on our ADA parade-like feeling? A note, more appropriately, the boo of the year for insensitivity goes to whomever in the White House decided that Ralph Neas of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and Chai Feldblum of the American Civil Liberties Union could not attend the ADA signing ceremony. Ralph Neas and Chai Feldblum were integral leaders and members of the ADA team, who deserved to attend as much as anyone who did get there. Someone in the White House blew it and should apologize to those two "points of light." It would make a kinder, gentler nation. NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ACB NATIONAL OFFICE by Oral O. Miller, National Representative Much time was necessarily spent following the 1990 ACB National Convention in preparing to move, moving, and then settling the ACB National Office into its new quarters. The move was completed on July 28, 1990, and the re-settling process is still in progress to some extent. The floor plan of the new office was designed to our specifications, so we are able to make more efficient use of our new space. I want to commend the members of the national staff for the fine job they have done in relocating the office. The implementing regulations that were issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Air Carriers Access Act and the regulations that were issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in March 1990 are, generally speaking, scheduled to go into effect in October 1990. Since it has long been the position of the American Council of the Blind that many difficulties encountered by air travelers could be eliminated through much better training of air carrier personnel, we were very pleased during mid-summer to assist the Air Transport Association in an air carriers personnel training seminar. Since personnel training necessarily involves instructing key personnel who, in turn, will train other personnel, there is no way to guarantee that everyone in the system will receive adequate training. However, we commend the carriers who took part in the seminar for their joint efforts. We do not believe the air carriers have previously cooperated to such an extent in training their personnel. Advisory committee meetings are often dull, as well as frustrating, because the committee members frequently get the impression that their input receives only lip service. However, such feelings were not present during my attendance at the meeting of the advisory committee regarding the vision specialist graduate level course designed and conducted by the Mississippi State University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness. The course, which was given for the first time in the spring of this year, was designed to update or fill gaps in the education of rehabilitation professionals. The 12 semester hour class consisted of three principal sections plus a practicum. Some of the subjects included in the course were: Structure and function of the eye (including common visual impairments), vision services (including organizations of and for the blind), rehabilitation issues relating to job training and job placement, rehabilitation teaching (communications, daily living, etc.), orientation and mobility, special populations (deaf-blind and elderly blind, family services, blindness resulting from AIDS, etc.), benefits and entitlement programs (Social Security, Social Security Disability, and others), and sensory aids technology. At the conclusion of the meeting we felt that our suggestions would be taken into consideration the next time the course was given. In recent weeks, we've spent much time working toward final passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. (See "The Americans With Disabilities Act--Now the Law of the Land" and "Legal Access: Beyond ADA: Which Way?" this issue). Immediately after the signing, a few federal agencies requested preliminary comments for possible guidance in issuing regulations to implement the ADA. Since it is going to be extremely important for consumers to be informed about the ADA in order to provide meaningful input to the regulation-making process, I recommend that you become familiar with the ADA as soon as possible. (See "Here and There" and "The Americans With Disabilities Act--Now the Law of the Land" this issue). Within the next few weeks, the 1990 Combined Federal Campaign will begin throughout the federal government. This is the only campaign during which all government employees are given an opportunity to designate the names of charities to which they wish to make donations through payroll deductions. I appeal to all government employees to designate their contributions to the American Council of the Blind, whose identification number in this year's campaign is 0222. I also appeal to non-federal workers to write in the name of the American Council of the Blind in Washington, D.c., when they are asked to contribute through their United Way or United Givers Fund campaign. Such support is essential to enable the American Council of the Blind to publish a magazine such as The Braille Forum, produce an outstanding radio program like ACB Reports, give thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance to deserving blind students every year, provide input to government officials at all levels on issues of importance to blind people, provide legal assistance concerning blindness-related issues and provide toll-free telephone information on most blindness issues--among many other services. In the near future, you will receive ACB's annual mail appeal for financial assistance. We do not ask each of you to make a large donation, but it is extremely important for everyone to give something if at all possible. SUMMARY OF RESOLUTIONS, 1990 The 1990 ACB Convention Resolutions Committee presented 21 resolutions during the 29th annual convention in Denver. A brief summary of the resolutions follows. For the complete text, please contact the National Office. 90-01: States that ACB opposes the commercialization of highway rest areas proposed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials because of its adverse effects on the expansion and protection of job opportunities for blind vendors. The resolution calls on ACB members to communicate their opposition to Congress and to enlist the support of other agencies in helping to advance and protect job opportunities for blind vendors in the state highway system. The resolution passed. 90-02: Urges ACB members to seek Congressional support for a $60 million appropriation to strengthen the Randolph-Sheppard Vending program. Congress had earlier authorized the strengthening of the program, but has not appropriated additional money for that purpose. The resolution seeks to enlist the support of other agencies in achieving this goal. The resolution passed. 90-03: Urges national, state, and local regulatory or standard- setting bodies to adopt standards for the design of detectable directional surfaces. The resolution also urges federal and state transportation agencies to require transit facilities to place detectable directional surfaces behind detectable warning surfaces in alignment with all transit vehicle doors where practical. The resolution passed. 90-04: States that ACB opposes co-mingling of funds originally allocated to rehabilitation programs since such co-mingling is detrimental to blind and visually impaired persons. The resolution urges ACB leaders to communicate with committee leaders and Congress to prevent co-mingling of program funds. The resolution passed. 90-05: States that ACB must take whatever steps are necessary, including legal action, to force national testing centers to provide achievement and other educational qualification tests in braille, large print, and cassette tape. The resolution passed. 90-06: Endorses the concept of a National Commission on the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind which would assess current programs for the blind and recommend other programs which more adequately meet the needs of the blind. The resolution passed. 90-07: Urges ACB leaders to meet with computer industry officials to heighten the industry's awareness concerning the needs of blind computer users regarding designs and interfaces used in hardware and software products. The resolution further urges ACB leaders to do whatever is necessary to ensure proper compliance with Public Law 99- 506 Section 508 which deals with federal procurement of computer devices and electronic equipment. The resolution calls for the submission of a report to the 1991 convention detailing ACB's progress in the above-mentioned areas and establishing legislative and educational strategies for the future. The resolution passed. 90-08: States that ACB leaders must seek through statutory or regulatory measures requirements that will assure full access to telephone networks and services by blind and visually impaired persons. It also calls for a report to be submitted to the 1991 convention detailing ACB's progress in this area. The resolution passed. 90-09: Supports the publication and dissemination of information regarding talking sign technologies. It further calls upon ACB leaders to ensure that regulations under the Americans With Disabilities Act will specifically encompass the use of this technology. It also calls for the submission of a report to the 1991 convention. The resolution passed. 90-10: States that ACB opposes any policy or action on the part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped which results in the use of different procedures, standards or treatment for persons infected with the AIDS Virus. The resolution calls upon ACB leaders to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that such discriminatory practices are discontinued. This resolution stems in part from a statement made to ACB's Library Users of America by Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, that NLS permits libraries to destroy materials and equipment which have been sent to persons with AIDS. The resolution passed. 90-11: Supports the development of a North American Central Listing System for materials produced in braille, large print, and in other formats accessible to blind and partially sighted readers. The resolution specifically mentions the Coalition for Information Access for Print Handicapped Readers. (See "They're Searching Today So You Can Search Tomorrow," The Braille Forum, March-April, 1990.) The resolution passed. 90-12: Urges ACB to request the United States Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations defining accessibility in public transit for blind and visually impaired persons. Accessibility should include audible announcements on buses, trains and other public transit notifying passengers of disembarkation details. Access also includes audible announcements about the identity and destination of approaching transit vehicles, and accessible signage on and in transit vehicles as well as schedule information provided in an accessible media. The resolution calls for visual and tactile warnings in hazardous areas in and around transit facilities and adequate identification of the location of bus stops and transit platforms. The resolution passed. 90-13: States that ACB should urge state rehabilitation agencies and others to require that at least one-third of the membership of any private agency for the blind which is certified for receiving rehabilitation act funds be composed of blind persons representing consumer organizations. The resolution passed. 90-14: Encourages ACB's board and staff, in conjunction with Guide Dog Users, Inc., ACB's special-interest affiliate, to seek passage of national legislation or adoption of regulations which would assure that properly vaccinated and tested guide dogs be permitted to travel with their owners to and from Hawaii without being subject to the state's 120-day quarantine. The resolution also encourages financial support for possible litigation. Such support would come from other interested organizations, the ACB national organization and its affiliates. The resolution passed. 90-15: Charges the Board of Directors with the responsibility of developing an internship program designed to meet the needs of students and the needs of ACB's staff. The program would be implemented when funds are available. The resolution passed. 90-16: Endorses the development and implementation of a disability tax credit modeled on the Earned Income tax Credit currently available. The resolution passed. 90-17: Supports changing funding of services to elderly blind people from the current discretionary method to a formula grant totaling $26 million. The resolution passed. 90-18: Calls for the ACB president and the president of the National Alliance of Blind Students to appoint a joint committee to review discriminatory practices in financial aid programs, reasonable accommodation, and vocational rehabilitation. The resolution calls for reports to be made to the boards of directors of both organizations during the 1991 convention. The resolution passed. 90-19: States that ACB supports the Public Switched Network as a telecommunications system designed to offer electronic communications, transactions, and information retrieval services to all consumers in a manner that would be accessible and affordable to blind consumers. It also states that ACB supports explicit procedures for access to telecommunications proposed by interested groups. The resolution passed. 90-20: Urges ACB affiliate and individual member participation in library conferences at the state level. These conferences are designed to prepare delegates for a White House conference on libraries. Participation by ACB members at such state conferences would ensure that the interests of blind persons are well represented at local, state and federal levels. The resolution encourages members to become delegates at these conferences. The ACB National Office is charged with sending copies of this resolution to state and special-interest affiliates. The resolution passed. 90-21: Seeks to address the shortage of mobility and orientation instructors in the United States. It urges that university training programs, the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, state education and rehabilitation agencies develop pilot projects to train blind and partially sighted mobility instructors. It encourages those agencies to review their certification and employment standards for orientation and mobility professionals and revise those standards which contribute to the shortage of trained orientation and mobility instructors and discriminate against blind and visually impaired people seeking employment as mobility and orientation instructors. The resolution passed. CAPTIONS A Product Unveiled Ramesh Tamby of Toledo, Ohio gets hands-on experience with OsCaR (TM), Telesensory Systems, Inc.'s new computer-based reading device.-- Lisa Griffin for The Braille Forum THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF DIALOGUE? By Nolan Crabb For nearly 30 years, "Dialogue Magazine" has provided its blind and partially sighted readers with unique information and a distinctive outlook on blindness not available in other publications. A new bout of financial problems has caused the suburban Chicago-based magazine to cease publication--at least temporarily. Founder Don Nold's dream of an independent information source for blind readers gave birth to "The Talking Lion," which eventually became "Dialogue." A journalist for much of his life, Nold determined to use his journalism background after he lost his sight. The dream was contagious. Lions clubs and other blind people in the Chicago area soon saw the value of the dream and joined in to make it a reality. The magazine ultimately moved into its own building and recording studios. From that time on, the recorded edition of "Dialogue" gained notoriety for its "sound pictures" and interviews in which the actual voice of the interviewee was used. Throughout its history, "Dialogue" operated often on a shoestring budget. But like the mythical Phoenix, the magazine seemed to rise from the ashes of financial difficulty to carry on. Raising money for a magazine that does not sell advertising and does not have a large readership is extremely difficult. It's hard to measure the value of information given in a magazine to a foundation or other grantor. Foundations want quantitative results--proof that the information is valuable--before they will happily fund a project like "Dialogue." As the nature of giving changed over the past decade, Dialogue Publications, Inc. became more vulnerable than ever. The Summer 1990 issue of "Dialogue" is the last one to be published from the magazine's Berwyn, Ill., headquarters. Whether it will ever be published again remains to be seen, but at least one board member is hopeful. Bill Wetendorf joined Don Nold in pursuit of the fulfillment of Nold's dream early on. Wetendorf was there when the magazine's staff was comprised strictly of volunteers; he was there when the magazine acquired its own bungalow; he was there when "Dialogue" began paying its staff; he was there when "Dialogue" moved into its new building and began producing the recorded edition in its own studios; and, Wetendorf was there, as a board member, when the final vote was cast in late summer to close down the magazine and cease publication. "There's still a need for an information service like Dialogue," Wetendorf said in a telephone interview in late September. "I've been associated with it all these years, and I happen to believe in its need more than most other people. I knew so little about what was available to me when I lost my sight; I needed to learn more about how I could re-establish myself. It was quite a change. I soon learned that I wasn't the only person who didn't know what was out there or how to obtain the things I needed. That's what Dialogue did for so many people." Wetendorf said he was deeply saddened at the prospect of Dialogue's closure. He said while many urged the magazine to get involved in "tear-jerking tin cup fund-raising," he and others resisted the idea. "I guess if we'd gone that route, we could have survived, but then there's no meaning in what we would do. Our whole goal was to achieve independence through dignity. Tin cup fund-raising is the very opposite of independence or dignity." Wetendorf refuses to write the magazine off as a part of history. He said the Hadley School for the Blind was contacted to see whether it was interested in assuming the magazine. It was not. ACB Board of Publications Member Carol McCarl is "one of the people we're talking to about possibly taking over the magazine," Wetendorf said. "We've talked about that, yes," McCarl said in a telephone interview, "but I'm not at liberty to say anything else about it. No decision has been made." McCarl said if Dialogue Publications, Inc.'s board of directors drag their feet too long, she would probably lose interest in any takeover. "We may have a decision very soon," Wetendorf said, "or we may wait as long as the end of the year; I just can't say exactly when the decision will be made." Wetendorf said the board is leaning toward a takeover rather than a complete dissolution of the magazine. "We're looking for a person or organization who can carry on with the same basic idea of providing useful information," he said. "Of course, we would hope that whoever assumes control would have the funds to accomplish their goals." Wetendorf stressed that Dialogue Publications is "not for sale." He said it is likely that the Illinois corporation would have to be dissolved and that whatever assets were available could be transferred to the new publisher. "I don't know for sure," he said, "but I don't think we can just easily transfer the corporation from one state to another. Our attorney hasn't given a final ruling." McCarl isn't the only person named as a possible successor to Dialogue Publications, Inc.'s board. Stanley Dorran, publisher of "Newsreel," is also reportedly under consideration. Regardless of who, if anyone, ultimately publishes "Dialogue," chances are the Chicago editorial staff won't be involved. "Of course, no one can say how the magazine will change," Wetendorf said. "The new publisher may keep it closely in line with what we've done, or he or she may make significant changes. For that matter, we've made editorial changes over the years." McCarl said she had "given a lot of thought" to the future of "Dialogue," but she said discussing that future would be very premature. "I figure we've done what we felt we could," Wetendorf said, "and apparently it's just not worked out. My hope would be that someone else would have some notions or ideas to expand it or carry it on and make it financially practical and viable." CONSTITUTION AND Bylaws COMMITTEE REPORT By Jean Mann, Committee Chairperson The Constitution and Bylaws Committee spent many hours this year discussing and revising amendments to be proposed on the floor. Since we came up with 11 of them, a major portion of our Saturday morning session was spent discussing and voting. The debates were a challenging, lively, and sometimes lengthy climax to an exciting convention week. At the final bang of the adjourning gavel, six amendments had passed, three were defeated, and two were sent back to committee. The changes in the constitution and bylaws which passed are as follows: Constitution Article III: Membership, Voting and Dues: D. The amount and manner of payment of all dues shall be set forth in the Bylaws. ARTICLE V: Powers and Duties of the Convention, the Officers, the Board of Directors and Committees: D. The nominating committee shall consist of one (1) person from each affiliate, the method of selection to be determined by each affiliate, provided that: 1. No individual shall serve on the committee on behalf of more than one affiliate and 2. No person who is currently an officer of the American Council of the Blind, or who is actively seeking election to office in the American Council of the Blind, shall serve on this committee unless such person is the only voting member present at the convention from the affiliate he or she is to represent. (The rest of this section remains the same.) Bylaws Bylaw 2: Voting: B. To facilitate the updating of voting membership records, a computer print-out of each affiliate's membership record shall be sent annually to that affiliate. The affiliate shall verify the list and make appropriate additions, deletions, and/or corrections. If there are no deletions, additions or modifications, the fact shall be noted on the print-out. The affiliate shall deposit the updated membership information, accompanied by its annual dues, in the United States mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the National Office, on or before March 15. Compliance with this provision has occurred if supported by evidence satisfactory to the Credentials Committee. An affiliate may amend its voting membership list at any time by adding, deleting, or correcting names and/or addresses, but the number of votes which an affiliate is entitled to cast at a convention shall be computed based on the updated membership information and dues mailed as specified above. If the updated membership information and dues disagree as to the number of the affiliate's voting members, the lower number shall be used. If an affiliate makes no additions, deletions, and/or corrections for three (3) consecutive years, the Board of Directors shall require a complete recertification of the affiliate's voting membership. (The last sentence in this section remains unchanged.) BYLAW 3: Dues: B. Annual dues for affiliate organizations shall be paid on a per capita basis at the rate of three dollars ($3.00) per voting member, provided that: 1. No affiliate organization shall be required to pay annual dues of more than one thousand eight hundred seventy-five dollars ($1,875.00) and 2. Voting members of affiliate organizations who hold life memberships in the American Council of the Blind may be counted in figuring the affiliate's organizational vote, but no annual dues shall be assessed or remitted to the American Council of the Blind for these members. E. All annual dues shall be mailed to the National Office on or before March 15. All annual dues shall cover the calendar year. F. On or before February 1, the Treasurer shall mail to each affiliate and member-at-large written notification of the deadline for mailing dues and required membership lists. CAPTIONS The exhibit hall at ACB's 29th Annual National Convention was the scene of constant activity throughout convention week.--[photo by] Lisa Griffin for The Braille Forum ACB ELECTION RESULTS, 1990 The 1990 elections of the American Council of the Blind Convention in Denver resulted in some new faces joining the Board of Directors. Some incumbents were returned to the board as well. Michael Byington, Topeka, Kan., was re-elected to the Board of Directors. Grant M. Mack, Salt Lake City, Utah, was also re-elected. Dick Seifert, Little Rock, Ark., ran against Charles Rhein of Florida and was re-elected. Steven Speicher, Lincoln, Neb., defeated John Horst, Wilkes-Barre, Penn., to fill one of two positions vacated by board members no longer eligible to seek re-election. John Horst filled the other open position on the Board, defeating James Gibson of Montgomery, Ala., and Mildred Stokes, Wilmington, Del. Elections for the Board of Publications were held on July 7. Carol M. McCarl, Salem, Ore., and Phyllis Stern, Oak Park, Ill., ran unopposed and were re-elected. Dana Walker, Montgomery, Ala., defeated Steve Bauer, Wichita, Kan., and Mary MacDonald, Denver, Colo., to fill the seat vacated by Billie Jean Hill, Arlington, Va., who was not eligible for re-election. RECORDING FOR THE BLIND AND COMPUTERIZED BOOKS PLEDGE COOPERATION Recording for the Blind and Computerized Books for the Blind plan to work more closely together than ever, according to the directors of the two organizations. Speaking to members of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind meeting in Alexandria, Va., George Kerscher, director of Computerized Books for the Blind, said his agency would begin working closely with RFB to provide technological assistance that would allow RFB to produce books quickly using voice synthesis, among other things. RFB's Director Ritchie Geisel confirmed the plan in a telephone interview earlier this year. He said in return for Kerscher's technological assistance, RFB would provide fund-raising help to Kerscher's company and would help spread the word about CBFB to RFB borrowers. Headquartered in Missoula, Mont., Kerscher's company takes publisher's files--the computer files used to produce a book in print-- strips them of their typesetting codes and converts them to a clean text machine-readable file. The books are then divided into introduction, contents, and chapters, just as they appear in print. Geisel said stripping those pesky typesetting codes could prove very beneficial to RFB. "Essentially," he said, "Computerized Books has done a lot of the research and development we need. It may be possible to ultimately produce taped books very quickly. Of course, we'd still need that volunteer to describe the photographs and diagrams." Geisel hopes to help CBFB with a needed economic boost. "In return for the technology," Geisel said, "we hope to target fund-raising opportunities for CBFB." Kerscher said RFB borrowers will benefit from the enhanced cooperation of the two agencies. "People who are RFB borrowers don't need to go through the process of verifying medically that they are eligible," Kerscher explains. "If the borrower needs something in particular that we have, he can order that without waiting to be verified." CBFB charges a $25 registration fee. According to Kerscher, the fee entitles the new member to up to $40 worth of new books. Geisel said RFB will heavily promote CBFB in upcoming newsletters. "We want to make sure our borrowers know about CBFB," he said. "The benefits CBFB can offer professionals and students are many, and those benefits should be well known." ACB AWARDS ANNOUNCED Walt Stromer of Mount Vernon, Iowa, is the 1990 recipient of the Ned Freeman Excellence in Writing Award. Stromer's "The Importance of Eye Contact" (The Braille Forum, July-August 1990) and "One Wrong Note" (this issue) were cited by members of the Board of Publications of the American Council of the Blind as this year's winning entries. A retired professor, Stromer has written a number of articles for a variety of publications. Laurie Everett, director, Descriptive Video Services, WGBH-TV, Boston, received the Vernon Henley Media Award in behalf of the Descriptive Video Services staff. Everett called DVS "a miracle" and thanked ACB members for their ongoing support for the concept and programming. The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award was presented to Harriet Fielding of San Francisco, Calif. Fielding has worked extensively to enhance transit and para-transit options for blind and disabled people in San Francisco. A long-time member of ACB, Fielding has served in a variety of capacities including editor of "The ACBC Digest," the newsletter of the American Council of the Blind of California. The awards were announced during the ACB convention banquet in Denver. Recipients received plaques during the July 6th award ceremony. ONE WRONG NOTE By Walt Stromer (Editor's note: This story is the 1990 Ned Freeman Excellence in Writing award winner). I remember reading a short poem some years ago about the woman who gave a piano recital. She played one wrong note. For years, people talked about that one wrong note and forgot the rest of the concert. Life can be like that. Last week I went to a concert of the Dallas Brass. I enjoyed it immensely, until intermission. A man I've known for years sat down beside me and said, "I've been meaning to ask you something. I was talking to some former students here and they were telling me about the time you fell into a window well in front of Armstrong Hall, in a snowstorm, and couldn't get out, and they helped you get out. Do you remember that?" I laughed uproariously, or at least I tried to chuckle good- naturedly. No, I didn't remember. I do recall falling into that window well one late, warm spring afternoon. I was coming back to my office after lunch. I was half asleep, I think, not using my cane or my senses very well. I turned left into Armstrong Hall, but didn't turn quite far enough. I took a few steps on the grass without that actually registering. My cane hit a cement ridge and I assumed it was the first step up into the building. Instead, it was a low protective ledge around the window well. I fell in, down about four feet. I wasn't hurt. Some cookies for afternoon tea and a paper sack in my left hand got crushed. As I recall, I climbed out by myself. My colleague obviously had heard a more dramatic story. So, during the last half of the concert, I racked my brain trying to remember being lifted out of a window well full of snow. When I gave up on that, I started wondering how many similar parlor stories people told about me when they finished talking about the weather or making jokes about the vice president. Now I'll always think of Dallas Brass as that great concert, until intermission. Luckily, I just had to be reading a book on depression at the same time. The author assured me that depression is a necessary and even desirable part of life. It would be absurd to expect happiness all the time, and without sorrow, joy would lack some sweetness. I'll also remind myself that often I have told stories about others which they would rather have the world forget. Robert Burns wrote: "Would that God the gift would give us, to see ourselves as others see us ... " I suppose he meant to include seeing our faults and blunders and joining others in laughing at them. That poem suddenly seems a little less charming now that it is specifically aimed at me. From now on, I'll remember Dallas Brass, intermission, and Robert Burns, and I will chuckle, or will I? A CONVENTION COORDINATOR SAYS "THANK YOU" By Robert J. Acosta I have just come down to earth after one of the finest conventions ever held by the American Council of the Blind. This was our 29th annual convention which was held in Denver, Colo., during the first week of July 1990. How does one find the words to thank so many wonderful people, who assisted me with the organization of the ACB conventions, for the past three years? The American Council of the Blind of Colorado, under the very capable leadership of Mary MacDonald, deserves great praise from all of us. Mary always carried out any assignment given her. Rick Agman was great in his handling of the door prizes and with his work in the hospitality room. His wife, Ruth, played a major role in obtaining pre-convention entertainment. Cy and Barbara Selfridge were invaluable in their efforts to obtain door prizes and needed volunteers. Sarah Marshall could be seen each day at the volunteer desk of our hotel, getting the job done. I wish to thank the great members of the National Convention Committee for their tireless work. Margarine Beaman of Texas did a truly outstanding job with the recruitment of hundreds of volunteers for our use at the convention as well as on tours. She single-handedly brailled more than 800 rooms, vending machines, and other facilities in both hotels. She is truly one of the great treasures of ACB. Jo Ann Slayton of Iowa modernized our communications network throughout the convention. For the past three years, with the fine help of Ron and Sue Staley, they very capably produced our convention newspaper in both braille and large print. The convention newsline, which provided a 24-hour information service to conventioneers, was one of Jo Ann's greatest achievements. Pat Beattie of Virginia has done a beautiful job in her work with tours. I understand that she has been named to the position of assistant to the coordinator. I know she will do a fine job. Laurinda Steele of Virginia has truly made the convention information desk a vital part of our conventions, and we thank her for her great work. Janiece Petersen of Washington, D.C., was always helpful in her constructive work with tours, hospitality, and entertainment. Because of the fine work of James Olsen, our special interest groups now receive their profit checks in early August each year. Jim will be remembered for his fine work with registration and for his efforts to upgrade the registration form so that our low vision members could make better use of it. I cannot change the direction of this article without first thanking Jim's wife Ann and his daughters Sarah and Martha. For the Olsens, the ACB convention is truly a family affair. John Horst will be a great convention coordinator. He was a great team player and he worked very well under my supervision. I shall always have wonderful memories with regard to my work with our Virginia and Arkansas affiliates. All three of the host affiliates will always have a special place in my heart. Special thanks must be given to the Foundation for the Advancement of the Blind for its major grants totaling thousands of dollars to the national convention. These grants helped provide convention materials in both braille and print. I have been blessed to have the support of the California Council of the Blind throughout my years as a convention coordinator. CCB members never hesitated to put forth money, time or talent for the constant growth of ACB conventions. As you can see, the California Council of the Blind is very proud to be an ACB affiliate. I would be greatly remiss if I failed to recognize the work of our fine staff in California. They worked far in access of the small salaries we paid them. For the past three years, Barbara Parker typed, in manuscript form, the ACB convention program. She did this in order to produce the program in a form best read by our low vision readers. This made it much easier as we sent the program to National Braille Press for their production in a two-volume compact braille set. Harry Parker deserves special praise as well. He does not receive a salary from CCB and has given up his vacations for the past four years to serve our cause. All who came to know him at conventions quickly found out that Harry would never let them down. He will be greatly missed at future conventions in this capacity. Marni Alvino deserves much praise for her work with the children over the past three years. Her work culminated in yet another fine party for the children in Denver. Denise Weddle is not a staff member of the California Council of the Blind. However, she received the high honor of being elected treasurer of CCB. She is more than a hard-working sighted person in the organization. She is truly one of us. Due to the great work of Denise and her excellent team, the American Council of the Blind can boast of having the finest trade show of its kind each year. Exhibitors call us for a booth at our national conventions. Finally, I want to express my thanks to my wife and family. The job of coordinator for a large national convention like ours requires a great deal of time away from regular family life. The coordinator is involved in site selection, attending many state conventions, and receiving many phone calls in the wee hours of the morning as well as late evenings. I could never have taken on this position without the heart-felt, unwaivering support of my wife Ruth Ann. I am proud to say that our work at ACB represents a team effort. There are many things which occur behind the scene of a convention such as reception preparation, arranging convention shuttles, and volunteering on tours at the last minute. I'm very blessed to count on my parents and other wonderful relatives who came to my rescue. When people told me how well organized I was, little did they realize that we accomplished some tasks by the skin of our teeth. Was it all worth it? You bet it was! We are all very proud to be involved in a wonderful, democratic organization like the American Council of the Blind. Most importantly, it has been our great privilege and honor to meet many wonderful people who truly appreciated our work on their behalf. Let us go forward to Tampa and enjoy the finest convention ever held by the American Council of the Blind. SHE BLAZED A TRAIL AT IRS By Juliet Bindt Esterly Kay Skivers--Cathy to her blind friends--knew something was going to happen. There were whispers and comments like: "See you later--oh, I shouldn't have said that!" Nobody explained, and she hesitated to ask. It was February 28, 1990, her last day at work, climaxing 18 years in the Oakland, Calif., office of the Internal Revenue Service. When the IRS announced it would be training blind persons as tax representatives, her rehabilitation counselor suggested she take the five-month training course at Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. Before the California Department of Rehabilitation would pay for this training, a promise of employment had to be secured; it was. She went to Arkansas in 1972, and when she returned home and reported her availability, the supervisor wanted her to start that day, since they were so short handed. In the early days, she used an abacus and slate and stylus. Later, she obtained a VersaBraille which permitted computerized data searches. At first, there was very little material in braille. Kay had to rely on volunteer transcribers. Eventually, huge bookcases of brailled volumes arrived. She researched and read these so well that a taxpayer would never know she was using braille. She also worked at the front desk and knew her forms well enough to identify necessary information and complete each line correctly. Her good humor, patience, and extra mile disposition soon started her up the promotion ladder and resulted in the hiring of about a dozen other visually impaired tax representatives in the Oakland office. Kay had an opportunity to try management, but decided dealing with irate taxpayers was easier than handling some personnel problems. She taught many classes for incoming staff and was often complimented on the clarity of her presentations. One artist, who did flip charts, was heard to say: "Who's the new teacher? Where does she get all those original ideas?" She has also been recognized as handicapped person of the year by the National Treasury Employees Union and as Federal Handicapped Employee of the Bay Area. All these things flashed through her mind as she looked back over the trying and the good years when she had blazed a trail as a totally blind person. Then she found out what had been planned in her honor--a party like no one could ever remember at IRS! Instead of a sit-down luncheon, which only occurred rarely, and which could be attended only by a few, this party lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There was a wonderful buffet which included a big cake and a variety of hot and cold dishes. The staff used their staggered regular breaks to bid Kay farewell. They were thinking about the many incidents when she had been so helpful to them personally and about which they wanted to remind her. Some of her close associates took her for a few drinks after work, enabling admirers from the San Francisco IRS office to pay their respects. After serving as IRS's Equal Opportunity Representative, her last assignment was that of a job steward for the National Treasury Employees Union. Her arbitration skills and sense of fairness were outstanding and brought management and the union much closer than ever before. One of those who expressed appreciation at her retirement party said that for six months, she had been trying to get management to make a certain adjustment for her; when she went to Kay, it was accomplished in a week. Checks and gifts poured in from a variety of sources. The retirement party included the reading of commendatory letters from President George Bush, California Governor George Deukmejian, several Congressmen, Elizabeth Dole, and Charles Hodge, president of ACB's federal employees affiliate. SPECIAL INTEREST AFFILIATE BROADENS HORIZONS, CHANGES NAME By Charles Hodge, ACB Second Vice President The American Council of the Blind Federal Employees special- interest affiliate changed its name, constitution, and by-laws during meetings held in conjunction with the ACB 29th National Convention in Denver. The new name is American Council of the Blind--Government Employees. ACBGE's revised constitution allows the affiliate to broaden its membership horizons. In addition to federal employees, the affiliate accepts members who are or who have been employees or retirees of state, county, and municipal governments. We firmly believe that there are many more common issues and interests which bind all blind and visually impaired public sector employees together than what may divide us. ACBGE continues to serve as a forum for networking and communication which leads to solutions to work place problems. Interested individuals who qualify under the broadened membership guidelines of ACBGE may forward their annual membership dues in the amount of $10 made payable to ACBGE to the new Treasurer Ms. Nona Graves, 12215 W. Dearbourn Ave., Apartment 2, Wauwatosa, WI 53226-3841. When sending dues, please provide home and work addresses and phone numbers, the government agency for which you currently work, your present job title and description, your current pay level or grade or your present salary. All such information, particularly financial/salary data, is strictly confidential. HERE AND THERE By Elizabeth M. Lennon CONVENTION TAPES Taped proceedings of the 29th annual National Convention of the American Council of the Blind are now available. The convention tape set is comprised of 15 two-track standard-speed cassettes. The set includes the ACB Banquet. The cost for the full convention set is $15. Each session may be purchased for $3 per session; there are seven sessions in all. The banquet is bundled with the opening session. To order, write to: Convention Tapes, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Please specify which session you want if you're not ordering the full set. Make checks or money orders payable to the American Council of the Blind. ADA AVAILABLE The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 is now available in braille, flexible discs, NLS-formatted cassettes, and large print. To obtain a free copy of the law, contact Ms. Marsha Overstreet, American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Additional copies must be purchased at the rate of $19.80 for braille, $0.65 for flexible discs, $0.75 for cassette, and $24.00 for large print. FRIENDS IN ART TAPES The Friends In Art showcase is always a highlight of ACB's conventions. Tapes of the 1990 showcase held during the recent convention in Denver are now available for $10. To order the two-tape set, contact Barbara Chandler, C/O American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. NARRATOR OF THE YEAR John Stratton is the latest recipient of the Alexander Scourby Narrator of the Year award in the nonfiction category. Award recipients in the fiction and children's categories were Roy K. Avers and Laura Gianerelli, respectively. The Scourby award was established by the American Foundation for the Blind in 1986 in honor of its most popular talking book narrator, according to a press release from the American Foundation for the Blind. NANCY ON CASSETTES "My Turn," the memoirs of Nancy Reagan, is now available on tape through Random House Publishing. Narrated by the author, the taped edition of "My Turn" is available in bookstores throughout the country for $14.95. AIDS EDUCATION GRANT The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has awarded a three- year grant for AIDS education for blind and visually impaired persons to the American Foundation for the Blind. The $329,232 grant will fund the project entitled "AIDS Prevention Education: Special Needs, Visually Handicapped." It will culminate in a curriculum guide and accompanying materials for professionals working with blind and visually impaired people. The materials will contain strategies for training people with vision loss in AIDS prevention and fact sheets in both English and Spanish will be available in braille, large print, and on audiocassette. TAPED SHAKESPEARE Classic Theater Ltd. has announced the availability of Shakespeare's 37 plays on audiocassette in the "Shakespeare Digest," sent to libraries. The complete collection costs $150. Individual plays cost $7.50 per cassette. Contact Classic Theater Ltd., 6441 Enterprise Lane, Suite 209, Madison, WI 53715. TRANSCRIBER MOVES MSMT, a large print and braille transcription service, has moved to 3917 Nayette Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 98406. MSMT recently completed a 43-page guide book on San Francisco. The publication includes maps and information on the airport. The braille edition costs $7.50; the large print edition is $3.75. NEW USERS' GROUP A computer users' group has been established on a national level for entry-level computer users. The group offers support for computer beginners and puts them in touch with other new users. A one-year membership costs $12. Members receive an introductory tape, which they may keep, a $20 gift certificate toward the purchase of a computer including word processing and speech, and a quarterly newsletter on a loan basis. Send name, mailing address, and a check made payable to Clear Value Sales, P.O. Box 1596, Winton, CA 95388. SELF-TAUGHT PIANO "Keys to the Keys for the Visually Impaired" is a course designed to teach would-be pianists how to play. Developed by Gale Pedersen, the course instructs beginners using rote teaching of simple melodies. Available on loan, the course is comprised of four cassettes. An advanced course, "Play by Ear and Improvise," also written by the same author, is available on loan. Contact the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped toll-free at (800) 424-8567. DISABILITY DECALS A company that produces window decals alerting firefighters that children or pets are inside a house, now produces a similar sticker for persons with disabilities. The fluorescent Disabled Alert decal directs firefighters to a room where disabled persons might be, saving time during a fire emergency. For a set of the three decals, (child, pet, disabled person), send a self-addressed stamped envelope and $2 to Pet Alert/Child Alert P.O. Box 11306, Chicago, IL 60611. TRAVEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM Disabled travelers in the United States and England can experience a foreign culture with the informed companionship of a similarly- disabled guide as a result of reciprocal agreements between British and American disabled citizens. World Exchange, a non-profit organization, provides British and American families with the opportunity to exchange similarly-disabled family members for a two to five week stay. To participate in the travel exchange, contact Joyce Shook, World Exchange, White Birch Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579. GALLAGHER RETIRES William F. Gallagher has announced that he will retire in early 1991 as president and executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind, ending more than 40 years of tenure in the blindness field. A search committee, chaired by Michael M. Maney, chairman of AFB's executive committee, has been appointed to seek Gallagher's replacement. Gallagher recently received three awards--the Evelyn A. Dolan Memorial Award from the New Jersey Commission on Recreation for the Handicapped; the C. Stanley Potter Award from the American Association of Radio Reading Services and the Peter J. Salmon Award from the American Association of the Deaf-Blind. NEW ADDRESS, NEW BOOKS Seedlings Braille Books for Children has moved to larger quarters. The new address is: P.O. Box 2395, Livonia, MI 48151. According to a press release, Seedlings has added new titles to its collection. Write for a free catalogue. ACTION BROCHURES ACTION, a federal agency which coordinates a variety of volunteer programs, has recorded many of its brochures and reports on tape. For more information or to receive taped copies, contact the ACTION office in your state. JOB PLACEMENTS Lane and Laurence is an employment agency specializing in placement of people with disabilities. The organization concentrates in placing people with visual, speech, hearing, and mobility impairments in all segments of business and industry. For more information, contact the firm at 581 Boylston St., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02116. Tel. (617) 262-5673. USED CCTVs AVAILABLE Seeing Technologies, Inc., 7074 Brooklyn Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55429, has used CCTVs for sale. Prices range from $695 to $2,000, and the equipment was originally produced by a variety of manufacturers. The equipment comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty. According to "Focus," the newsletter of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana, Seeing Technologies will also trade Voyagers or Vantages for cash or discounts on Seeing Technology's Seetec color or black and white CCTV. CASSETTE MAGAZINE "Global Options" is a free cassette magazine which covers new technology, law, organizations and businesses from the United States and abroad. It offers an in-depth look at disability-related news and provides strategies on getting ahead, according to "The Missouri Chronicle," the newsletter of the Missouri Council of the Blind. To receive an order form, contact Global Options, P.O. Box 31, Lynbrook, NY 11563. CANNED GOOD LABELS The St. Louis Council of the Blind can provide magnetic or adhesive-backed labels for canned goods or similar purposes. The labels cost 40 cents each and use half-inch high raised print letters that are easy to read by touch even by those who have difficulty reading braille. Contact Karen Pearson, 55 Topton Way, St. Louis, MO 63105. NEW ADDRESS The Johanna Bureau for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has a new address. It is 8 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603, according to the "National Braille Association Bulletin." The Bureau also announces a new free taped catalogue of braille titles. GET COOKING The Kansas Audio-Reader network has published a cookbook entitled "At Home on the Range." The book includes recipes for appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts. Braille copies cost $12; cassette copies cost $10, and Apple or IBM PC/MS-DOS-formatted disk or print copies cost $5.25. Order from Kathleen Harrison, At Home on the Range Cookbooks, P.O. Box 847, Lawrence, KS 66044. CHRISTIAN TAPES The John Knox Taped Library offers Bibles, devotionals, magazines, and other books on cassette about various aspects of Christianity. For more information, contact John Knox Taped Library, 210127 Second Ave. South, Seattle, WA 95198. NEW BOOKS FROM AFB The American Foundation for the Blind announces the publication of two new books. "Career Perspectives: Interviews With Blind and Visually Impaired Professionals" profiles 20 people who are involved in various careers including journalism, law, science, medicine, and management. The book serves as a resource for newly-blinded people, students, and others. According to an AFB press release, the book features braille literacy and adaptive technology issues. The book is available on cassette, in large print, and braille for $11.95 plus $3 for shipping and handling. AFB's second book is "Sources of Products for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons." It is a comprehensive listing of more than 300 manufacturers and suppliers of products of interest to blind and visually impaired persons. The listing includes company/organization names, addresses, telephone numbers, and brief descriptions of the products offered. The book is available in large print or PC/MS-DOS- formatted disks. The print edition costs $10.95; the disk edition costs $19.95. Include an additional $3 for postage and handling for both editions. Contact the American Foundation for the Blind, 15 W. 16th St., New York, NY 10011. Tel. (212) 620-2000. DIRECTORY ANNOUNCED Tri Visual Services has released the seventh revision of "A Resource Guide to Computer Access for Visually Impaired People." Updated as of June 1990, the directory is available on NLS-formatted cassettes, braille, and large print. The cost is $15. The directory contains information on more than 153 companies offering access devices for blind and visually impaired computer users, according to a company press release. HATS OFF TO THE HOTEL If you're a braille reader and you ever stay at Milwaukee's Hotel Wisconsin, chances are you'll be given a braille copy of the hotel's evacuation plan when you check in. The braille document includes fire safety rules and a small list of emergency phone numbers. For more information on the hotel's braille evacuation plan, contact The Hotel Wisconsin, 720 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, WI 53203. SKI FOR LIGHT The 16th annual Ski For Light Week is slated for February 3 through 10, 1991. The week-long event will include a variety of social activities, nordic, and cross-country skiing. The application deadline is November 1, 1990. Those who apply after November 1 will be considered on a space-available basis. Ski For Light encourages blind people who have never attended before to come in 1991. According to a press release, people who apply need not be super athletes. The cost is $450; it includes lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the Minneapolis airport. A $25 deposit must accompany the application. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Celeste Lopes, 25 Helen Ave., Plainview, NY 11803. Tel. (516) 935-4670 evenings before 10:30 eastern time. BRAILLE PHONE BILLS The New York Telephone Company has announced the availability of braille telephone bills to customers who request the service. According to a company press release, New Yorkers must provide their name, address, phone number, and a statement declaring their desire to receive brailled bills. The statement must be signed. For more information, contact Marie Dwyer, Communications Center for Disabled Customers, 204 2nd Ave., 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003. TACTIC IN LARGE PRINT? "Tactic" is a braille magazine of interest to computer users or persons interested in access technology. Recently, a large print edition of "Tactic" was released. The new edition costs $16 annually. To subscribe or obtain more information, contact Tactic, Clovernook Printing House for the Blind, 7000 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45231. BRAILLE T-SHIRTS Body Braille Clothing is a product offered by Valley Enterprises. The company sells t-shirts and sweat shirts with print and braille messages on them. Six messages are offered including the braille alphabet, "Feeling Good," "Handle with Care," and more. The messages are embossed on the shirts using puff ink, which makes them both readable and tactile in nature. For more information, contact Valley Enterprises, 2350 S. Townsend Ave., P.O. Box 1621, Montrose, CO 81402. Tel. (303) 249-7380. COMMENTS SOLICITED ACB Member Mary Jane Owen, director of Disability Focus, Inc., solicits comments and suggestions on ways of enhancing accessibility in environmental design for blind and partially sighted people. Owen participated in an international meeting on universal accessibility hosted by the Center for Accessible Housing at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Send comments and suggestions on accessibility design to Mary Jane Owen, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005. LINGUISTS NEEDED The Linguistics Services of Houston, Texas is interested in employing blind people as interpreters and translators. Lawyers, linguists or persons with college or graduate degrees who are fluent in a foreign language are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to people in and around Houston. Contact Dr. Diane Teichman, Linguistic Services, 8522 Parkhill Forest Dr., Houston, TX 77088. Tel. (713) 445-3119. OUTSPOKEN WINS AWARD Berkeley Systems' outSPOKEN, a speech-based system for the Macintosh, won the Computerworld Smithsonian Awards in the Business and Related Services category. outSPOKEN is a screen navigation and screen reading package. outSPOKEN uses Macintalk and reads text-based material including window titles, and folder titles. According to press releases from Computerworld Magazine and Berkeley Systems, outSPOKEN is only one of a variety of products developed by Berkeley Systems for the Macintosh and Apple computer line. DATABASE SOFTWARE Advantage Programming, J & S Ltd. announces the Easy Express database software. The program is designed for use by blind and visually impaired computer users. The minimum requirements is 128K and a single floppy disk system. The software is designed to work with MS- DOS-based computers. It costs $100. For more information, contact Advantage Programming, J & S Ltd., Suite 77, 3208 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55416. Tel. (612) 521-0008. BRAILLE CALENDAR Braille calendars with accompanying full-color print illustrations are available for $9.50 from Very Special Arts Calendar, C/O USA Print, 25 Dwight Pl., P.O. Box 1194, Fairfield, NJ 07007. Tel. (800) 872- 0233. Proceeds from the sales of the calendar benefit Very Special Arts-sponsored programs throughout the United States. BRAILLE TAPE BOOK CLUB The Crescent Book Club offers books in braille and cassette on a variety of subjects. The annual membership fee of $9.95 covers regular bi-monthly notices and special announcements of new book listings. No minimum orders or required number of purchases per year. Books feature topics for home, family, business, teens, and younger readers. For more information, contact Information Specialties, P.O. Box 3433, Louisville, KY 40201. RECREATION MANUAL "On the Move in the Great Outdoors: Mobile Recreation for the Blind" is available on cassette for $5 from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St., Brookline, MA 02146. HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP For Sale: Kurzweil Personal Reader Model 7315 with scanner, like new, $9,000. Tel. (606) 233-4210 and ask for Vickie Blevins. FOR SALE: Cassette-based VersaBraille system, $1,500, owner will negotiate. Contact: Marie Vento, 59 Agresta Terrace, Stratford, CT 06497. Tel. (203) 378-5712, no collect calls. FOR SALE: VersaBraille II Plus tutorial manual in braille and cassette, provides step-by-step instructions on editing, filing, printing and file retrieval and more, $50. Contact Lois Wencil, 19 Parkview Dr., Millburn, NJ 07041. Tel. (201) 467-3923. FOR SALE: Toshiba T1200F with Internal Accent 1200 synthesizer and external 5.25 360K floppy disk drive. Excellent condition, purchased September 1989, $2,195, includes UPS shipping to any point within the United States and Canada. Contact Keith Bucher, P.O. Box 130, Reader, WV 26167. Tel. (304) 386-4332. FOR SALE: Optacon Model R1C, includes manual, soft carry case, print tutorials, charger, and reading mat, $1,000 or best offer. Contact Andy Baracco, 11683 Goshen Ave., Apartment 206, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Tel. (213) 826-2196. FOR SALE: Visualtek Miniview MV-1, new condition, contact Lynn Mattioli, 455 Cider Press Rd., Easton, PA 18042. Tel. (215) 253-8446. FOR SALE: Artic D'Light, Toshiba 1000 laptop computer with Artic Business Vision and expanded memory. Also includes some blank 3.5 inch diskettes, carrying case, and an assortment of software packages including WordPerfect 4.2, Artic Encore, Procomm, Names 3.01, and a variety of shareware games and other programs, $1,700. Contact Stanley Greenberg, Westside Center for Independent Living, 12901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066. Tel. (213) 390-3611 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. pacific time or (213) 390-6846 evenings and weekends. FOR SALE: Reading Center Cabinets, bed or armchair height, room for talking book machine and tape player, finished in a variety of woods,, mounted on casters, shipped United Parcel Service, assembled. Time payments available. Send for a free tape which includes detailed description of product. Contact John Postma, 1466 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Tel. (616) 962-0185. FOR SALE: The Aloha Mailer, a reusable cardboard mailer for braille letters and computer disks, $2.50 per mailer. If you want address labels made, send names and addresses of the persons with whom you correspond. Contact Betsy Palmer, 430 W. Kawili St., #21C, Hilo, HA 96720. Tel. (808) 959-6590. FREE OFFER: Back issues of the following magazines: "Outdoor Life," "Money," "Journal of Counseling and Development," "Consumer Reports," "Contemporary Sound Track," and "Social Work," all on flexible disc. Also available, "The Japan Braille News" in braille. If you do not receive a reply, assume the magazine you want has been taken. Contact Jean Parker, 5230 Hale Parkway, Denver, CO 80220. 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 RILEY TOWER 2, APT. 2300 600 N. ALABAMA STREET INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204 TREASURER BRIAN CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVENUE WATERTOWN, MA 02172 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ELIZABETH M. LENNON