THE BRAILLE FORUM Volume XLVI November 2007 No. 4 Published by the American Council of the Blind THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND STRIVES TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. Mitch Pomerantz, President Melanie Brunson, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor National Office: 1155 15th St. NW Suite 1004 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 Fax: (202) 467-5085 Web site: http://www.acb.org THE BRAILLE FORUM (TM) is available in braille, large print, half-speed four-track cassette tape, and via e-mail. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to Sharon Lovering at the address above, or via e-mail to slovering@acb.org. Submission deadlines are the first of the month. The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, visit the ACB web site and complete an application form, or contact the national office at the number listed above. Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Mike Godino at the above mailing address. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office can make printed cards available for this purpose. To remember the American Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, contact the ACB national office. Join the MMS program and help improve tomorrow today in ACB. Contact Ron Milliman by e-mail, rmilliman@insightbb.com, or by phone at (270) 782-9325 and get started making tomorrow look brighter today! To make a contribution to ACB via the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 5 p.m. to midnight Eastern time, or visit the Washington Connection online at http://www.acb.org. Copyright 2007 American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: Image and Perception, by Mitch Pomerantz In the Starting Gate, by Carla Ruschival Get Your Thinking Caps On!, by Nola McKinney Affiliate News Survey of Guide Dog Teams In Memoriam: Arnold Auch, by Charles S.P. Hodge Ellen Chard -- She Did the Best She Could with What She Had, by Linda Yacks Summary of 2007 Resolutions It's the Newsreel!, by Toni and Ed Eames From Your Perspective: Transformation, by Rick Morin Here and There, by Sue Lichtenfels High Tech Swap Shop FORUM SUBSCRIPTION NOTES You can now get "The Braille Forum" by podcast! To subscribe, go to "The Braille Forum" page on www.acb.org. If you do not yet have a podcast client, you can download one from the Forum page. To subscribe to "The Braille Forum" via e-mail, send a blank e-mail message to brailleforum-L-subscribe@acb.org. ARE YOU MOVING? DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll take care of the changes for you. Happy Thanksgiving! ***** PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: IMAGE AND PERCEPTION by Mitch Pomerantz I mentioned in my last column that I subscribed to ACB-L during the campaign for president and have remained subscribed since the election. While it may be argued that the 300 or so subscribers are not necessarily representative of ACB's membership as a whole, there is no question in my mind those who participate on this list are a broad cross-section of the blindness community. The diversity of experiences shared and opinions expressed truly cover the social and political waterfront. Recently, a subscriber posted to express serious concern over a Paul Harvey ad -- a testimonial letter read by Harvey -- for a vitamin product which claims to retard or halt macular degeneration. In the ad, Harvey says that blindness would amount to the end of the letter writer's life. The gentleman would be unable to drive, or to earn a living; the typical public misconceptions about blindness with which we are all too familiar. Considerable and sometimes heated posts ensued as to how or even whether ACB should respond. Several subscribers believed there was little point because none of the principals -- the network, Harvey, the sponsor, or the sponsor's advertising agency -- would pay the slightest bit of attention to our protest. Others felt ACB should chastise Harvey for his total lack of understanding concerning blindness, while still others thought ACB should at least make an attempt to educate him regarding our abilities and capabilities. After weighing the various points of view and considering whether ACB, as the leading consumer advocacy organization on behalf of blind and visually impaired people, had a responsibility in this situation, I ultimately decided to have the chair of our public relations committee and a professor of marketing at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Ron Milliman, draft a letter to Harvey and company to try educating and informing them about vision loss. This letter -- which was posted to ACB-L -- received unanimous approval for its tone and content. The decision to take advantage of this opportunity was based on my strongly held belief that the American Council of the Blind has the responsibility, whenever and wherever possible, to improve the public's generally negative attitude about blindness and blind people. In 21st century America, our image as a minority group and public perceptions about us are critical to the acceptance and inclusion of blind and visually impaired people in society as a whole. This is one reason -- but certainly not the only reason -- for our unconscionably high rate of unemployment and the other forms of discrimination we experience on a regular basis. So, let's briefly explore how blind people are viewed by the sighted public. For starters, numerous surveys conducted over several decades have consistently shown that blindness is the most feared disability after HIV/AIDS (since that epidemic was first recognized in the 1980s) and cancer, both of which are often fatal. Since blindness in and of itself is not typically fatal, this speaks volumes about our public image and societal perceptions. As a disability-awareness trainer for over 20 years, one of the exercises I always used was one in which I listed five disabilities: blindness, deafness, paraplegia, epilepsy and mental retardation. Next, I told participants to choose two of these disabilities: first, the disability they would most prefer if they were to wake up tomorrow morning with one of the disabilities mentioned. And second, the disability, out of those five, that they would least prefer to have, given the same scenario. Not surprisingly, in classes of 20 to 25 sighted attendees, it was rare to have anyone choose to be blind. Epilepsy and deafness were almost always the most preferred. And no, blindness was seldom chosen as the least preferred disability by a majority of trainees. That distinction usually went to mental retardation. Typically, there were two to four participants whose "least preferred" choice was blindness. What about television and movies? How are we portrayed in the media, which plays such an influential role in modern American society? I must admit that I'm far from a TV or film buff (although I loved "Scent of a Woman"). I can't think of too many characterizations of everyday blind people. Perhaps Jake, the proprietor of the newspaper stand in "Becker," comes closest to a regular blind person in the popular media. It is apparent to me that blind and visually impaired people as a group still have a very long way to go before achieving full equality and total acceptance by society. Say what you like, the process of educating the public that blindness does not have to be an overwhelming tragedy is one which requires every ACB member, as well as the organization itself, to respond in a positive manner to negative portrayals and stereotypic notions about blindness when brought to our attention. We know that tens of thousands of us are working, raising families, and otherwise living satisfying, fulfilling lives, despite visual impairment. There is an expression in the advertising business: "perception is reality." It is every ACB member's responsibility, on behalf of his or her fellows, to work toward improving the image of all blind people and to strive toward changing the public perception of blindness. With your help, ACB will do just that! ***** IN THE STARTING GATE by Carla Ruschival The 47th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind will be held July 5-12, 2008, at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville, Ky. The Galt House is actually two hotels in one. The Galt House West offers luxurious guest rooms, restaurants with lots of delicious dishes (be sure to try some Derby pie), and a number of meeting rooms. The east side has hundreds of one-bedroom suites, more break-outs, the main ballroom and exhibit hall. The two towers are joined on the third floor by a pedway. It's not too early to make reservations for the convention. However, please do not make reservations just in case you plan to attend. This can prevent others who really want to attend from obtaining the nights they want, and causes innumerable problems for ACB and conventioners. Room rates are $85/night for standard guest rooms on the west side, $105/night for standard suites on the east side. Rates are for single/double occupancy plus tax; add $10 for each additional person in a room (limit four people per room). Call (502) 589-5200 for reservations. The ACB convention committee and the local host committee are in the starting gate and ready to begin the race. Between now and July, we'll be planning and coordinating all kinds of informative and fun activities; there's guaranteed to be something for everyone, young and not-so-young alike, at the 2008 ACB convention. By the time you read this article, the convention committee will have held its fall meeting in Louisville, and plans will be well under way for the basic structure of convention week. Here is some basic contact information for individuals who can answer those frequently asked questions at this time: Exhibits: Michael Smitherman, (601) 968-4164; amduo@bellsouth.net Hotel, special-interest groups and special events: Carla Ruschival, (502) 897-1472; adamcarla@bellsouth.net Sponsors and Advertising: Brenda Dillon, (615) 874-1223; brendan0@bellsouth.net Youth Activity Center: Patti Cox, (502) 893-1750; patti0912@bellsouth.net Watch future issues of "The Braille Forum" for additional contact information, details about workshops, seminars, exhibits, and tours, and information about local attractions and fun. We're off to the races! ***** GET YOUR THINKING CAPS ON! by Nola McKinney It's a new era in ACB, with a new president who has new ideas and goals for our future. The awards committee has some new faces, too. I welcome with open arms Cindy Van Winkle from the great state of Washington, Chelle Hart from South Dakota, and Janet Dickelman from Minnesota. I sure hope you enjoy our committee and the true joy of giving awards. Now I especially want to talk to all of you readers out there. Please, please read each award's criteria carefully and try to think of the person who would fulfill it. I can't tell you how many award letters we receive nominating wonderful people, but they are nominated for the wrong award, or they have done great things in their states, not on a national level. Remember, these are ACB national awards, and I am so proud and happy to be giving them to such deserving people whom my committee knows and can make their judgments on. So read the following descriptions carefully. Remember, it isn't too early to be making your choices and writing those nominating letters. The Robert S. Bray Award is given to a person who has made a contribution for improving library technology or communication devices. It could also be given for expanding access for blind people, or making opportunities within the mainstream media. The George Card Award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to work with and for blind people, making a real difference and improving quality of life, for providing leadership and being a positive role model. The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is one of our most popular awards. It is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization but who has spent his or her life integrating with the community. The James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award is periodically given to individuals who have made important contributions which have advanced opportunities for the blind community. This award can be given to an individual or an organization. The Affiliate Growth Award is based on the greatest increase in membership, as determined by the 2007-2008 membership reports. The Affiliate Outreach Award is based on a recommendation by an affiliate president, which recognizes a local chapter for a new outreach program. This program must have a measurable outcome. Now that you have read them all, I am sure they have brought to mind someone who just fits those qualifications. Write that letter now, before you forget! See you in Louisville! ***** AFFILIATE NEWS North Carolina Holds 39th Annual Convention Members of the North Carolina Council of the Blind gathered at the Village Inn Golf and Conference Center in the Village of Clemmons, Sept. 28- 30, for the council's 39th annual convention. The keynote speaker was ACB President Mitch Pomerantz, who challenged the members to embrace and advance the philosophy and programs of ACB for the benefit of all blind and visually impaired people. Presentations were made by representatives of the Friends of the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the Division of Services for the Blind, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Education, Governor Morehead School for the Blind alumni association, the newly formed state alliance of blind students and others. Officers elected for the 2007-2009 biennium are: President, Ron Eller; 1st Vice President, Terry Lewis; 2nd Vice President, Hubert Ward; Secretary, Allen Casey; Treasurer, Jane Ferrita; members at large, Thelma Crumpler and Joseph Brouhard. Raleigh was selected as the site of the 2008 convention. NCCB joined several non-profit and corporate sponsors to underwrite an evening of classical Indian dance, "The Five Faces of Shiva," performed by Articulate Bangalore in Chapel Hill on Oct. 7. The dance troupe, resident in Bangalore, India, features five blind and visually impaired performers. ***** SURVEY OF GUIDE DOG TEAMS Individuals who are visually impaired and partnered with guide dogs (classified as service animals in the ADA) depend on paratransit services throughout the United States, and we are interested in obtaining information about your guide dog-related experiences with your local paratransit organization. Name: (You may remain anonymous if you wish.) City: State: 1. Have you experienced difficulties when booking a trip with your guide dog? (Circle one) Yes No If yes, please explain: 2. Have you experienced either negative attitudes or behavior by paratransit drivers upon arriving to pick you up, or when you board the vehicle? (Circle one) Yes No If yes, please explain: 3. Have you experienced overcrowded paratransit rides in smaller vehicles such as taxis where you and your guide dog did not have enough room to ride comfortably? (Circle one) Yes No If yes, please explain: 4. Have you and your guide dog experienced problems with trips in larger paratransit vehicles such as vans with ramps, metal floors or loud sounds? (Circle one) Yes No If yes, please explain: 5. Does your paratransit provider offer a means of keeping your guide dog from sliding in the vehicle? (Circle one) Yes No If so, please describe: Please send your responses via e-mail to dmpomerantz@earthlink.net, or regular mail (braille or print) to Donna Pomerantz, 1115 Cordova St. #402, Pasadena, CA 91106, no later than Dec. 31, 2007. I am gathering this information in response to interest shown by Access Services, Inc., the paratransit provider for Los Angeles County. I am a member of ASI's Community Advisory Committee. Thank you for taking the time to complete this brief survey which we hope will make travel easier for guide dog teams. ***** IN MEMORIAM: ARNOLD AUCH by Charles S.P. Hodge Arnold Auch died on Sunday, Aug. 19, in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 83, and his funeral was held on Aug. 24. I felt an obligation to fly almost 2,300 miles round-trip from my home in northern Virginia to Sioux Falls to pay my last respects to this truly extraordinary blind man. Why do I feel so strongly about the passing of Arnold Auch? While I was flying to and from his funeral, a particular quotation kept passing through my mind. During the 1988 vice presidential televised debate, Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.) told his opponent, Sen. Dan Quayle (R-Ind.), "Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine, and Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." In a similar vein, I can tell you that I have known very few men during my lifetime who could come close to measuring up to the high standard of character, integrity and professional success and achievement set by Arnold Auch. I first met Mr. Auch, as I called him then, in the fall of 1955 as I was entering my third grade year and transferred into Potter Cottage at the Perkins School for the Blind. Mr. Auch and his wife, Betty, were serving as house parents to a brood of rowdy third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys. (They had met when they were both students in Perkins School's teacher trainee program, which at that time was conducted in conjunction with Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.) Auch and I soon discovered that we had a mutual interest, politics and national affairs issues. Auch was a confirmed plains-state conservative Republican straight out of the mold of South Dakota's then long-serving Republican U.S. Senators, Carl Mundt and Francis Case. Yet he had lived through the Great Depression, and had witnessed firsthand the suffering and torment of hard- working farm families in his state who, through the bank failures of that era and the resulting foreclosures, were stripped of the land that had been in their families since territorial times. Thus, his conservative Republican values were tempered with several strands of social conscience. I, on the other hand, was an impressionable, but budding, liberal Massachusetts Democrat. After supper, Auch would quite often come to my dorm room in the early evening, and we would listen together to Lowell Thomas' CBS radio news, commentary and editorial program. We would then talk about the pros and cons of the points made by Thomas on both sides of a particular issue. The hottest issue in Washington that year, which Thomas often discussed, was the censure resolution introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ralph Flanders (R-Vt.) against Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wis.), one of the most senior, powerful and influential Republican Senate committee chairmen. This resolution set forth in copious detail Sen. McCarthy's bullying, browbeating, harassing and threatening tactics in questioning witness after witness called before McCarthy's committee. Even despite the fact that McCarthy's anti-Communist witch-hunt campaign had been going on unabated for five years, McCarthy did not lack for fierce supporters and defenders, particularly among very conservative senators such as Sen. Pat McCarran (R- Nev.). Finally, after nine months of debate, the Senate adopted the Flanders resolution in May of 1956. The senators as a body said that they could no longer tolerate McCarthy's overbearing, uncivil and haranguing tactics, and the censure resolution stripped McCarthy of his committee chairmanship, thereby ending for all intents and purposes McCarthy's Senate career. After all the dust had settled concerning the McCarthy censure matter, Auch delighted in gently chiding me about the fact that my hero, Sen. Jack Kennedy (D-Mass.), absented himself from the vote on the censure resolution, thereby giving Kennedy plausible political cover with two adamantly opposed important constituent blocks, his Irish-Catholic and Italian-Catholic constituents who were fiercely anti-Communist and supported Sen. Joe McCarthy on the one hand, and his liberal, academically based constituents on the other hand who supported the resolution. By refusing to take a stand for the record on one of the most important national issues of that time, Auch believed that while taking a pragmatic political course, Kennedy had at best engaged in political hypocrisy, and at the worst had engaged in political cowardice. Auch was not one for mincing his words, and he always called a spade a spade. Even with his criticism of my hero, Jack Kennedy, Arnold Auch taught me that a totally blind man could be a success as a professional, and I told myself, "If Mr. Auch can do it, I can do it too." So, Arnold Auch had become my role model and mentor. The Auchs soon left Perkins to go back to South Dakota. Arnold gave up teaching as he successfully pursued a graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling, and then became a successful rehabilitation counselor for the agency serving the blind in South Dakota. Auch was a member of, leader in and pillar of strength for the South Dakota Association of the Blind (SDAB), the eventual South Dakota affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, for nearly 60 years. Arnold also became a prodigious fund-raiser for programs benefitting blind people through his activities as a Lion in his local club and at the state level. Arnold and Betty Auch were also strong people of faith, but they did not wear their religion on their sleeves. They just quietly rolled up those sleeves and worked behind the scenes to help those who they found less fortunate in the Lord's flock. Although he eschewed any recognition for himself, for all that he had done for decades for individuals who are blind, Auch received ACB's George Card Award in 1996 at the Tulsa, Okla. national convention. Arnold Auch was the kind of man that you would be proud to have as your uncle, grandfather, role model, mentor, or friend. He was, indeed, my role model, mentor and friend, and I will eternally thank him for that. ***** ELLEN CHARD -- SHE DID THE BEST SHE COULD WITH WHAT SHE HAD by Linda Yacks It is with a smile and a tear that I write this article. I can't think about Ellen Chard without remembering something she said or did to make me laugh or smile. She had a wonderful sense of humor and it served her very well. Ellen was born on April 20, 1949 and passed away on August 24, 2007. She married Rod Chard in January of 1986. In addition to extended family and many, many friends, she left behind her husband, daughter Mercedes, stepson Mike and three grandchildren. I first met Ellen when she and Rod joined the Mile High Chapter (MHC) when they arrived in Colorado. They moved from Seattle, Wash. in 1994 where they were active members of the Washington Council of the Blind. Washington's loss was definitely our gain. Rod and Ellen have been very active, contributing members of both the state and local chapters. Ellen served the chapter as secretary and treasurer. She was always ready to give assistance wherever it was needed. I was so lucky to have her support during my time as president of MHC. She was available for transportation and lent an ear and advice whenever they were requested. She had a way of making me laugh and see the positive of any situation. Ellen was always ready to volunteer for any job that needed to be done. She called herself "sucker," which earned her the nickname of "lollipop." We told her that she was such a sweet sucker and had a safety handle. Ellen attended many national conventions with Rod. The two of them so graciously opened their suite for breakfast and lunch to ACB of Colorado (ACBCO) members attending the conventions during Rod's tenure as president of the state affiliate. Ellen volunteered her time and assistance on many tours. She willingly supported and shared her husband with the rest of us. Her loyalty and support during Rod's service as state president was unfailing. In fact, I remember times when she would even silently twist his arm a bit. Rod and Ellen have walked through this battle of cancer for over two years. Ellen was ill for some time before she was actually diagnosed. She faced this battle just like she faced life, head on and with her sense of humor. She even named the tumors in her stomach. If you spent much time with her, you no doubt heard her say, "You do the best you can with what you got." Ellen had very, very long hair. As soon as she knew she would have chemotherapy, she had her hair cut and donated it to Locks of Love. That is just one example of doing something good with something she had. Rod said she told him, "You know, I was always vain about my hair." Even so, she shared it! Ellen loved to play. She loved to break bread with her friends, loved music and plays. She enjoyed the social events she attended with ACB. In fact, she planned many of them. Rod and Ellen hosted at least two summer picnics for MHC in their backyard. Family and friends gathered on Aug. 31 at the Goodson Recreation Center to celebrate her life and share laughter, love and tears with stories and many memories. Only her family can really know what a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother she was. However, I can tell you that I was so blessed to have had her as my friend. We will miss her very much in the days, weeks, months and years to come. A friend like Ellen is a treasure hard to find. ***** SUMMARY OF 2007 RESOLUTIONS (Editor's Note: This publication reflects only those resolutions which were adopted by the convention. Resolutions which were referred to other ACB entities for further consideration, tabled or withdrawn are not included in this document.) Resolution 2007-01 directs ACB officers, directors and staff to work with Congress to seek sponsorship for legislation that requires school districts to provide parents who are blind or visually impaired access to all educational materials; that affiliates seek the same legislation to achieve the same goals; and that a report be given on implementation at the 2008 convention. Resolution 2007-02 directs ACB to support the use of destination elevators when and only when the information provided by the elevator control panel is understandable and available via tactile, audible and visual means; full accessibility means tactile information in the form of a refreshable braille display; in addition to the braille display at the control panels, tactile information identifying the elevator car must also be provided; and there should also be consistency in the placement of the elevator control panel in all elevator banks. Resolution 2007-03 directs the organization to encourage the U.S. Access Board to update the Section 508 standards, to urge federal agencies to establish well-documented accessibility validation procedures prior to procuring or deploying any technologies; defines adequate evidence of accessibility; requires that validation procedures include objective evaluation by a qualified third party; and that updated accessibility standards provide clear guidelines to streamline the complaint process to facilitate prompt resolution, and to remove the onus from the disabled user to prove that technologies are not inaccessible. Resolution 2007-04 directs that this organization initiate and participate in discussions with legislators and healthcare administrators concerning the establishment of paperless healthcare record systems so as to ensure that their design will enable consumers who are blind and visually impaired have equal access to such systems. Resolution 2007-06 directs that this organization commend the outstanding efforts put forth by Chelsea Ross, and that a suitably prepared copy of this resolution be sent to her. Resolution 2007-08 directs ACB staff and strongly encourages ACB members and affiliates to urge the FCC chairman to add consumers and producers who are knowledgeable advocates to the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee and to add information regarding the implementation and dissemination of video description within digital broadcasts. Resolution 2007-10 directs ACB to look at revising the pedestrian safety handbook and advises the involvement of the necessary entities which will effect the satisfactory outcome. Resolution 2007-11 directs that ACB advocate for federal requirements which would withhold federal highway funds from any state that fails to adopt legislation requiring a firm deadline after which date any motorist operating a motorized vehicle failing to have significant, measurable sound emission, which is emitted during moving and idling phases, shall be subject to a fine, in the same manner as a motorist may be fined for driving without headlights after sundown. ACB will provide assistance to all its state affiliates who wish to advocate for legislation at state levels in order to implement the sense of this resolution. Directs its national staff to provide model legislative language implementing the sense of this resolution before the end of 2007. Resolution 2007-12 directs that ACB call upon its officers, directors and staff to seek introduction and adoption of federal legislation which will require cost parity of telecommunication equipment and services between non-disabled users and blind, low vision, or disabled users to require accessibility features in order to achieve full access. Resolution 2007-13 directs ACB officers and staff to take all appropriate actions to encourage the Bush administration to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; that ACB place all possible influence on the executive branch concerning support of this treaty; and that this organization adamantly suggest that a treaty of this magnitude warrants prominent dissemination throughout the White House media. Resolution 2007-17 directs that this organization, in conjunction with its affiliate Visually Impaired Veterans of America (VIVA), demand that the Department of Veterans Affairs comply with its legal obligation by providing correspondence and other printed material to veterans who are blind or visually impaired in accessible formats. Resolution 2007-18 directs officers, directors and staff to set a goal, when working with appliance manufacturers, of universal accessibility of all brands and models of large and small gas and electrical appliances. Resolution 2007-21 directs that this organization strongly urge the United States Department of Justice to apply Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act to web site proprietors who deny access to their web sites by users who are blind and visually impaired through the use of inaccessible CAPTCHA; and directs officers, directors and staff of ACB to engage in consultation and provide technical assistance to web site designers to ameliorate the current egregious barriers to web access caused by current applications of CAPTCHA. Resolution 2007-24 directs ACB to join with its affiliate, the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), in encouraging that any solutions ultimately achieved in terms of accessibility to United States currency consider both tactile markings or adaptation of currency, as well as the placing of enlarged print font denomination numbers on all eight corners of each bill of legal tender. Resolution 2007-25 commends the task force on rehabilitation issues for its white paper on rehabilitation and training, and ratifies the action of the board, adopting the white paper on rehabilitation training as the statement of the official position of the American Council of the Blind. Resolution 2007-26 directs that this organization encourage its members to seek seats on federally mandated rehabilitation councils and also seek seats on blindness-specific rehabilitation advisory boards, as well as seeking seats on appointed boards and commissions for the blind in states that offer this governance over blind services. Resolution 2007-27 directs ACB to communicate to Apple its extreme displeasure at Apple's increasing pattern of exclusion of potential customers who are blind or visually impaired, to express its willingness to consult with Apple on future software and hardware design to include universal design principles, and directs its staff to provide assistance to any member or affiliate who has experienced the lack of accessibility of the iPhone and who therefore wishes to file a complaint for the United States Federal Communication Commission under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Resolution 2007-28 directs ACB to urge Comcast to immediately begin the process of making bills and other print materials available to its blind and visually impaired members in accessible formats. Resolution 2007-29 directs that this organization urge the United States Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation implementing the rulings of District Court Judge James Robertson in American Council of the Blind v. Secretary of The United States Treasury. Resolution 2007-30 directs this organization to urge Congress to strengthen and revitalize the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Resolution 2007-33 expresses ACB's thanks and appreciation for the services and accommodations provided by the Hyatt Regency Hotel and its staff during the 2007 ACB national convention. Resolution 2007-34 thanks and commends the host committee and the ACB of Minnesota for their fine work. Resolution 2007-35 directs that this organization warmly and most sincerely express its appreciation to all volunteers who worked to assist the attendees of the 2007 ACB convention, and that this organization requests yet one more accommodation from Ms. Beaman, that being to assist in communicating this resolution, or its sense, to all volunteers. ***** IT'S THE NEWSREEL! by Toni and Ed Eames Words and music from the Newsreel theme song: The Newsreel -- a celebration, take a well-deserved vacation, when I get it in the mail. The Newsreel -- a monthly education, with bits of information 'bout what someone's got for sale. It's the Newsreel, and all across the nation, I'm finding out how other people feel. But all I have to say it's a heck of a deal, and where else can you get it but the Newsreel! It's the Newsreel -- from Dorado to Miami, along this Newsreel family, everyone gets a say. It's the Newsreel, it's the grandest brand of candy, yet it's good for us and handy, with the tips that come our way. It's the Newsreel, and if you'll grant me the time to tell you how I really feel, the low subscription price is part of the appeal. Some folks may say it's nice, I say it's truly a steal, and it's worth saying twice because it's such a good deal, and I'm so glad I said it, I sincerely said it, there's no place to get it but the Newsreel! From Ed I first became acquainted with the Newsreel, a magazine by and for the blind, through Hanan Selvin, a professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Hanan said I would really like this monthly magazine in cassette form that dealt with a vast range of blindness-related issues and, moreover, was recorded in the voices of the contributors. In addition, he said its members could be a great source of information for the book I was writing about guide dog schools. He was right! Not only did I get lots of guide dog-related material from the members, I also heard the voice of my future wife and soul mate Toni on this intriguing window into the world of the blind and visually impaired. It was a world I had recently entered as a result of retinitis pigmentosa. Hanan was right when he said I would get a better view of what it was like to be blind from this magazine than from all the rehabilitation counselors I was encountering. In addition to words of wisdom about almost every aspect of blindness and the blindness system, I heard about travel, cooking, technology and listened to some fascinating music. Members sang, played instruments and sent in music I had never heard before. Once in a while I sent in questions and was thrilled with the number and variety of responses received. The late Stan Doran, founder and editor, kept things lively by introducing new topics, such as the medical procedures he was undergoing and a behind-the-scenes visit to Disney World where his brother worked as a security host. Until his death, Stan put his unique imprint on every monthly issue. His penchant for jokes, memory challenges and quizzes have remained part of almost every monthly issue. From Toni It's been almost 40 years since I took my first flight. It was to attend a Pilot Dog graduate reunion in Memphis, Tenn. Although not a Pilot graduate, I was welcomed, and loved the camaraderie of my fellow guide dog users. The central figure in this outstanding event was Stan Doran, who also introduced me to the Newsreel. This audio blog extended the warmth I had initially felt at the reunion and kept me in touch with many who had attended that event. During my four decades with this magazine by and for the blind, I have made friends, found out about technology such as talking blood pressure machines, gotten some good recipes and known where to send my tape recorders for repair. In fact, it was a fellow Newsreeler at the 1984 ACB convention in Philadelphia who encouraged me to contact Ed about his guide dog school book project. We are not the only couple who met through the Newsreel connection! Recognizing the need for funds to maintain the organization, I started a raffle to commemorate the death of my guide dog Flicka. Initially called the Flicka Memorial Raffle, it is now the Friendship Raffle! That was 25 years ago and I am still the raffle master! From Both of Us Appreciation of, and commitment to, the Newsreel was another link in bringing us together and cementing our relationship. For several years we edited the guide dog special in which we included stories submitted by Newsreel members. We recorded our wedding and shared it with subscribers. Recorded highlights of our trips to South Africa, the Caribbean and Japan were also shared. In fact, our trip to attend a blindness-focused retreat in the Black Hills of South Dakota was triggered by a discussion by Newsreelers who had attended in previous years. Conversations about guide dogs, pedestrian safety, accessibility, public transportation and the ADA will often elicit a response from us. In 1997 we were asked to serve on the board and accepted with deep pleasure and a commitment to maintain the organization built by Stan. Celebrating a 50th Anniversary In 1958, Stan Doran, founder of Pilot Dogs in Columbus, Ohio, initiated an open-reel tape round-robin correspondence with graduates of the program who wanted to keep in touch with him and one another. Initially recorded on five-inch reels, from which the term Newsreel was derived, it shifted to cassettes in 1971 and is currently available on four-track cassettes, CDs and in MP3 formats. The information and entertainment (three hours worth), focused primarily on blindness issues, are recorded in the voices of the contributor members and edited by Irwin Hott at the headquarters in downtown Columbus. To celebrate this 50th anniversary, we are making a special offer to our fellow Forum readers. If you contact the Newsreel, your name will be entered into a drawing where 10 lucky winners of a free one-year subscription will be selected. For those entering the drawing whose names are not chosen, a complimentary copy of the magazine will be sent to you. This is our way of familiarizing our fellow ACB members with this fantastic resource. To enter the contest, simply submit your name, address and phone number by calling (614) 469-0700 or 1-888-723-8737. For more information, contact the Newsreel office by phone or send the same information by snail mail to Newsreel, 8 E. Long St., Suite 420, Columbus, OH 43215. You can also e-mail at info@newsreelmag.org or check out the web site at www.newsreelmag.org. A 4-track monthly cassette read-and-return annual subscription costs $30. A $50 annual subscription allows members to keep cassette issues or receive issues in an MP3 or CD format. Currently, Newsreel offers first-time subscribers a $20 read-and-return trial subscription for one year. We look forward to meeting many of you on the tracks of the Newsreel! Toni and Ed Eames can be contacted at 3376 N. Wishon, Fresno, CA 93704-4832; phone (559) 224-0544; e-mail eeames@csufresno.edu. ***** FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE: TRANSFORMATION by Rick Morin (Editor's Note: "From Your Perspective" is a column that appears occasionally. Its contents vary from technology to religion, from internal goings-on to items of concern in the blindness field in general. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, not those of the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed herein.) I am 53 and relatively new to ACB. I've been working with my state affiliate (the Bay State Council of the Blind) closely over the last 18 months and am very thankful for the mentorship and coaching I've received. I've learned a lot about the history and tradition of ACB, but find myself questioning why certain things are done the way they are. I'm a 30-year veteran of the corporate world and have held many mainstream positions and continue my successful career that is not related to my disability. One of the most overused catch-words in business these days is "transformation." Businesses need to be responsive to changing times and conditions. The path to transforming any organization is never a straight line and is never achieved in a single step. It is relatively easy to define the "future state," but the journey from current to future state is extremely difficult; many executives fail because they are unable to lead their organizations through change to stay responsive to current market conditions. Ken Stewart, the wise man that he is, told me early on in my ACB life that change is accomplished in increments, or as he says, being an "incrementalist." I philosophically agree with this but often find myself arguing that we settle and accept baby steps when we could move things further faster if we are a bit more aggressive and tap into the energy of fresh blood from diverse backgrounds. I submit that we should be more willing to take educated risks. It is easy to over-think things in long, protracted debates that have a tendency to alienate many. Let's decide things expeditiously, recognizing that a lot of things happen between conventions, take decisive action, and when we occasionally err, fix the problem. Those who take risks are right the vast majority of the time and advance things faster. Those who are risk-averse tend to focus on process to arrive at the elusive perfect solution and decision-making can be slowed down to a crawl. One of the greatest contributions leaders make to the success of many organizations, be it profit or non-profit, staffed with volunteers or otherwise, is to embrace diversity in its truest sense. When diversity is valued, things will change over time. Diversity means that not everyone is like-minded. Leaders need to embrace diversity and promote it in their actions. Change requires an environment receptive to change and as much as we say we are a grass roots organization, the leaders have much more impact on the prevailing environment within ACB than we may want to admit. Being receptive to change does not mean that you change everything. It is a cultural and attitudinal attribute. Dynamic organizations tend to grow. Those perceived as set in their ways and dismissive to considering change tend not to attract new members or grow by attracting more like-minded people. There is a great danger in discouraging people from questioning the status quo, even when one is convinced that certain things are sacred and will never change. Highly motivated and driven people react very negatively to things that are unilaterally decided or perceived as such, and to the notion that certain things "just can't/won't change." Leaders cannot mandate change, but they can stifle change and drive certain people away. It is the unwillingness to change that causes groups of people to be expelled from other organizations. It is important that we understand how ACB has arrived at this point. Ray Campbell's insistence that we read "People of Vision" is extremely good advice and I encourage all folks to read it. There has been much dialogue about ACB's election process. I personally do not understand why the standing and delegate votes are combined. The delegate vote, if done consistently and not allowing members in multiple affiliates to cast multiple votes, should represent the will of all of ACB's membership, including those who cannot attend the convention. The standing vote could easily subvert the delegate vote. I suggest that we evaluate tallying the standing vote and delegate vote separately. If the outcome of each is different, the election should be declared a stalemate and another means used to derive the final outcome. I'm not sure what that mechanism would be but I am sure we could find one if we agree to the concept. I recommend we study the election results over the last 20 years, separating the standing vote and delegate vote. This would give us some interesting facts to consider when evaluating whether change is needed in the election process. I suspect that this may already have been looked at. If so, please pass the findings on to everyone who is interested in seeing them. I recognize that there are many factors that must be considered before changing something as vital as our election process. The reason the issue is being debated at all is that there are constituencies within ACB who feel disenfranchised. We owe it to those who are disenfranchised to study how they can be brought into the mainstream, recognizing that there are multiple reasons for such disenfranchisement that may require different means to reach these people. I submit that disenfranchisement is the "core" issue. How do we not lose sight of the core issue? I salute the young members of ACB who are asking a ton of questions and encourage you to do more. These folks have a clarity of vision that comes with being young. Let's do all we can to embrace these new folks and let them force us all to look at things from perspectives that perhaps we had not considered before or in a while. The idealism of youth does not mean "know-it-all" any more than does wisdom derived from a lifetime of experiences. We all need to get out of our comfort zones. I know it's risky to do so, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I challenge everyone in ACB to mentor someone and help them be successful in ACB and life. My simple definition of mentorship is taking an active interest in someone else and assisting them to be successful. One plus one equals three. The mentor and mentee both have much to gain and can learn much from each other. For those entering the organization, go out and actively seek a mentor. The fact that I am free to express these opinions and believe that others will listen to them is what makes me proud to be a member of ACB. ***** HERE AND THERE by Sue Lichtenfels The announcement of products and services in this column is not an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its staff, or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to info@acb.org, or call ACB at 1-800-424-8666 and leave a message in mailbox 26. Please remember that postal regulations prohibit us from including advertisements, and that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates. ** FUNDING FOR INCLUSIVE ARTS PROGRAMS VSA Arts and MetLife Foundation have announced their 4th annual "Arts Connect All" grant opportunity for arts organizations to create or enhance inclusive educational programs through partnerships with local public schools. A maximum of 10 grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to the programs. The application deadline is Dec. 7, 2007. They invite proposals from arts institutions whose programs incorporate the following: inclusive teaching practices; access to students with all types of disabilities; development of social, cognitive, and artistic skills; involving people with disabilities in planning and implementation; building staff, teacher and/or artist knowledge and skill of inclusive practices; and collaboration with public schools that engages students, parents and school administrators. Arts organizations in the following cities are eligible: Phoenix, Ariz.; Los Angeles, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Hartford, Conn.; Tampa, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; Boston, Mass.; Detroit, Mich.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; St. Louis, Mo.; Charlotte, N.C.; Tulsa, Okla.; Portland, Ore.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Providence, R.I.; Nashville, Tenn.; Houston, Tex.; and Seattle, Wash. For more information regarding eligibility and selection criteria, or to download an application, visit www.vsarts.org/x273.xml. ** AAPD 2008 INTERNSHIPS The American Association of People with Disabilities is now accepting applications for the 2008 Summer Internship Programs. Details and the application are available on the AAPD web site (look under Leadership Development), www.AAPD.com. Applications are due Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. ** TOY GUIDE RELEASED Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids is a guide that addresses a child's individual needs and offers toy recommendations based on research from National Lekotek Center, an independent organization that hand-picks and tests the toys it features. The Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids is now available at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com/differentlyabled. ** CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, ANYONE? If you are a visually impaired adult who would like to spend a week skiing or learning to ski, you may want to attend the 33rd annual Ski for Light International week, Feb. 10-17, 2008. Nearly 300 skiers and guides will gather together for a week of recreational skiing, fun, friendship and fellowship. Visually and mobility impaired skiers are matched with sighted guides and ski together for the week, working on developing skills and techniques. This year skiers will stay at the Riverhouse Hotel in Bend, Ore., a small but vibrant city near Redmond, and will ski at nearby Mount Bachelor. The Mount Bachelor Nordic Center has 56 kilometers of Nordic trails as well as an alpine ski area. The cost for the week is $775 for double occupancy, and includes meals, ski passes and transportation to the ski area. For additional information, contact Dave Thomas at (303) 298-0672 or davet@sfl.org, or Lynda Boose at (906) 370-7541 or Lyndab@sfl.org. Or visit the SFL web page, www.sfl.org. ** BRAILLE CHOCOLATE BARS Sweet Tooth sells braille chocolate bars with a choice of various sayings including Happy Birthday, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Love You, Have A Nice Day, and Thank You. The bars weigh 4 1/2 ounces and can be made in milk, dark or white chocolate. Additional choices are plain or with nuts, rice crispy or peppermint. The bars are $2.50 each for the plain ones and $2.75 each for those with nuts or rice crispy. Sugar-free are $3 for plain and $3.25 with add-ins. They are bagged in cellophane and tied with ribbons. Shipping is extra based on each order. To order, send check payable to Judy Davis to 32 Vinton Road, Rochester, NY 14622. Or you may call her at (585) 544-1853 or e-mail judydavis12@rochester.rr.com. ** HOLIDAY CD FUNDRAISER ACB member and glass harmonica artist Carolinn Skyler has a holiday CD available. When you order CDs and mention ACB, Carolinn will donate 10 percent of your order to the American Council of the Blind. The CD, all Christmas carols, has a playing time of 30 minutes and was recorded in the studio of Gordon Kent. Selections include: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Jingle Bells." The CD costs $15 (including tax). Shipping charges will be determined individually with each order. To place an order, call (215) 704-0473 or send an e-mail when you visit www.skyglassmusic.com. Be sure to give your phone number. ** NEW CATALOG AVAILABLE Novel Sensations has released its e-catalog for 2007-2008. It contains a wide variety of gifts, collectibles and novelties, such as Christmas and inspirational items, musical items, candles, incense and aromatherapy items, bath gift sets, wind chimes, Native American and Western items, tools, toys, home decor, and much more. This free catalog is e- mailed in Microsoft Word as an attachment, and is only available via e-mail. For a copy, send an e-mail to novel_sensations@comcast.net or call (612) 886-2932. ** NEW PERKINS PRODUCTS Perkins Products offers several new products for blind and visually impaired people. The new Electric Light-Touch brailler requires significantly less finger strength than the standard brailler. The ZEN STONE is a new accessible MP3 player which plays audio books and music. Two new books are also available, "Welcoming Students with Visual Impairment to Your School: A guide for training public school personnel and families about the needs of students with vision loss" and "Beyond Pegboards: A Guide for Teaching Adolescent Students with Multiple Disabilities." For more information, visit www.perkins.org, e-mail perkinsproducts@perkins.org, or call 1-877-473-7546. ** DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO SURVEY Carmen Branje, a student from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is looking for participants in a study on video description. He would like his survey to be taken by as many blind and partially sighted people as possible. This survey is online at www.carmenbranje.com/thesis/phase2. The survey requires audio speakers and Active X software to hear several video clips with description. For more information, contact Carmen Branje at (416) 979-5000 ext. 2526 or e-mail cbranje@gmail.com. ** FREE ONLINE COURSE VisionAWARE.org will offer a free online course on First Steps in Vision Rehabilitation for Adults with Vision Loss, Families, and Community Workers, made possible by a grant from the National Eye Institute. The course will be held from January 7 to February 1, 2008, and will consist of four learning modules: the eye and vision; low vision and optical devices; vision rehabilitation services and coping with vision loss; and how to cope with daily tasks. The course will also provide a weekly discussion board and learner forum, and a series of innovative web-based experiential activities designed to simulate the effects of vision and hearing loss and supplement the basic course material. For course or registration information, contact Maureen Duffy via e-mail, maureen.duffy@visionaware.org. ** ACCESSIBLE TUPPERWARE CATALOGS Tonia Gatton is a blind Tupperware consultant in Louisville, Ky. She is offering the Tupperware catalog and fund-raising brochure on cassette and in braille. Regardless of where you live, she can mail the catalog to you, submit your order and have your products shipped directly to you. She can also help you and your local chapter with a Tupperware fundraiser, which would earn your organization 40 percent of your sales. If you'd like to request a catalog or learn more about fundraising, contact Tonia by phone at (502) 594-2810 or by e-mail at tonton@insightbb.com. You can also shop on her web site, www.my.tupperware.com/tonton. ** NLS PILOT EXPANSION The National Library Service has expanded its pilot program for downloading digital books. Patrons interested in participating in the program should submit the online application, which is found at www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb. Once the form is submitted to NLS, the verification and access process will begin. Interested patrons must: be active patrons of a cooperating network library; have access to a player capable of playing NLS-produced digital talking books; have high-speed Internet service such as DSL or cable; have access to a computer connected to the Internet for downloading and unzipping books and/or magazines; and have access to an active e-mail address. ** NEW TIGER VERSION RELEASED ViewPlus Technologies has released version 4.0 of its Tiger Software Suite (TSS) -- braille translation software for MS Word and Excel. The newly formatted Tiger menu gives users access to all document settings in one easy-to-use location. Here users are able to save preferred braille, ink, document, and printer settings one time and reload them with the touch of a button creating greater efficiency. TSS also offers one-touch printing with the new quick emboss feature. When selected, this option will translate a document to braille, apply document settings, and send it to a Tiger printer in one easy step. For more information, contact info@viewplus.com or call (541) 754-4002. ** NEW WORLD OF COCA-COLA The New World of Coca-Cola opened a few weeks ago in Atlanta, Ga. It offers several interactive theaters, a full history of Coca-Cola, and an actual working bottling plant! It also offers handhelds featuring an assistive listening and captioning engine by Softeq. Guests can listen to amplified audio, view closed captioning for the shows and exhibits, or listen to content in multiple languages. Descriptive narration is also offered for the blind. The handhelds are free to guests and can be checked out at the Guest Services station in the main lobby. ***** HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP ** FOR SALE: Perkins brailler in very good condition. Asking $150. Braille Lite M20, rarely used, asking $1,750. Contact Chuck Wheatley at cawheatley@comcast.net or call (541) 870-0350. Will accept PayPal or money order. ** FOR SALE: RCA CCTV, 3 months old. Asking $1,500. Call Ed at (603) 448-1050. ** FOR SALE: BrailleNote mPower, 32-cell version. It comes with adapter and a user's guide in print and cassette. It also has updated software. Asking $1,500 or best offer. Checks and money orders accepted. Call Cait at (517) 227-1122. ** FOR SALE: PAC Mate QX400 with a 20-cell braille display and a qwerty keyboard. It comes with the charger, carrying case, wireless Internet card and USB adapters. Rarely used; in great condition. Asking $2,000 or best offer. Contact Derrick Elsen via e-mail, elsen@ksu.edu. ** WANTED: Electronic talking Bible, Kurzweil stand-alone reader model 7315, electronic Franklin Language Master Dictionary (talking), Optacon, a color identifier, Sharp talking calculator/clock/calendar, money identifier, a braille dictionary, some braille recipe books, braille board games, braille playing cards, braille vibrating alarm clock, braille men's watch, talking watch, talking clock radio, talking microwave, talking scale, Handi- Cassette 2, portable minidisk player, talking VCR, described videos, Speak 'n Spell, Speak 'n Math, talking Whiz Kid, older version of JAWS, a Voice Mate, talking glucometers, Type 'n Speak with disk drive, and a braille printer. Call Melody at (609) 892-2972. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT MITCH POMERANTZ 1115 CORDOVA STREET #402 PASADENA, CA 91106 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT KIM CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVE. WATERTOWN, MA 02472 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT BRENDA DILLON 313 OVERRIDGE COVE HERMITAGE, TN 37076 SECRETARY MARLAINA LIEBERG 632 S. 189TH ST. BURIEN, WA 98148 TREASURER MIKE GODINO 104 TILROSE AVE MALVERNE, NY 11565-2024 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER GRAY 94 RAMONA AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 ACB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ed Bradley, Houston, TX Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, IL Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA Oral Miller, Washington, DC Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD Naomi Soule, St. Louis, MO Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA David Trott, Talladega, AL Cammie Vloedman, Oklahoma City, OK Ex Officio: Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Paul Edwards, Chairman, Miami, FL DeAnna Noriega, Fulton, MO Jenine Stanley, Columbus, OH Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY Cindy Van Winkle, Bremerton, WA Ex Officios: Janelle Edwards, Springfield, MO Ron Milliman, Bowling Green, KY