THE Braille Forum Vol. XXXI October 1992 No. 3 Published By The American Council of the Blind CONTENTS President's Message Bush and Clinton Speak on Disability Issues News Briefs from the ACB National Office ACB 31st Convention Summary ACB Members Elected to Directors and Publications Board Positions Looking Forward to ACB's 32nd Convention Warnings: Inaction May be Hazardous New ACB Position Available ACB Awards Announced Thirty Years Ago in the "Forum" Here and There High Tech Swap Shop ACB Board of Directors and Board of Publications PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE by LeRoy F. Saunders By the time you read this article, Pat and I will have returned from Russia. Our delegation of eight people went there to visit members of the All Russia Association for the Blind to learn about recreational and employment opportunities of visually impaired Russians. Upcoming articles in "The Braille Forum" will describe our trip in more detail. This is becoming a very exciting political year as the candidates from both parties begin to debate. I hope each of you will pay close attention, determine which candidate will do the most for this country, and vote accordingly. I cannot encourage you enough to be sure to vote. You may think your vote doesn't make a difference, but I assure you that it does. Every vote counts and this is our chance to express our preferences about how this country should be run. We all must be interested in the economic policies of the candidates. In my opin-ion, nobody has a magic wand, but some economy-stimulating proposals seem better than others. As far as I'm concerned, the bottom line is that we're broke. We have created an enormous debt which continues to grow. At some point, it's essential that we pay all of this debt in full. In order to do this, it will probably be necessary to both raise taxes and cut spending. All of us can be armchair quarterbacks and talk about what should and shouldn't be cut, but there is no way to cut government expenditures without affecting people. Since the cold war is over, most people think we need to make more cuts in our defense program and reduce the number of people in the military. As all cutbacks do, this has two sides. In order to make this cut meaningful, many people would no longer hold the jobs they have had for years. I'm also very concerned about the entitlement programs. Many think these programs need to be cut. But these cuts would also affect people. If these entitlement programs were cut, people might have to work harder and earn more money to compensate. This can only be achieved when we reduce the current unemployment rate. Much of the manufacturing that once stimulated our economy is gone. There was a time when the automobile manufacturers basically controlled the economy, but that hasn't been true for quite a few years. Even though we get very concerned about many of our plants operating in foreign countries, unless I'm mistaken, the United States is still the largest exporter of goods in the world. Since the manufacturing base is not what it used to be, we are more dependent on service jobs for employment. Traditionally, a service economy doesn't pay the kind of wages that a manufacturing-based economy pays. I'm sure in time most of these problems will be worked out, but first some major changes must occur. We've already seen one change. A service-driven economy means there will probably be fewer people in the middle and upper-middle income bracket and more people in and below the lower middle income bracket. This will certainly affect the lifestyle that most of us are accustomed to in this country. I think the handwriting is on the wall and it says we will all have to begin to do a little more for ourselves and expect our governments--federal, state, and municipal--to do less. Many Americans have benefitted immensely from the benevolence of government in the last 25 to 30 years, but that benevolence continues so long as there is money to pay the bills. As our money dwindles and we have to make various cutbacks, and maybe collect even more taxes than we do today, people will have to depend less on governments and get used to having less to spend. I remember a little about the Depression days of the '30s. I would say that since we overcame that situation, given time, we can certainly overcome the situation we are in now. I remain very optimistic about the future and believe we have the resources and the talent in this country to make the necessary changes to put ourselves back on a higher level from an economic standpoint. In order for those necessary changes to come to pass, I'm sure all of us will have to make some sacrifices to assist in bringing our country back to where we all want it. The economy is just one of many reasons why your participation in the upcoming election is vital. Please vote on November 3. BUSH AND CLINTON SPEAK ON DISABILITY ISSUES (Editor's Note: In conjunction with President Saunders' message, we thought you would like to read President Bush's and Governor Clinton's position papers on disability issues. Special thanks to Board of Publications member Kim Charlson and ACB member Jamal Mazrui of Massachusetts for their efforts in providing this information. The Bush paper, received from the Bush-Quayle Campaign office in early September, is an update of one which we received from Disability Rights in Voter Empowerment. We commend DRIVE for its efforts to disseminate this information and are pleased to provide these position papers to you.) PRESIDENT BUSH: CHAMPIONING THE RIGHTS OF DISABLED AMERICANS (Reprinted with permission of the Bush-Quayle '92 Campaign.) President Bush was a leading force in passage of the landmark 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, the most sweeping civil rights legislation in over a quarter century. Passage of the ADA was a bipartisan effort, supported at every step by the President. On July 12, 1988, speaking before the NAACP, President Bush pledged his "strong commitment" to "ensure the full participation of all Americans in our economy and our government." Through 1989 and 1990, administration officials worked in consultation with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to fashion legislation to protect disabled Americans. With the signing of the ADA on July 26, 1990 and the beginning of its implementation, the President has kept his personal commitment to ensure full participation. The Americans with Disabilities Act will extend to the nearly 43 million disabled Americans the same protections and rights enjoyed by every other American. With these protections, every disabled American will be able to participate fully in the social and economic mainstream of American life. In his FY93 Budget, the President ensured that funds would be available to hire Justice Department and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission employees to respond to ADA enforcement needs. This includes a $32 million increase in the EEOC budget (an increase of 15%) and creation of an ADA technical assistance revolving fund, to offer employers and others technical assistance in compliance with the ADA. WHAT THE ADA PROVIDES The ADA specifies that a business employing 25 or more people must make "reasonable accommodations" for qualified disabled people seeking a job or a promotion unless the employer can show that the accommodation would put an "undue hardship" on its operations. Businesses with 15 or more employees must comply with the law by 1994. The ADA covers anyone with a mental or physical impairment that limits a major life activity. Employment decisions must be based on the abilities of individual applicants or employees, and not on the basis of presumptions or generalizations about what individuals with disabilities can or cannot do. A company still has the right to hire the most qualified applicant who fits the job description. The ADA ensures that individuals, rather than groups of individuals, are protected, so that each individual has the fullest opportunity to participate in American society. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not impose, nor will it result in, hiring quotas. CLINTON-GORE ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (Reprinted with permission of the Clinton/Gore '92 Committee.) Bill Clinton and Al Gore have long recognized that people with disabilities are among the nations' greatest untapped resources. They believe that all persons with disabilities must be fully integrated into mainstream American society, so they can live fulfilling and rewarding lives. During their years in public office, they have compiled strong records of supporting public and private initiatives to enhance the independence and productivity of persons with disabilities. As President and Vice President, they will continue their efforts. A Clinton/Gore Administration will actively involve people with disabilities in developing a national policy that promotes equality, opportunity, and community for all Americans. Bill Clinton and Al Gore will ensure that children with disabilities receive a first-rate education that suits their needs. People with disabilities will be able to live in their own homes, in their own communities. Adults with disabilities will work alongside their peers without disabilities. And people with disabilities will have access to comprehensive health care and consumer- driven personal assistance services. We must not rest until America has a national disability policy based on three simple creeds: inclusion, not exclusion; independence, not dependence; and empowerment, not paternalism. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT * Work to ensure that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is fully implemented and aggressively enforced to empower people with disabilities to make their own choices and to create a framework for independence and self-determination. HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS * Provide all Americans with affordable, quality health coverage, either through their workplaces or through a government program; prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions; and contain costs by taking on the health care industries. * Expand long-term care choices for Americans with disabilities. EXPAND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITES * Work to ensure that children with disabilities receive a first-rate education, tailored to their unique needs but provided alongside their classmates without disabilities. * Support increased funding for special education services and work to improve the enforcement of laws that guarantee children with disabilities the right to a high-quality public education. * Support increased efforts to integrate children with disabilities into their schools' regular activities, instead of sectioning them off in special programs where they cannot socially integrate with other students. * Expand early intervention programs in health care and education such as Head Start to ensure that children with disabilities live full and productive lives. IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES * Increase special education, professional training, and job training efforts to reduce the extraordinarily high unemployment rate among Americans with disabilities as part of national adult education, job training, and apprenticeship programs. * Sign into law the Family and Medical Leave Act, which George Bush vetoed in 1990, so that no worker is forced to choose between keeping his or her job and caring for a newborn child or sick family member. EXPAND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION * Sign into law the "Motor-Voter Act," which George Bush vetoed this year, to make it easier for people with disabilities to register to vote. THE RECORD * As Governor, Bill Clinton increased the funding of community programs for people with disabilities by 220 percent from 1983 to 1990. * As Attorney General and Governor, recruited and employed qualified persons with disabilities on his staff. Under Governor Clinton's current administration, the State Directors of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, and the Division of Services for the Blind are qualified individuals with disabilities. * With the legislature in 1985, established the Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities. The Commission has sparked more involvement and participation by persons with disabilities. * A decade before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Governor Clinton supported administrative action to permit state agencies to secure adequate accommodations for staff with disabilities, regardless of costs. * During the 1987 legislative session, provided key assistance to establish an interim Message Relay Center. The center provides statewide telephone accessibility for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. * In 1990, established the Governor's Task Force on Supported Housing. Its mission was to recommend state legislation, policy changes and program initiatives to increase the availability of supported housing--affordable, accessible housing in integrated community settings, with appropriate support services for the elderly and people with disabilities. * In 1991-92, took action to provide additional state funds for expansion of Supported Employment Services, a vocational rehabilitation program for severely disabled people who need job coaching services and long-term support to obtain or maintain employment. * In 1992, established a Governor's Task Force on In-Home and Community Based Services for Persons with Disabilities. This task force is composed of leaders of the disability community, state agency officials and private business representatives. * Senator Gore was an original cosponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act. * Voted for the "Motor-Voter" Act, which would have made it easier for people with disabilities to register to vote. George Bush vetoed the Act. CAPTIONS President George Bush. (Photo courtesy Bush-Quayle '92 Campaign.) Presidential Candidate Bill Clinton (Photo courtesy Clinton/Gore '92 Committee.) NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ACB NATIONAL OFFICE by Oral O. Miller, National Representative Despite rumors to the contrary, life in Washington does not come to a halt during July and August. Every four years Congress goes into recess to allow its members to take part in their political party conventions. The absence of Congress from town leaves time for advocates to formulate or coordinate positions on regulatory matters, for example, that continue moving forward steadily. Recently, in fact, the President's Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities hosted a summit meeting of disabled advocates including ACB. The meeting also included industrial leaders, labor union officials, and media representatives. We explored some of the important issues which were not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or which require high-level planning to assure satisfactory implementation. Some of the issues that will be dealt with by subcommittees established at that meeting include insurance implications, accurate representations of the ADA and disabled people by the media, correct and appropriate training of lawyers and other covered entities under the ADA, and labor/management implications. Many consulting firms have already been established to provide such information to employers and other covered entities, and most of those firms are doing good work for reasonable prices. However, we have already heard of a few firms which are obviously preying on the fears of covered entities by, for example, attempting to charge outrageous prices such as $50 for one page of braille transcription. I have made many references in the past to ongoing developments in the telecommunications field that are relevant to blind and visually impaired people. Although these developments are not generally covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, they are closely tied to possible legislation or regulations affecting the telecommunications industry. Recently it was my pleasure to deliver the keynote address at a regional consumer forum and training workshop conducted by the New York Telephone Company and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of New York. The purpose of the day-long conference was to enable knowledgeable disabled people and technical experts to exchange information concerning needs and technical capabilities. The workshop, which was attended by both New York Telephone Company employees and members of the general public, was so popular that it had to be switched to the largest auditorium in the company's massive Manhattan building. Many of the exhibits focused on such futuristic accommodations as voice-recognition telephones (these are telephones which, after being properly programmed, will call the desired person simply after hearing his/her name pronounced), or telephone systems which can produce printed text from spoken input (for the benefit of deaf people). However, a lot of attention was also given to a demonstration of the dial-in version of the "Washington Post," available to blind and other print-handicapped people in the Washington Metropolitan area through use of a touchtone telephone. We commend New York Telephone for hosting the workshop, and we urge the company to continue the process inasmuch as continuing dialogue is essential and changes in technology make more things possible every day. Recently the ACB National Office was aglow with movie lights as photographers filmed ACB staff members as part of an ADA training film being prepared for the National League of Cities. The photographers and producer, who were interested in learning more about accommodations needed by blind people in the workplace, were apparently surprised to learn that many preconceived and stereotypical accommodations are not necessary or appropriate. Although Nolan Crabb and I summarized for them the wide range of accommodations and working aids available (everything from pocket slates and inexpensive talking clocks to talking computers and optical scanners), they appeared to be more interested in the photographically pleasant but functionally insignificant orientation and mobility tasks. Since thousands of feet of film are shot in preparation of a single training movie or video, we are hopeful that outstanding editing will enable the ultimate film to focus on the accommodations that are truly important. Although I had felt a bit skeptical concerning the material chosen by the film crew, I felt as if fate had given us another turn at bat when I was invited to participate a couple of weeks later in a video telephone training conference conducted by the National League of Cities. The training workshop, which lasted several hours and brought together high- ranking city and state officials from approximately 15 locations throughout the country, gave me an opportunity to explain and demonstrate that many of the accommodations needed by blind people are very inexpensive and that even more complex technological accommodations are not unreasonably expensive or "special." Besides demonstrating a few small, inexpensive and very portable devices, I pointed out that more complex accommodations often involve only moderate incremental additional expense, such as the additional cost of speech output software and hardware as distinguished from the initial cost of the computer. It's true! Local transit authorities may say the sweetest things in the world concerning their interest in serving disabled people and then show their true colors by refusing to do anything worthwhile. That was illustrated recently by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as it conducted its not-very-well-publicized public hearing concerning "key station accommodations" as required by the ADA. The hearing was also an opportunity for me to join ACB colleagues from around the metropolitan area as together we "climbed into the advocacy trenches." The Metro officials readily agreed to extremely easy and common sense accommodations such as improving the level of lighting in key stations, but they balked like mules on the subject of placing detectable edging material on the subway platforms. They insisted, for example, that this accommodation would cost from 50 to 100 times more than the same accommodation has cost other transit authorities. Metro officials also argued that the detectable edging would be a hazard to other passengers, and, therefore, could not be required by federal regulation until it had been proven safe through testing conducted by the federal government. As a point of interest, the only witnesses who opposed installation of a tactile edging material represented the National Federation of the Blind. They took that well-rehearsed position while admitting at the same time that they could not detect with their canes or feet the granite strip which runs along the edge of each Metro subway platform and which, according to Metro, was designed into the system in the 1970s as a warning for blind and visually impaired passengers. During my testimony at the hearing, I pointed out that, as happens all too often, the attractive but tactually undetectable granite strip was designed and built into the system before any blind people had any opportunity to comment on it, and that several other ACB members and I pointed out its uselessness in the 1970s when we first saw it in a station under construction. Following the Metro hearing, ACB and its affiliates in the Washington area filed strong objections to Metro's plan, and it is obvious that similar objections will also be filed with the Department of Transportation. We've recently experienced problems with one of our toll-free incoming WATS telephone lines. Callers heard the ringing sound, but the phones never actually rang in the office. Since the problem was intermittent, finding a solution was difficult. The line should be in order by the time you read this. The analysis of our incoming WATS line telephone bills indicates that we receive very few calls from some area codes serving parts of the country where we have substantial membership. Please call the Washington Connection and urge your members to use it weekly. It's an excellent way to stay current regarding the latest governmental, judicial and organizational developments, and outstanding job opportunities. Accurate information enables our members to be even better advocates. The toll-free number is (800) 424-8666, and the Washington Connection can be reached each weekday between six p.m. and midnight Eastern time as well as all day on weekends. If you call during those hours and the line rings without being answered, the machine is playing the message on the other incoming line and won't be available until it finishes and resets itself. ACB 31ST CONVENTION SUMMARY by Nolan Crabb From the sound of the opening gavel on Sunday night to the last voice vote on the final resolution on Saturday, the 31st Annual National Convention of the American Council of the Blind was packed with an unparalleled amount of information and opportunities to renew friendships, see the latest technology, and gain new perspectives in the various special-interest affiliate meetings. SUNDAY, JULY 5 The Sunday night opening session began with a welcome from Robert Williams, president of the Arizona Council of the Blind. "We've been working on this convention for a year and a half," said Williams. "We welcome you to Phoenix, one of America's top 10 cities, and to Arizona, the Grand Canyon state. If there's anything we can do to make your stay here more pleasant, short of cutting back on the heat, please let us know; we'll be glad to do it." Following Williams' remarks, ACB President LeRoy F. Saunders reported on the activities of the past year and the implementation of the 10 priorities for the '90s which he outlined in 1990. He reported on the progress of the reauthorization of the rehabilitation act and encouraged ACB members to get more involved on the state level to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act. "We can assist you, we can send you information, but the powers that be in your state listen to you; they don't listen to people in Washington, D.C.," he said. (See "President's Message: An Update on the Priorities for the '90s," September 1992.) Following President Saunders' remarks, Grant M. Mack, representing ACB's mem- bership committee, presented a membership charter to Darleen Heptner, president of the newly-formed Wyoming Council of the Blind. "Darleen has set a great example for all of us," Mack said. "Darleen proved that in a city of 20,000 people, there are a lot of blind people out there we don't know about until we start looking." He said Heptner's diligent detective work resulted in the growth of the affiliate from seven members to nearly 30. "I'm very proud to be associated with the ACB," said an emotional Heptner as she accepted the charter. "We'll be here next year with bells on." Billie Jean Hill, chairperson of the Board of Publications of the American Council of the Blind, presented the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing award and the Vernon Henley media award The board of publications also presented a special "Outstanding Service" award. (See "ACB Awards Announced," this issue.) ACB Second Vice President Charles Hodge presented Life Membership Certificates to Robert and Ruth Ann Acosta of California, Mary Susan Thompson Orester of Nebraska, Jeanette Gerrard of Washington, D.C., and Patricia Saunders of Oklahoma. MONDAY, JULY 6: The Monday morning session began with an address by Arizona Governor Fife Symington. "I'm glad we were able to deliver on our promise of 60 degree weather during your stay," the governor quipped before presenting a proclamation declaring the week of July 5 through 11 as American Council of the Blind 31st Annual National Convention Week. Nell Carney, commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, followed Governor Symington's remarks. Prior to making her actual address, Carney announced the nomination of Richard Casey, a blind New York attorney to a federal judgeship. "Mr. Casey is the third blind person that President Bush has appointed to a position of leadership during his tenure as president of the United States," she said. She discussed the administration's position on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act and issues sur- rounding the reauthorization which the administration did not include in its bill. Carney said the Bush version of the reauthorization bill emphasized accountability on the part of state agencies and consumer choice. She said a commission on education and rehabilitation for the blind was not part of the Bush administration's bill, nor was a proposal to expand funding for services to the elderly blind under Title VII part C of the Rehabilitation Act. Carney then discussed issues concerning the Randolph Sheppard program. She said the Department of Justice has taken a position declaring the arbitration process which has been part of the Randolph Sheppard program for 20 years unconstitutional. While the courts have so far rejected the Justice Department's claims, its attorneys will continue to seek changes in the arbitration process. She said at some point, the Randolph Sheppard program regulations could be opened and strengthened. "What is imperative about rewriting the regulations is that consumers have input and that once the regulations are rewritten as proposed rule changes, you, the consumer, react to those proposed changes and not be shouted down by federal agencies who would just as soon dismiss the Randolph Sheppard programs from federal premises." Tuck Tinsley, president of the American Printing House for the Blind, reviewed APH's progress over the past year. He said APH has established five goals. "The first goal is to be ethical and fair in all we do," Tinsley said. "The second goal is to meet customer and consumer needs. Third, we want to keep APH financially sound. Fourth, we want to set the standard of quality, and the fifth is to administer the federal act." The federal act mandates the printing house to produce braille and large print educational materials for blind students. Tinsley listed a number of projects in which APH is involved. He said one of the most important projects is a joint venture in which APH and Recording for the Blind seek blanket permission from textbook publishers to produce their material on tape and braille. Tinsley said APH has beefed up its public relations department and completed a study which recommended ways the agency can strengthen its marketing department. "We've been more kid oriented," he said, "and we really need to focus on the needs of the adult population, and that's where we're moving." Tinsley said the printing house plans to construct the APH Museum, which will include collections devoted to the history of the printing house and various types of equipment used to produce braille and other reading systems. Following a Credentials Committee report, the convention heard from Gary DeLorme, representing the Federal Department of Transportation. He addressed paratransit services and the ADA. He said while many of the transit plans his department had received are good, "we know that all is not roses." He said a number of systems have already been denied federal grants because of poor paratransit plans. "The transit industry knows we mean business," DeLorme said, "and they know we're not pulling any punches on the ADA." He encouraged ACB members to be active on local transit consumer advisory groups. He clarified some of the transit regulations under the ADA. "First, bus drivers must announce all stops on fixed route services. That's the rule. There is no five-year phase- in on announcements. I don't give a darn what his labor contract says; federal law supersedes it," DeLorme said. "If you're having trouble getting to or using a transit system because of a visual impairment, you are ADA eligible; I don't care what some physical therapist says." DeLorme said transit companies are required to provide schedule information in an accessible format. Finally, he talked about research his department wants to do regarding signage, detectable warnings, and notification of bus designations. From transportation, the convention turned its attention to library services, particularly the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Michael Moodie, research and development officer at the National Library Service, described eight different projects underway at NLS. He said a feasibility study on centralizing braille distribution indicated a 50 percent savings in distribution costs, and that the centralization process is already happening informally. "Four different states have dropped braille service in the last four years," he explained, "which brings to total about 60 percent of the regional libraries not providing full braille service. Forty percent don't provide any braille service, and 20 percent only partial." He also discussed a machine-lending centralization study. "There are a lot of complex issues involved in these studies," he said, "and the outcome will affect your library services; we're hearing your concerns, and we'll continue cautiously with full involvement and input from your representative and the other representatives on the advisory committee." Moodie said NLS is working on the development of a new braille mailing container, a print/braille labeling system allowing regional libraries to label tapes which are provided on demand, modification of styrofoam packing for NLS cassette machines which would include finger grips, and a CD-ROM catalogue of all holdings listed in the NLS Union Catalogue. Conventioners kept their minds on library-related things as they listened to Talking Book Narrator Yvonne Fair Tessler of Talking Books Publishing in Denver. She walked her listeners through an average day for a talking book narrator and read an excerpt from a Katharine Hepburn book she recently narrated for NLS. Tessler said she felt lucky to have her job, but found it difficult occasionally to explain to others what she does. "Being a narrator for talking books isn't as clear cut a profession as being a fireman or a secretary or a bridge designer or a novelist," she said. "So the obvious questions of how often do you answer a fire bell or a telephone or how many bridges or novels can you put together in a year just don't come to mind real readily. But some of my closest friends have asked me, 'well, I know you read books out loud, but what do you really do?'" TUESDAY, JULY 7: Rev. Warren Stewart, general chairman of Victory Together, an organization promoting a Martin Luther King Civil Rights Day in Arizona, kicked off the Tuesday session with a discussion on the connections between the civil rights movement and the Americans with Disabilities Act. "If ever there was a group equipped to lead the way in stamping out racism in America," Stewart affirmed, "I believe it is the American Council of the Blind." Stewart said while statutorial language in the ADA connects it to civil rights laws, the philosophy that connects the two laws is also an important factor. "Without a doubt," he said, "the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has, like the civil rights movement of the '60s, given disabled Americans a new faith, a new policy, an upsurge of power, and greater maneuverability and substantial security." Dr. Frank Kells, a charter member of ACB and president of the Arizona Council of the Blind Credit Union, addressed the convention. He said the Arizona Council's credit union is in its 20th year and has recently loaned its one millionth dollar to a member. Credit unions, he said, have many advantages over banks. They can also be a boon to a state affiliate. "We have a sponsor," he explained, "the Arizona Council of the Blind. Every credit union needs one, and it gives the credit union its so-called field of membership. Now this is important because you have to belong to the Arizona Council of the Blind before you can join the credit union." He said the Arizona Council Credit Union allows members to bring in their bills and have credit union checks written by the manager to pay them. "Of course, the money is deducted from your account, but this is a popular service." Following Kells' remarks, President Saunders honored ACB Member Myrtle Echols of Arkansas, presenting her with a Life Membership Certificate. Turning its attention from credit unions, the convention got a glimpse of new developments in the field of audio description and television from Laurie Everett, director of Descriptive Video Service, sponsored by WGBH-TV in Boston. Everett said Descriptive Video Service and ACB "have shared a productive partnership since 1988 when I came to Little Rock and said, 'we at WGBH have this rather strange idea--what do you think?'" DVS makes television and video tapes accessible to blind viewers by describing the visual elements of the television program or movie in the pauses in the dialogue. Everett said DVS received funding from the Department of Education last year, for two proposals--one to increase the number of described programs on the Public Broadcast- ing System, and the other to make described programs on videotape more widely available. She said in April 1991, five programs were on the air with audio description. By April 1992, that number had risen to 40. She said 65 television stations are now carrying DVS pro- gramming. She said 12 videocassette movies have been described, "and by this fall, we will have 36 available." In terms of distribution, she said DVS staff members are working with public libraries and video rental chains to get DVS tapes distributed on a rental basis. A panel on education followed the DVS presentation. Mo-derated by ACB First Vice President Paul Edwards, the panel was introduced by Dr. Michael Bina, superintendent of the Indiana School for the Blind and current president of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Bina maintained that residential schools for the blind are "places of distinction," not dinosaurs headed for extinction, as many claim. "In the past, and today, these schools continue to be valid, beneficial, and very necessary for kids." Bina offered seven myths about residential schools, pointing out facts that disprove those myths. "I don't consider residential schools as a last resort," he said. "We have changed, and we want to be placed in the same positive light under the law as public school programs are. Interestingly, I don't hear complaints about our schools from parents, our students or our alumni. I'm only hearing criticisms from professionals who don't know beans about blindness and who have never set foot on our campuses." Christine Pawelski, educational associate for the American Foundation for the Blind, was the second panelist. She expressed pleasure at positive developments underway in the education of blind children--developments such as state braille bills, electronic textbooks, and the push for a commission on education and rehabilitation. "Last week," she said, pointing to another positive development, "we awarded our AFB scholarships. Never before has our review panel seen such a breadth of vision, community outreach, and hopes for the future from these young people." She called for a new era in education which includes passionate teachers and administrators. Educators, she said, must maintain a global per- spective. Blind educators must work more closely with mainstream educators to bring about reform. Ann Corn, a professor of special education at the University of Texas at Austin and a member of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, was the third and final panelist. She called for increased early childhood intervention and education for blind children, better support services to families with blind children, more easily available optical devices for children who have some vision, greater support of university programs training teachers who work with blind children, and additional research in education for blind and visually impaired children. "Some of the things I've spoken about," she said, "I consider basics. I don't consider them luxuries. Others are things that may be nice to have or luxuries. It's up to you to decide what is on your list of luxuries and what is on your list of basics. Be clear and communicate. If we don't communicate with the schools and with the educational programs, they're going to be making the decisions that will affect the cognitive, social, sensory, and emotional development of children." WEDNESDAY, JULY 8: Ritchie Geisel, chief executive officer of Recording for the Blind, opened the Wednesday session. He said the taped and electronic textbook producer broke a service record for the third year in a row, providing 180,000 books on tape and thousands more on computer disks to thousands of readers. He said RFB and IBM have entered into a joint development project that will allow RFB to provide electronic textbooks and new, powerful software for reading and searching through the books. He said RFB now sells a portable four-track cassette machine and has ventured into custom services such as providing taped brochures to banks and others interested in making information accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. "Let me say right up front that RFB supports efforts to promote braille literacy," Geisel said. Continuing in the coming trends direction set by Geisel, the convention heard from Doug Wakefield of Talking Computers, Inc., who demonstrated new innovations in technology, including a talking device that speaks colors when placed on material or other surfaces. He also discussed a nationally available telephone-access check writing system open to anyone regardless of the bank he or she uses. The service will be available through CheckFree of Columbus, Ohio by the end of this year. A third area of innovation, he said, is the ongoing CD-ROM revolution and the ever-cheaper on-line computer database. He also discussed new technology which could, through the use of satellites, allow a blind traveler to determine where he is at any given time. Following Wakefield's remarks, the convention heard from Wilbert Williams, president of the Caribbean Council of the Blind. Williams called the ACB "an international secret." "We don't know enough about the American Council of the Blind in the international arena, and I think you ought to make yourselves more actively known by sharing more about the ACB at center stage. You have the potential to be of tremendous assistance to the rest of the world." He said the Caribbean Council for the Blind is an organization made up of agencies from a variety of Caribbean nations. He described services available in the Caribbean, including newly-formed mobility and rehabilitation programs. "We've made a tentative beginning," he said. Conventioners turned their attention from services to the blind in the Caribbean to services to the elderly blind in the United States with a panel moderated by ACB Secretary Patricia Price. The first panelist was Kenneth E. House, director of services to the elderly blind in Arizona. He noted some of the problems involved in services to older blind people. "The good news though is that the cost of training can be very low compared to other programs," he said. "Some of the Title VII part C statistics released by Mississippi State show that states can, on the average, train and serve elderly persons for only $500 to $600 per year. Institutionalization of only one person can cost between $26,000 and $36,000 per year." Judith Leibman, supervisor of program development and contracts for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, was the second panelist. She said the commission is working to be a stronger presence in the elderly community. "We specifically are reaching out to elderly persons who are minorities, who are medically under served, who live in isolated rural or inner-city ghetto areas, including immigrants." The program's goal is to serve as a lifeline. Martha Bagley, a specialist at the Helen Keller National Center for the Deaf-Blind, began her remarks as part of the panel by commending ACB for its concerns on issues relating to deaf-blind individuals. "We have a lot of educating to do in the blindness profession," she said. "There are many professionals in the blindness field that don't really want to work with older people. They aren't real sure that older people need their services. We also have a lot of educating to do with funding sources." Bagley challenged ACB members to look ahead at what their needs will be when they become eligible for services to older blind people. THURSDAY, JULY 9: The Thursday session began with the presentation of the ACB scholarships. (See "American Council of the Blind Awards Scholarships to 17 Outstanding Blind Students," September 1992.) Following the scholarship presentation, Oral O. Miller, ACB national representative, reviewed the activities of the past year in his report to the convention. "It began with a note of optimism, and it ended ... with a symphony of optimism and satisfaction." He said ACB's ability to respond quickly and well to legislative matters improved dramatically with the addition of Paul Schroeder, director of governmental affairs. He encouraged ACB members to stay informed through calls to the "Washington Connection" and by reading "ACB Close-Up," a quarterly newsletter sent to affiliate presidents. Miller turned the microphone over to Paul Schroeder for an update on the reauthorization of the rehabilita- tion act. (See "Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act," September 1992.) Miller said ACB is active in the area of telecommunications, social security, detectable warnings stan- dards, the Randolph Sheppard program, and possible amendments to the Air Carriers Access Act. He said as a result of the efforts of ACB and others, the Department of Education continues to recognize the National Accreditation Council of Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. "We as a national consumer organization haven't yet really approached our potential as an advocate. One of the reasons is we can't yet really rely on the good, quick, focussed, concise responses that we need from time to time to push specific positions or to take other action," he said, reminding the audience that members need to be more active in their states because "Congressmen listen to their constituents." He said ACB continues to gain greater public recognition through national TV broadcasts and newspaper stories which have appeared in major papers. He said members of an ACB delegation had gone to Japan in the past year to participate in a conference on services to elderly blind people. Following Miller's report, John Horst, convention coordinator, announced the choice of convention sites for the next five years. (See "Board Approves Final Debt Payment, Boosts Forum Schedule," September 1992.) Horst also acknowledged the many individuals who have helped with the convention. (See "ACB's 31st Convention in Retrospect," Sep- tember 1992.) FRIDAY, JULY 10 Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., opened the Friday session. He outlined some of the legislative activities which would be taken up by the 102nd Congress before the end of the Congressional session. With regard to changes in the Social Security laws which would have a negative effect on blind beneficiaries, McCain said, "Blind Americans have enjoyed special privileges under the current social security earnings test law. Let me assure you, I strongly support any provision that will help to ensure productivity and employment, and it was never my intention, nor will it ever be, to negatively affect the blind." He reminded his listeners of the importance of their input as Congress concludes its work on the reauthoriza- tion of the rehabilitation act. "As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over the television airwaves," he said, "I'll be working closely with your leadership to ensure that over-the-air emergency broadcasts are fully accessible to the blind. This idea was brought to my attention by the American Council of the Blind; we will now be working together to ensure that something is done to remedy this situation this year." He praised ACB members and others in the disability community for their work on the ADA. "Until you stepped forward and let your voice be heard," he said, "America forbade discrimination on the basis of color, sex, age and religion, but allowed people with white canes to be put at the back of the line." He said he values the disability advisory com- mittee he has established in Arizona and encouraged ACB members to seek involvement on similar committees if they exist. "Everyone in this room probably has something better to do than to be involved in the political process," he said. "But I want to assure you that if those people with something better to do are not involved, those people with nothing better to do are going to be the ones who decide your political future." Following McCain's remarks, ACB Treasurer Brian Charlson reported on the state of the organization's finances. He began by expressing appreciation to Assistant Treasurer James Olsen for his efforts in ACB's behalf. Charlson drew loud applause when he an- nounced to the convention that ACB is debt free. "The American Council of the Blind is a group of individuals working together to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired people," Charlson said. "But all the best intentions in the world do not make this world go round. It's very difficult to lobby in Washington, D.C., ... to inform people about what blind people can do without the money to publish, without the money to hire the staff required, without the money to pay the telephone bill." Charlson described the budget decision-making process ACB's board uses when approving a budget. He said the Council paid off more than $103,000 in debts this year, some two years ahead of schedule. Charlson said income from ACB's thrift stores was up 68 percent over last year as of the end of May. He credited employees of the American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services, the company which operates ACB's thrift stores, with fund raising with dignity. "You don't find letters going out with pitiful- looking children on the cover with shiny pennies attached," Charlson said. "What you will find are stores with the American Council of the Blind thrift store logo on the front, stores selling used goods in good business style." This year's banquet speaker was impressionist Al Staggs of San Antonio, Texas. Staggs performed a variety of impressions, choosing the upcoming presidential election as his theme. During the Saturday, July 11 session, conventioners elected members of the board of publications and voted on several resolutions. CAPTIONS (All photos by Tom Reinig for "The Braille Forum." ACB President LeRoy Saunders reports on ACB priorities for the '90s. Arizona Governor Fife Symington. Rev. Warren Stewart discusses civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Laurie Everett, director of DVS, updates the audience on new developments in audio description. ACB First Vice President Paul Edwards moderates a panel on education. Ritchie Geisel discusses the latest developments at RFB. Doug Wakefield of Talking Computers, Inc., demonstrates new innovations in technology. Wilbert Williams, president of the Carribean Council of the Blind, describes services for the blind in the Carribean. Kim Morrow accepts the Scholarship in Memory of Anne Pekar. ACB National Representative Oral Miller reviews the activities of the past year. Arizona Senator John McCain outlines the legislative activities taking place in Congress. ACB Treasurer Brian Charlson reports on ACB's finances. ACB MEMBERS ELECTED TO DIRECTORS AND PUBLICATIONS BOARD POSITIONS Many political pundits are calling 1992 "the year of the woman" where Congressional elections are concerned. That's how one could also describe the recent elections which were part of the 31st Annual National Convention of the American Council of the Blind as six women and two men were elected to positions on the board of directors and the board of publications. Five board of directors positions were up for grabs this year. Robert Acosta, Patricia Beattie, and Jean Mann, all of whom were eligible for re-election, were re-elected to the board by acclimation. Ninetta Garner and Durward McDaniel were also eligible for re- election, but chose not to run. Ardis Bazyn, a vendor from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was nominated to run for one of the open board of directors positions. She faced a challenge from Richard Villa, an ACB member from Texas. Robert Acosta of California and Kim Charlson of Watertown, Mass., gave her nominating and seconding speeches. Villa's nominating speech was given by Nadine Saffell, president of the American Council of the Blind of Texas, and the seconding speech was offered by Durward McDaniel, also of Texas. Bazyn captured 65 percent of the vote to win the election. Deborah Kendrick, president of the Ohio Council of the Blind, was nominated by the nominating committee to fill the second available board position. She was challenged by Sue Ammeter, president of the Washington Council of the Blind. Billie Jean Hill, chair- person of the board of publications, and ACB Second Vice President Charles Hodge spoke in Kendrick's behalf. Ammeter's speakers were Chris Gray, former chairman of the board of publications, and Pam Shaw, president of the American Council of the Blind Social Service Providers. Ammeter won the election, capturing nearly 73 percent of the vote. By far the most suspense-filled voting in the 1992 elections occurred when conven- tioners elected members of the Board of Publications of the American Council of the Blind. Dana Walker of Montgomery, Ala., was re-elected to her second term by acclimation. Those seeking to fill the positions held by Phyllis Stern of Oak Park, Ill., and Carol McCarl of Salem. Ore., had a more difficult time of it. McCarl and Stern were not eligible for re- election, having served three consecutive two-year terms, the maximum number allowed by the constitution. The nominating committee nominated Mitch Pomerantz, a Los Angeles city employee and chairman of the ACB Resolutions Committee, to fill one of the vacant positions. Chris Gray and Dr. Otis Stephens, immediate past president of American Council of the Blind, spoke in Pomerantz's behalf. Pomerantz was challenged by Dan Simpson of Baltimore, Md. Deborah Kendrick and Jay Doudna of Pennsylvania gave Simpson's seconding speeches. Pomerantz won, capturing 75 percent of the vote. In a three-way race to fill the final position, Thomas Mitchell, a Bureau of reclamation employee from Salt Lake City, Utah, was nominated by the nominating committee. He was challenged by Kim Charlson and Dan Simpson. Marcia Nigro of Connecticut and Grant Mack, a member of the board of directors from Salt Lake City, spoke in Mitchell's behalf. ACB Board Member Michael Byington of Topeka, Kan., and Laura Oftedahl, producer and host of "ACB Reports" of Watertown, Mass., spoke in Charlson's behalf. Deborah Kendrick and Gary Le Gates of Westminster, Md., spoke for Dan Simpson. Since none of the three candidates received a majority vote on the first ballot, Simpson, who got the fewest number, was dropped, leaving Charlson and Mitchell to compete for the final position. Charlson won the hotly contended race, receiving 51 per- cent of the vote. LOOKING FORWARD TO ACB'S 32ND NATIONAL CONVENTION by John A. Horst, Convention Coordinator The 1993 convention of the American Council of the Blind will be held near San Francisco, Calif. The Airport Marriott and Weston Hotels are located just minutes from the San Francisco airport 14 miles from the city. The dates of the convention are July 3 to 10, 1993. It was a Spanish army expedition from Mexico that first discovered the San Francisco Bay in 1769. The first colonizing party arrived in 1776 to found the Presidio of San Francisco and the Mission DeLores. For decades after that, a small band of mission aries labored to educate and convert the Indians of the Costanoan Tribe in the Bay Area. Until 1848, the population of the area was only about 900. But in May of that same year, Sam Brannan ran stumbling through the muddy potholes of Montgomery Street holding high a quinine bottle with its contents glinting in the sun. "Gold!" he shouted. "Gold from the American River." After that, more than 40,000 fortune hunters poured through the Golden Gate. San Francisco immediately became a boom town. Much of San Francisco's financial district today is built on acres of ships abandoned during the stampede. The world-famous History Museum on Montgomery Street brims with 49'er memorabilia. At the Mint on 5th and Museum Streets, a pyramid of gold bars valued at $1 million is on display, and the Bank of California features a $1 million collection of gold coins and currency. Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, San Francisco covers 46 square miles, has a population of 723,959, and is the hub of the Greater Bay Area, where more than 6 million people reside. San Francisco is everybody's favorite city, hosting more than 13 million visitors, conventioners, and business travelers each year. The Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermen's Wharf, Chinatown, cable cars, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, museums and art galleries, Sauralito/Muir Woods, wine country, and the life and culture of the area are some of the main attractions. The Airport Marriott Hotel, located at 1800 Old Bayshore Highway at Burlingame, Tel. (415) 692-9100, will be the lead hotel, providing 600 rooms for the 1993 convention. The Weston Hotel, about two blocks distant on the same street, is the overflow hotel. Tel. (415) 692-3500. Room rates at both hotels are $45 per night for single and double occu- pancy and $55 per night for triple and quad. Reservations can be made at any time by calling either hotel. With the very able assistance of Robert Acosta, president of the California Council of the Blind and the California Host Committee, working together with the ACB Convention Coordinating Committee, we are looking forward to a great convention in 1993. WARNINGS: INACTION MAY BE HAZARDOUS by Paul W. Schroeder Director of Governmental Affairs One of the distinguishing and positive characteristics of the Ame rican Council of the Blind has been its long history of support for improved rights and access for people with disabilities. These efforts have ranged from active support for the Americans with Disabilities Act and participation in the design of accessibility standards by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to more "hands on" activity by ACB members who worked to force communities to install access features such as curb ramps. Of course, our efforts have also focused on the means by which access and independence could be improved for blind persons. In this article the focus will be on one significant accessibility feature--detectable warnings. DETECTABLE WARNINGS, A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF ACCESS During the past two decades, people with disabilities fought hard to reduce or eliminate architectural barriers. Curb cuts, ramps and automatic doors are but a few of the improvements in accessibility for people with disabilities which have come about during this time. However, progress often results in unintended consequences. One problem that has emerged is the need for cues to allow blind travelers to identify a curb cut or uncurbed intersection or as an alert to a potential hazard such as a transit platform edge. Shallow curb ramps or uncurbed intersections offer no effective cues to the blind or visually impaired traveler to alert him or her to the difference between the sidewalk and the street. As for transit platform edges, the danger of a fall is clearly of grave concern to blind travel- ers. Even the most well trained traveler can make a mistake where few cues are available or where confusion or activity may mask the cues which are available. In the mid 1980s, ACB members began to work with city planners, transit officials and tile manufacturers to develop a surface which could be applied in certain settings to serve as a visually and tactually detectable cue or alert for the blind traveler. Four compo- nents have emerged as critical in the design of an effective surface for this purpose: visual contrast, sound-on-cane, resiliency and texture. Also, because these surfaces must notify a traveler to proceed with caution, consistency is critical. Just as stop signs are the same across the nation, so the use of a warning surface must also be consistent. IMPACT OF THE ADA When the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, a federal agency known as the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (commonly known as the Access Board) was given the task of writing accessibility guidelines which could be followed by entities complying with the ADA. The Access Board published the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities in the Federal Register on July 26, 1991 (the guidelines for Transit Facilities were published in the Federal Register on September 6, 1991). The guidelines were incorporated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, two of the federal agencies given enforcement authority under the ADA. The Access Board included specification for the design and use of detectable warnings which closely followed the specifications suggested in various studies and in recommendations made by ACB and other organizations. The specifications called for detectable warnings to consist of "raised truncated domes with a diameter of ... 0.9 in ..., a height of ... 0.2 in ... and a center-to-center spacing of ... 2.35 in." The warning surface "shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light." The Access Board suggests that the material used to create the visual contrast should contrast by at least 70 percent. For detectable warnings used on interior settings, the material shall "differ from adjoining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact. The warnings are to be installed along platform edges in new and key transit stations and at newly constructed or altered curb ramps and uncurbed intersections. In addition, the construction of a reflecting pool which is not protected by a rail or wall should be surrounded by a detectable warning." If you have not seen a detectable warning surface you can imagine one by placing several combinations of two quarters or one nickel on top of one quarter on a flat surface in a pattern approximately two and one-half inches apart. This provides a rough idea of the height, size and spacing of the domes in the surface. Several manufacturers now make products which comply with this design. The products now in use are diverse. For example, a "stamp" can be used to embed the detectable warning design in wet concrete. Or, detectable warnings can be installed by adhering various kinds of tiles onto a surface such as a transit platform or a curb ramp. These warning surfaces are now being deployed in many settings across the nation. WARNINGS THREATENED When the Access Board held public hearings on its proposed ADA Accessibility Guidelines, some individuals suggested that blind people didn't need such warnings. Fortunately, the Access Board was well aware of the extensive data and interest supporting the need for and use of a warning surface in certain potentially hazardous places. However, the detectable warning surface is under threat. As ANSI began to revise its American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, language describing detectable warnings similar to that in the ADAAG was put into the draft. However, after concerted lobbying efforts by industry groups such as the Building Owners and Managers Association and the American Hotel and Motel Association, with the assistance of the National Federation of the Blind, the warning language was all but removed. According to the most recent version of the document, which is likely to be approved by ANSI, detectable warnings in a site must "be standard within a building, facility, site or complex of buildings." The ANSI document is significant for two reasons. First, it is likely that an attempt will be made to have the ANSI document certified as equivalent to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines as a standard for compliance with the ADA. This would mean that entities could choose whether to install detectable warnings or deviate from uniform standards, thereby rendering the surfaces completely meaningless. Second, ANSI is often cited in state building codes for accessibility for people with disabilities. The lack of clear detectable warning standards in the document will lead to further confusion and delays in deploying these needed standards. Some groups and individuals have expressed concern that detectable warnings such as those specified by the Access Board could be a tripping hazard or a danger to people using mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs. However, studies of detectable warning surfaces have not shown any such hazard. Furthermore, the warnings are in use along platform edges throughout at least two rail transit systems (in San Francisco and Miami), and those systems have not reported any trips or other accidents associated with the warning surfaces. However, another study is being conducted to ensure that these warnings are not going to cause accidents. The study is being conducted in Boston, using the facilities of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. Results may be available before the end of the year. WHAT'S NEXT The Access Board will soon publish a new set of proposed ADA accessibility guidelines applicable to state and local governments. These accessibility standards are very important because they could have a dramatic impact on the installation of needed de- tectable warnings at uncurbed intersections and at curb ramps. Public streets and sidewalks fall under the jurisdiction of local governments. When the proposed guidelines are published, probably sometime late this year, the Access Board will solicit comment by the public in writing and at various public hearings. Several public transportation agencies are petitioning the Department of Transporta- tion to delay the requirement for the installation of detectable warnings in key transit rail stations. In addition, some facilities are asking that nonstandard material be allowed as a detectable warning surface. Finally, it is likely that the Department of Justice will be asked to amend its ADA regulation or the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. You can certainly expect that one of the amendments which will be sought is the elimination of detectable warnings from the guidelines. WHAT TO DO The best way to ensure that the accessibility concerns of people who are blind or visually impaired receive sufficient attention is for interested persons to work together in an informal network. To add your name to such a network or for more information about detectable warnings and other accessibility features, contact Paul W. Schroeder at the ACB National Office or Gene Lozano, 3701 Whitney Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821, or call (no collect calls please) (916) 485-8307 (evening). ACB affiliates and members must be prepared to respond to the Access Board's proposed accessibility guidelines for state and local government when it is published in the Federal Register later this year. We must write comments and attend public hearings to once again clearly explain whydetectable warnings (and other modest accessibility features) are essential for independent, effective and safe travel by people who are blind or visually impaired. Second, affiliates must contact transit systems in your area to be sure that they are preparing to install warnings on platform edges. Third, state and local affiliates must work with government building code-enforcement officials and building managers to ensure that they understand the importance of various access features such as detectable warnings, and Braille, large print and raised character signage. ACB has a list of detectable warning product manufacturers which we would be glad to send you. We also have a partial list of manufacturers of accessible signage which we can make available. In addition, the Access Board has a bulletin about detectable warnings which lists manufacturers. You can contact the Access Board at 1331 F. Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20004-1111, or call (202) 272-5434. NEW ACB POSITION AVAILABLE The American Council of the Blind is now accepting applications for the position to be located in its National Office in Washington, DC, and tentatively titled Coordinator of Affiliate Membership Relations. Approximately 65% of the work will deal with affiliate and membership relations in cooperation with the Membership Development, Scholarship, and other committees; approximately 20% will deal with assisting the National Convention Committee, and the remaining 15% will deal with other duties as assigned. Samples of work to be performed will include but will not be limited to the preparation of a handbook for the assistance of affiliate secretaries and treasurers, the preparation, updating or obtaining of appropriate resource materials, the provision of assistance to the National Alliance of Blind Students and other specialized affiliates, the provision of assistance to the ACB National Convention Coordinator and the preparation of a convention planning manual, the preparation of appropriate membership development materials and the coordination of the scholarshipprogram in cooperation with the ACB Scholarship Com- mittee. Required qualifications include knowledge of blindness services and issues of importance to blind and visually impaired people, PC computer literacy, excellent organi- zational and communication skills, an Associates degree or higher level in education, and two years work experience. Additional desirable qualifications include two years work experience in an association or similar office, experience in abstracting and organizing infor- mation and knowledge of Braille. Salary range mid to upper twenties based on qualifica- tions. Applications consisting of a letter, a resume (including references) and a writing sample should be submitted to: Mr. Oral O. Miller, National Representative, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 720, Washington, DC., 20005. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. ACB AWARDS ANNOUNCED On Sunday, July 5, the American Council of the Blind honored several of its members for their outstanding contributions to ACB and for their achievements in furthering positive public images of blindness. ACB Board of Publications Chairperson Billie Jean Hill began by announcing the recipient of the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award. Jennifer Sutton, the editor of "The Student Advocate," the newsletter of the National Alliance of Blind Students, won for her article, "When Advocacy Makes a Real Difference," which appeared in "The Braille Forum" in March, 1992. In the article, Sutton discussed her difficulty in taking the Graduate Record Exam with a reader rather than in her preferred medium of Braille, and how her testimony in front of the Department of Justice ultimately ensured that the Educational Testing Service would provide their tests in Braille. "I had no idea I'd get so much mileage out of ETS and all my trials and tribulations with it," Sutton quipped as she accepted the award. Hill next presented the Vernon Henley Media Award to Diane Croft, the director of marketing for National Braille Press. Croft produced a feature for Boston's Channel Five which explained how several blind people incorporated assistive technology and braille production into their workplaces. In accepting the award, Croft explained that she wrote the segment out of frustration that other TV features about assistive technology focused only on talking computers, downplaying the importance of braille. Croft expressed satisfaction that the Channel Five feature "finally got it right." Hill concluded by presenting an Outstanding Service Award to Phyllis Stern. Stern served for 12 years on the Board of Publications, and Hill commended Stern for her years of dedication to the BOP and to ACB. THIRTY YEARS AGO IN THE "FORUM" The October 1962 issue of "The Braille Forum" contained the text of ACB President Ned E. Freeman's address to the 1962 convention in St. Louis, Mo. Freeman was elected the charter president of ACB in 1961 and worked diligently to publicize the new organi- zation on a national level and to get ACB on good working terms with other organizations. An article elsewhere in the October 1962 issue stated that under Freeman's leadership, "The ACB is in safe hands." Freeman stepped down as president in 1966 and became the editor of "The Braille Forum," a position he held until his death in 1969. In his address to the convention, Freeman stressed that rather than looking back on what ACB had accomplished during his first year, he preferred to look ahead: "I am much more interested in where we are going than I am in where we have been. In making progress, the important thing is not so much the speed at which one proceeds, but the direction. If you have a 350 horsepower car and go tearing down the highway at 120 miles an hour just for the sake of going, you are not likely to arrive anywhere--except at a hospital or cemetery. Let us choose our course, know where we are going, and then make progress as we can." Freeman believed that most ACB members agreed with him when he stated his feelings about what he believed ACB should accomplish: " ... We are concerned about blind people but we are not only concerned about blind people; we are concerned about people. We are interested in furthering not only our own welfare but the welfare of everyone-- the welfare of the country. We don't want to be a selfish special interest group which is concerned only with things that will benefit us materially or directly. There are others who are in a whole lot worse shape than we are, as you know. There are sighted people who need just as much in the way of guidance and training as does any blind person. There are the newly blinded people who are looking to us to show them the way in a new and frightening experience." Freeman seemed to anticipate the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act when he spoke of improving the public image of blind people: "It is important that we get over to the public, and especially to prospective employers, the fact that blind people have many and varied abilities and that it is ability and not disability that counts; that the blind employee is a good employee; that the handicapped employee in general is a superior employee. "All of these things, I believe, are much more important than lobbying in Congress and before state legislatures for special privileges and handouts for the blind ... I know that there is a lot of room for improvement in legislation, particularly in some states where the legislation has not kept pace with what is available in other states or permissible under Federal law. Assistance in such matters should be made available by the American Council of the Blind to local and state organizations that need and request this help." In conclusion, Freeman thanked the audience for their positive response to the "Braille Forum," and finished his report by once again summarizing his hopes for ACB: "The first year of the American Council of the Blind has been a very interesting and, I feel, a productive one. My heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your cooperation and support. May we go forward in the future, all working together, along the course which it is the duty of this convention to establish, remembering always that it is direction and not speed that counts." HERE AND THERE by Elizabeth M. Lennon The announcement of new products and services in this column should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services by the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. The Braille Forum cannot be responsible for the reliability of products or services mentioned. JOB OPPORTUNITY The state of Indiana is seeking a deputy director of its blind and visually impaired section, part of the state's Division of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. The deputy director is responsible for the administration of the Blind and Visually Impaired Section. The Blind and Visually Impaired Section's programs include: Statewide Itinerant Rehabilitation Teaching, Bosma Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Randolph Sheppard Vending Program, Randolph Sheppard Vendor Training, and Adaptive Technology Lab. The deputy director supervises Program Directors of the Blind and Visually Impaired Section programs and develops budgets for various accounts required for operating programs. The deputy director actively participates in the Division of Aging and Rehabilita- tion Services Management Team and works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure effective services for people who are blind and visually impaired. The deputy director main- tains a working relationship with the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the General Services Administration, and other state and federal agency representatives. Applicants will be considered based on education, experience, thorough knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired. Salary range is $32,916 to $50,752. The employment date is negotiable. For further information, call (317) 232-1433 (voice) or (317) 232-1466 (TDD). Please send resume by November 15, 1992 to Jacquelyn Pitman, Acting Deputy Director, Blind and Visually Impaired Section, Division of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, 402 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 7083, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083. BRAILLE TRANSCRIBER Catherine Thomas, 7501 Ridge Blvd., Apt. 2A, Brooklyn, NY 11209, will transcribe printed or even taped material into grade 1 or grade 2 braille. You choose paper size, and can order braille on both sides of the page. Costs may be reduced if you submit material on computer disk. Estimates are given over the phone, and completed jobs are returned on receipt of payment. For more information, write to the above address or call (718) 745- 4343. POLITICS AND COMPUTERS "Run For President" Version 3.0 is now available, according to an announcement from Richard De Steno. The computer game is compatible with IBM-compatible machines and includes great sound effects. You compete against the computer to be President of the United States. You'll travel around the country to gain electoral votes. If you have an older version of the game, you can upgrade for $5. Those buying for the first time will pay $20. Send a check to Richard De Steno, 20 Meadowbrook Rd., Short Hills, NJ 07078. Tel. (201) 379-7471. (The game will be sent on a 5.25-inch disk unless a 3.5-inch disk is re- quested.) GREETING CARDS Braille and print greeting cards of various kinds and categories are available for $2 per card, $7.25 for a package of 10, $12.50 for a package of 20, and $19.75 for a package of 30. (Add $1 for shipping.) Contact Lisa Mammarelli, 1218 Illinois Ave. Apt. 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Tel. (412) 344-3449. LOW FAT COOKING A 32-page international cookbook featuring low-fat dishes is available in large print and braille. To order, send $3.95 to No Limits, Inc., 2915 W. Fitch, Chicago, IL 60645. LARGE PRINT RECIPES "Large Print Recipes for a Healthy Life: Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Sodium, no Added Sugar" by Judith Caditz is available from the Center for the Partially Sighted, 720 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The book includes nutritional analysis, diabetic exchange, and low vision tips. The book costs $16.95 plus an unspecified amount for shipping and handling. ADA INFO The American Foundation for the Blind and the National Center for Law and Deafness at Gallaudet University have jointly established a new information service called Americans with Disabilities Act Communications Accommodations Project, according to "AER Reports," February 1992. This project will provide free legal advice and technical assistance to help businesses comply with the ADA and educate individuals with com- munication disabilities about their rights. For information, contact the AFB hotline at (202) 223-0101 or the NCLD number (202) 651-5343 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern time weekdays. MORE ADA INFO Cassette and large print copies of the regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act are available from Office of Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, P.O. Box 66738, Washington, DC 20035. TAPED TRAVEL GUIDE An audiocassette series entitled "Experiencing America" features 52 travel tapes describing the history, culture, natural wonders, and recreational opportunities of each state and Washington, D.C. The tapes cost $4.95 each or $189.95 for the set. For more informa- tion, contact Experiencing America, Inc., P.O. Box 250, Department NI, Cedar City, UT 84721. Tel. (801) 586-2600. LOW VISION AID The Horizon Low Vision Magnifier is a new digital scanning system which automatically converts text from regular printed material to a single line of continuously scrolling words with up to 33X magnification. It makes easy and fast hands-free reading possible, offering high contrast and smooth characters. For information, write to Bossert Specialties, Inc., P.O. Box 15441, Phoenix, AZ 85080. To arrange for a demonstration, call Mentor O and O at (800) 992-7557. T- SHIRTS AVAILABLE Braille International, a non-profit producer of braille materials, sells t-shirts as a fund-raising activity designed to defray the cost of braille production. According to an announcement from the company, the t-shirts cost $11.66 for size XXL and $10.60 for other sizes. (Prices include tax). The t-shirts are made of 100 percent cotton, have the Braille International logo on the front pocket, and the braille alphabet on the back. They come in black, teal blue, jade green, purple, and tropical pink with white lettering. To order, contact Braille International, Inc., 3142 S.E. Jay St., Stuart, FL 34997. Tel. (407) 286-8909 or (800) 336-3142. TALKING CREDIT CARDS The Special Touch is a new talking device offered by Discover Card to blind people in the retail business, according to the March 1992 issue of "Vendorscope," the newsletter of the Randolph Sheppard Vendors of America. The Special Touch Terminal enables blind and low vision workers to conduct credit card transactions. The terminal converts visual information into spoken messages. The machine provides audible authorization data, and reports of daily balances for bookkeeping purposes is available audibly. For more detailed information, contact Donn Calloway, Discover Credit Card Services, Inc., 2500 Lake Cook Rd., Riverwood, IL 60015. BOOK ON HORSES Want to learn more about horses? The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped can help. NLS has produced a new book in its leisure reading series. "An Introduction to Horses, Riding, Racing, Ranching, and Reading for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals " is available from your talking book lending library. BIBLES ON TAPE Cassette copies of the Bible are available to agencies serving the blind and to print disabled individuals who send evidence which certifies their vision loss. Agencies requesting free taped Bibles may simply send their re quest on agency letterhead and designate the language needed. The Bible is available in 33 languages. For more information, contact Bible Alliance, P.O. Box 621, Bradenton, FL 34206. LARGE TYPE NEWS "The New York Times Large Type Weekly" provides highlights of the past week's issue of the regular editions of "The New York Times." Available in easy-to-read large type, the weekly costs $58.00. To subscribe, contact the New York Times Large Type Weekly, P.O. Box 5792, New York, NY 10087 HSHORTWAVE MAGAZINE "Popular Communications," a magazine for shortwave, ham, CB, and AM/FM radio enthusiasts, is now available in braille as part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped magazine program. The magazine addresses a variety of radio communications aspects including cellular telephones, FCC regulations, Amateur and CB radio, broadcast and shortwave DX'ing, and a handy schedule of times and frequencies for a host of shortwave stations. To order, contact your talking book lending library. AFB CONSUMER PRODUCTS The American Foundation for the Blind has a new toll-free number and address for ordering from its consumer products division, according to the March 1992 issue of "The LCB Slate," the newsletter of the Louisiana Council of the Blind. The new address for the department is 100 Enterprise Pl., P.O. Box 7044, Dover, DE 19903. Tel. (800) 829-0500. CHRISTIAN MATERIAL Free magazines on tape and in braille are available from the Christian Fellowship for the Blind. Publications include: "Moody Monthly," "Power of Living," "Our Daily Bread," "Decision," "Focus on the Family," and "Citizen Magazine." The group also offers books in braille and on cassette. Contact Christian Fellowship for the Blind, Inc., 11241 Fair Oaks Ave., P.O. Box 26, South Pasadena, CA 94031. NUTRASWEET RECIPES "Tasty, Tantalizing Recipes from the Kitchen of Equal," the Nutrasweet brand sweetener, is available free in large print. Call (800) 323-5316 to order. FREE FROM CAMPBELL'S The Campbell Soup Company offers "Easy Ways to Delicious Meals" in braille and large print. To order a free copy, write to Volunteer Services for the Blind, 919 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. SOCIAL SECURITY INFO The Social Security Administration announces the availability of two new programs for people who are blind or otherwise unable to read conventional public information material. A three-hour, four-track cassette has been produced which summarizes SSA's consumer booklet "Understanding Social Security." The tape includes a general overview of social security programs including SSI and SSDI, retirement payments, and survivors benefits. A braille version is also available. Both tape and braille versions may be borrowed from the library where you get talking books. The second program involves broadcasts on more than 100 radio reading services throughout the United States. The broadcasts are a joint initiative with the radio reading service in Baltimore and the Social Security Administration. HELPING OTHERS SEE BETTER The only optical lab in the United States designed to employ blind people opened its doors in January 1987, according to the Newsletter of the American Foundation for the Blind Midwest Center, February 1992. Arizona Industries for the Blind in Phoenix conceived Handilab as a model of a non-traditional employment option for legally blind people. Currently, 10 blind men and women are working there fulltime in a variety of jobs involving machinery such as edgers and lensometers. They also tint, fire, and polish lenses. They also measure height of bifocals, and fit glasses to a customer's face. The newsletter says Handilab produces 100 pairs of glasses daily. INTERNATIONAL SCENE The Helen Keller International annual report for 1990-1991 highlights the organization's global efforts, according to "International Rehabilitation," Spring 1992. In order to decrease nutritional blindness caused by Vitamin A deficiency, HKI has begun programs in Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Niger, with aid being given to groups in 12 African countries. HKI has established cataract-free zones where eye surgeons attempt to locate and cure all those who are cataract blind within a few months. Such zones have been established in Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Paraguay. BRAILLE PRINTER The Bookmaker, a braille printer available from Enabling Technologies, produces interpoint braille at the rate of 200 pages in less than an hour. It can produce high- resolution graphics on the same page with text, requiring no user intervention to do so. For more information, contact Enabling Technologies, Marketing Division, 3102 S.E. Jay St., Stuart, FL 34997. A NEW KIND OF SLATE A new slate that allows braillists to write from left to right uses a special hollow stylus which presses the paper down over a set of pins located under the center of the rosette plate openings which are used to guard the stylus, according to "The Missouri Chronicle," February 1992. The Handicapped Resources Corporation, Inc. wants to furnish these direct braille slates at minimum cost to blind and visually impaired people and teachers in the field. For more information, contact Handicapped Resources Corporation, Inc., Attn. Braillewriter Fund, First American Bank, 805 Broadway, Lenoir City, TN 37771. SING IT WITH BRAILLE Christian Education for the Blind offers "The Evangel Hymn Book" in braille and large print. It contains 200 hymns for all occasions. The large print version, with words only, is $10.00. The braille version with words and music is $20.00. Contact Christian Education for the Blind, P.O. Box 6399, Fort Worth, TX 76115. NEW FROM HOUSTON Several innovative items are available from the aids and appliances department of the Houston Lighthouse for the Blind, according to the "Vendorscope," June 1992. Available items include an entrance signal mat, which is a pressure-sensitive switch concealed under a mat. It emits a two-tone chime when stepped on, and costs $120. The lighthouse also offers a variety of calendars including a large print date calendar featuring a blank page each month for writing notes and appointments, and a two-page monthly calendar. For more information, contact the Lighthouse of Houston Sales Store, 3602 W. Dallas St., Houston, TX 77019. MAIL ORDER INFORMATION Carolyn's is a new mail order catalogue outlet featuring products for blind and visually impaired people. The catalogue is unique in that it is the only one that features CCTV's that can be purchased directly from the factory at a savings of up to $1,000 per machine. Carolyn's guarantees every item sold through its catalogue, offering a 30-day money back policy. The CCTV's are factory warranted for two years. To receive the catalogue, write to Carolyn's Catalogue, Inc., 17355 Miero Ln., Brookfield, WI 53045. HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP Editor's Note: In the November/December 1991 "High Tech Swap Shop," we ran an ad stating that an individual in Florissant, MO., was interested in purchasing Hall or Lavender braillewriters. We recently received a letter from Audrey Haselton from the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired alerting us that her association had sent braillewriters to the individual at the Missouri address and had not been paid for the braillers. We attempted to contact the individual in question, and were told we had a wrong number. While we regret the Vermont Association's loss, "The Braille Forum" simply cannot verify the condition of equipment announced in this column, nor are we in any way capable of determining whether a buyer or seller will indeed make good on a pledge over the phone or otherwise. While we can do little to correct the situation in Vermont, we can assure our readers that we will do everything possible to ensure that the individuals and company in question are no longer given space for announcements in this or any other column. FOR SALE: VersaBraille II Plus with carrying case, battery charger, braille owners manual, VersaBraille dictionary, cassette owner's manual, utilities disks, printer and serial cable, BIT software, and various other software. Recently serviced by TSI, the VersaBraille is in excellent working condition. $1,000 or best offer. Contact in braille or cassette, Miss Jessie L. Rayl, 104 Kent Terrace Apt. 4, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Tel. (304) 263-4009. FOR SALE: Four-month-old Navigator with 40-character display reading machine, includes check-writing and letter-writing page. $1,000. Contact Alvin Dettmer, RR1 Box 196, Kensington, KS 66951. Tel. (913) 476-2222. FOR SALE: Optacon Model R1D, $1,800; Macintosh Plus computer with internal and externalplay, 8-dot computer braille cell. Price includes all manuals, accessories, and shipping. Still under warranty, will consider any offer above $5,500. Contact Maureen Young, evenings and weekends, no collect calls please. (619) 260-1213. FOR SALE: V-Tek Voyager 800K floppy drives, turbo mouse, 4MB of RAM, system software, manuals, tutorial tapes/disks, $800. Also, Yaesu HT model FT28R $120. Contact Margaret Ricciardi, 86 Simcoe St., Oyster Bay, NY 11771. ACB BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Robert Acosta, 20734-C Devonshire, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Sue Ammeter, 3233 NE 95th Street, Seattle, WA 98115. Ardis Bazyn, 2816 Glen Elm Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Patricia Beattie, Crystal Towers #206 N, 1600 S. Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202. Michael Byington, 909 SW College, Topeka, KS 66606. John Horst, Luzerne Co. Council o/t Blind, Inc., 221 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 1386, Wil- kes-Barre, PA 18703. Grant Mack, 139 E. South Temple #500, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Jean Mann, 6-D Downing Square, Guilderland, NY 12084. Dick Seifert, 1023 Scott St. Apt. F, Little Rock, AR 72202. Stephen Speicher, 825 M Street, Suite 216, Lincoln, NE 68508. Otis H. Stephens, Ph.D., Department of Political Science, University of Tennessee, 1001 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996-0410. BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Billie Jean Hill, Chairperson, 737 N. Buchanan St., Arlington, VA 22203. Kim Charlson, 57 Grandview Ave, Watertown, MA 02172. Mitch Pomerantz, 1344 N. Martel Ave #102, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Edward Potter, 1308 Evergreen Ave., Goldsboro, NC 27530. Dana Walker, 341 Eagerton Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116. Ex Officio: Laura Oftedahl, 104 Coolidge Hill Rd #7, Watertown, MA 02172.