THE BRAILLE FORUM Volume XLVII November 2008 No. 5 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 2008 American Council of the Blind ***** TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: How We Vote, by Mitch Pomerantz Judge Robertson Issues Final Order in ACB's Currency Access Case, by Melanie Brunson In Memoriam Louisville 2008: A Brief Wrap-Up, by Sharon Lovering, Jenine Stanley, Paul Edwards, Marcia Dresser, and Ken Stewart A Sweet Treat at the 2008 Convention, by Penny Crane BFLAG: Looking Back and Into the Future, by Butch Arnold ACB 2008 Convention Membership Seminar and August Focus Call Topics, compiled by Ardis Bazyn Summary of 2008 Resolutions DKM May Be Looking for You!, by Terry Pacheco Here and There, by Sue Lichtenfels High Tech Swap Shop Happy Thanksgiving! ***** PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: HOW WE VOTE by Mitch Pomerantz You are reading this shortly after one of the most important general elections in our nation's history. You know how things turned out. Since this is being written in early October, I do not know the outcome. This month's column isn't about electronic, absentee, or any other method by which we, and everyone else, cast a ballot. The point of this piece -- after the critical decisions have been made -- is to ponder how we make those all- important choices; not just about which presidential candidate to support, but how we as blind and visually impaired people choose between candidates for all offices. I've been a student of U.S. politics since well before I majored in political science back in the late '60s and early '70s. From a very early age, I was totally engrossed in Election Day and the final counting of votes late into the night. It is also interesting to me to contemplate the process by which people decide to whom they should give their votes. Add to this the factor of blindness (or visual impairment) and you have a topic worthy of some discussion. At the outset let me offer a disclaimer: Anything written here is in no way meant to suggest that one of the two approaches I'm going to describe is preferable to the other. I simply want everyone to think about each approach the next time you cast your ballot. They may be summed up as follows: 1. While I have a vision impairment, my decision about whom to vote for is based on the candidate's positions on a variety of issues: homeland security, the war in Iraq, to mention two of the most obvious. That candidate's position on blindness-specific issues is a consideration, but it's only one factor and not necessarily the overriding one. 2. Since blindness affects every aspect of my life and everything I do, my vote is based primarily on the candidate's positions on issues of immediate concern to me as someone with a visual limitation: access to the Internet and our nation's currency; employment of blind and visually impaired people, including the viability of the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program; and full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It goes without saying that many issues not specific to blindness impact all of us directly. Two of these, federal funding for mass transit, including paratransit, and quality, affordable healthcare, are vital elements in living independent, productive lives. Additionally, the economic downturn, which is dominating the news as I write this, will have (if it hasn't already) a profound effect on every American for the foreseeable future. I suspect that one way or another, this election will be (was) decided on how Barack Obama and John McCain responded to the economic concerns of the electorate. I've said for a long time that blind people are representative of the broad cross-section of the American people as a whole. Politically speaking, ACB is comprised of Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, and independents. (If you don't believe it, you obviously missed the recent lively discussion on ACB-L during the national debate over the President's economic bail-out proposal.) So, it isn't surprising that almost all political points of view are included among ACB's membership. What's less clear is the role our blindness plays in determining how we vote. If our mindset is that "we are people (and Americans) first," then it is more likely our vote will be based primarily on those issues which are not specifically blindness-related. These blind voters are certainly concerned about our issues, but are far more concerned over the "big picture" issues confronting everyone. On the other hand, many of us go to great lengths to find out how a particular candidate voted on an issue specific to blindness or disability. It is their contention that how a candidate votes on issues such as funding for the digital talking book program, the ADA Amendments Act, and ACB's legislative initiatives, is paramount to whether they support a given candidate. In a recent California election, the Republican candidate for secretary of state (the incumbent) was very supportive of, and knowledgeable about, accessible voting machines while the Democratic challenger called for the decertification of those machines because of concerns over security. Many blind Californians chose the Democrat by virtue of their belief that overall, she would make a better secretary of state, or because she was a Democrat. Many others, however, voted Republican -- possibly for the first time in their lives -- based on that candidate's support for accessible voting equipment. As the president of the American Council of the Blind, I believe it is my obligation to vote for the candidate who will do right by us as blind and visually impaired people. This is, naturally, my personal choice and decision. However you made your own decision, I hope you exercised your right as an American and cast that precious ballot. I've failed to vote in just two local elections in 37 years and I have no intention of missing another election. That should be one thing upon which we all can agree. ***** JUDGE ROBERTSON ISSUES FINAL ORDER IN ACB'S CURRENCY ACCESS CASE by Melanie Brunson When the U.S. Court of Appeals handed down its decision in ACB's suit against the Treasury Department last May, the court sent the issue of remedy back to District Court Judge James Robertson for further consideration. The government did not appeal the decision of the Court of Appeals. On Oct. 3, 2008, Judge Robertson issued his order concerning what remedy to impose on the government in light of the findings by both courts that the Department of the Treasury is in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Since his order was fairly brief, and I thought that readers of "The Braille Forum" might be interested in reading it for themselves, I have decided to include the text of the order here, in its entirety. It reads as follows. ORDER AND JUDGMENT The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit having affirmed this Court's Memorandum Order (Amended) of December 1, 2006 [72]: 1. IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the defendant has violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind and other visually impaired persons. 2. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that defendant take such steps as may be required to provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind and other visually impaired persons, which steps shall be completed, in connection with each denomination of currency, not later than the date when a redesign of that denomination is next approved by the Secretary of the Treasury after the entry of this order and judgment. 3. This Order and Judgment does not apply to the one-dollar ($1) note, and does not require the defendant to make any changes to the one-dollar ($1) note. This Order and Judgment does not apply to changing the series year or the signatures of the Secretary of the Treasury or the Treasurer of the United States on each note, nor to changing the machine-readable features on the notes that are not visible to the naked eye. Notwithstanding paragraph 2 above, given that the defendant is currently engaged in implementing a redesign of the $100 note ("the NextGen $100"), the defendant need not comply with paragraph 2 above in connection with the NextGen $100 note until the date when another redesign of such denomination is next approved by the Secretary of the Treasury after the redesign that is currently in progress. 4. The defendant shall file periodic status reports describing the steps taken to implement this Order and Judgment. The first such status report shall be filed no later than March 16, 2009, and each succeeding report shall be filed every six months thereafter, until the defendant has fully complied with this Order and Judgment. 5. The parties are directed to confer and attempt to reach agreement regarding plaintiffs' claim for attorney's fees and costs. If no agreement is reached, plaintiffs shall submit their application for attorney's fees and costs within 60 days of the date of this Order and Judgment. JAMES ROBERTSON United States District Judge In a statement issued by ACB following the release of this decision, president Mitch Pomerantz said, "This has been a long time in coming, but it is certainly worth the wait. The decision has monumental ramifications for people all across this country who are blind or visually impaired." This is indeed a tremendous victory for ACB and for the blind community of our country. It is difficult to anticipate just when we will begin to see the tangible results of the court's decision, but we are confident that they will come. It is incredibly gratifying to know that when they do, we, the members of ACB, will have had a hand in bringing them about. We will keep you posted as further information about the development of accessible currency becomes available for us to share with you. In the meantime, I will simply extend to you my congratulations. You have helped to make history! Your commitment to this cause has been vindicated. A momentous milestone in the advocacy agenda of people who are blind has been crossed, and you, the members of ACB, made it happen through your expressions of support for and belief in this case. The work is far from complete, but one thing is clear: we have a tremendous reason to celebrate! Enjoy it! ***** IN MEMORIAM (Editor's Note: The following two memorial pages were inadvertently left out of the braille, tape, CD-ROM and electronic versions of the 2008 convention program. We reprint them here for your convenience.) JULIAN A. SIEWIERSKI Born 6-21-1926 Deceased 5-19-1997 Julian Siewierski received his master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. He also attended the Overbrook School for the Blind, in which he obtained training for becoming a rehab counselor. Subsequently he was employed by the state office for the blind and visually impaired. In addition to his employment, he attended Bryn Mawr College and received his master's degree in social work. This led to his final employment with the Philadelphia Office of Mental Health and Mental Retardation as supervisor. After his retirement, he served as president of the Associated Services for the Blind board. Then he presided as president of the Philadelphia Council of the Blind and later volunteered as executive director. People may remember him as one of the coordinators for the Philadelphia ACB convention of 1984. He was instrumental in having braille numbers placed in elevators of public buildings in Philadelphia. Also, he initiated the placement of audible traffic signals. IN MEMORY OF RICHARD 'DICK' NATALE, DES MOINES, IOWA Iowa Council of the United Blind For almost a quarter of a century, many of us knew Dick as a good friend and a hard-working, considerate, committed member of the Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB). For almost as many years, Dick served as treasurer of the Des Moines chapter of ICUB, and for many years also served as the treasurer of ACB's Iowa state affiliate; the last few years serving as treasurer for both organizations at the same time. Dick was always enthusiastic about the organization as demonstrated by his thinking outside the box when it came to fund-raising and getting the most out of dollars spent. Dick moved with his wife and two children from Ohio to West Des Moines, being transferred by the Greyhound Company where he worked in their management division. Dick attended the Iowa Department for the Blind's Orientation Center, after substantial vision loss due to adult-onset diabetes and macular degeneration. He then attended a local community college, and moved on to obtain a degree from Drake University in business administration. Dick then went into the Iowa Business Enterprise Program, where he managed a cafeteria for a number of years, and generously trained other persons interested in becoming vendors; also, assisting at locations whenever needed after his retirement. He served as Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and sang in the men's choir at church. A most generous man, a super advocate for the blind in local, state and national issues, and readily volunteered when called upon with organizational projects. It's difficult to enumerate Dick's attributes, but suffice it to say that he will, indeed, be missed by ICUB members. ***** LOUISVILLE 2008: A BRIEF WRAP-UP by Sharon Lovering, Jenine Stanley, Paul Edwards, Marcia Dresser and Ken Stewart SUNDAY "Ladies and gentlemen, let me call to order the 47th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind!" said Mitch Pomerantz, ACB president. "Let me welcome all of you who are here this evening from all points north, south, east and west, from the United States, Canada, Australia ..." Following the invocation, Boy Scout Troop 1 posted the flags and Oral Miller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bradley Mann sang the national anthem and "My Old Kentucky Home." "It truly is wonderful to be back at the Galt House here in Louisville, Kentucky, for what I believe will be our biggest and best convention ever," Pomerantz said. He introduced Melissa Mershon, a former member of the Louisville Board of Aldermen, representing the mayor's office, to welcome ACB to Louisville. She presented Pomerantz with a miniature Louisville Slugger and read a proclamation from the mayor that stated the week of July 6, 2008 "is hereby proclaimed to be the American Council [of] the Blind Week." She urged convention attendees to have some fun while they're in town. Darrell Buford, chair of the local host committee, echoed that welcome. He shared the Kentucky motto with the audience: "United we stand, divided we fall." Pomerantz then introduced Monica Hardin Booker, Miss Kentucky 2001 and the daughter of a Kentucky School for the Blind graduate. "I'm so glad that you all are here in my hometown," she said. She thanked ACB for inviting her, and thanked Carla Ruschival for all the hard work she'd put into the convention. "There's power in one," she said. Following Booker's story, Pomerantz gave his report. (See the August and September issues of "The Braille Forum" for the text.) After Pomerantz's report, Carol Ann Ewing-Ragsdale introduced the Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers Award winners: Mary Montgomery of Anchorage, Alaska and Benjaneia "Nia" Green of Summerville, S.C. Both expressed pleasure at being selected to attend the convention. Ewing- Ragsdale invited attendees to the DKM Julep Jamboree on Thursday evening. Ann Olsen joined Pomerantz at the podium to present life memberships. The new life members were: Gary Austin, Luther Dement, Doug Laprade, Sally Baird, Larry Baumgartner, Lowell Popp, Donald Pohlmann, Vivian Pohlmann, Howard Simons, Arlene Cohen (presented posthumously), Allen Casey, Mary Catherine Jones, Susie Weatherford, John Farina, Pam Robison, Linda Burris, Hazel Burton, Ed "Doc" Bradley, John Dashney, David Lovern, Iris Edwards, and Donna Pomerantz. Jerry Annunzio gave the first credentials committee report. He thanked the committee members for their work. Two affiliates Maine and the American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys had been turned in late, and lost votes. Maine's votes were reduced from two to one, and AAVIA's votes were reduced from three to two and a half. The final credentials report would be presented Monday. Next, the convention adopted the standing rules, which were listed in the program, as well as the program itself. Following their adoption, secretary Marlaina Lieberg called the roll of affiliates. MONDAY The first morning of any ACB national convention is a flurry of activity, and 2008 was no exception. The day began with ACB business. Adam Ruschival, president of the Kentucky Council of the Blind, welcomed convention-goers to Louisville. Pomerantz then introduced credentials chair Jerry Annunzio, who gave the final credentials report. The report was approved by the membership. American Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment board chair Chris Gray updated the convention on the status of the organization. The full governing board has been meeting since February 2008. Members come to this board from the ACB board and the American Center's provisional board, with the ACB president and executive director also serving. The board has established bylaws for governance and will be finalizing them in the near future. Dr. Otis Stephens, chair of the constitution and bylaws committee, gave the first reading of two constitutional amendments. Public relations chair Ron Milliman reported that the ACB radio PSA packets had been extremely successful. He stated that the Press Release Handbook for ACB Chapters and Affiliates was now available in large print, braille and on CD in electronic files. Brenda Dillon thanked the various convention sponsors, notably AT&T, the ruby sponsor at $10,000. She told the audience that this year the convention received approximately $53,500 in financial sponsorship and in- kind donations from a variety of companies and organizations. Awards began with Nola McKinney, chair of the awards committee, presenting the Affiliate Growth Award to the New Mexico Council of the Blind. Janet Dickelman, an awards committee member, presented the James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award to Jim Kutsch, president and CEO of The Seeing Eye, Inc., for his work in the blindness and technology fields. Paul Edwards, chair of the board of publications, continued the awards presentations with the 2008 Ned E. Freeman Writing Award. Alysia Wells received the award for her piece, "Tainted Crown? Mixed Feelings, Mixed Messages," which appeared in the July-August 2007 issue of "The Braille Forum." The Hollis K. Liggett Braille Free Press Award honoring an affiliate newsletter was presented for the first time. Competition was extremely close; the winner was "The Blind Californian," California Council of the Blind's newsletter, with Mike Keithley as the editor. Bernice Kandarian, chair of the publications board for the California Council, accepted the award. First vice president Kim Charlson took the stage for the main program. She introduced Steve Wiser, three-time president of the Louisville Historical League. He took the crowd on a whirlwind tour of the alphabet of Louisville landmarks, highlighting such famous names as Muhammad Ali, Colonel Sanders and Federal Express, along with many more of the area's fine attractions. The kaleidoscope turned again to focus on the international scene with John Rae, first vice president, Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians. Rae was happy to celebrate ACB's victories and continued efforts in accessible currency. Canadians with service animals had reason to celebrate a recent ruling by the Canadian Transport Board. With 48 hours notice, any Air Canada or Jazz/West Jet flight must set aside extra space to accommodate a service animal. He also noted that his organization has worked with Ticketmaster to eliminate captcha systems on its web site so that blind people can easily order tickets online. The issues facing blind Canadians include access to election materials and voting, quiet cars and addressing poverty of people with disabilities. Jean Parker, an independent radio correspondent living in India, gave a vivid description of life in that country. She described India as a many- layered place that can exist over a number of centuries at once and spans the range of very wealthy and modern to the poorest of the poor. Indian society, she noted, is built on relationships, which can make life for a blind person of a certain professional and economic status very convenient. People at Parker's professional level have personal assistants and often drivers, regardless of disability issues. But for her, maintaining her independence is crucial. To do so, she uses a laptop computer, JAWS for Windows, Sound Forge, and a Braille Lite. She noted that braille is critical to her work and personal life. Two of the most noticeable issues she faces are noise and ignorance. Noise levels in cities can be overwhelming; traffic laws are mostly non-existent. In the country, many people still believe that blindness is caused by a curse. But being blind has not significantly affected her work as a journalist; it has given her some opportunities that her male, non-disabled colleagues may not have. Parker's reports can be heard on NPR's Marketplace and various other NPR programs. The next spin of the kaleidoscope took conventioneers to the complex world of accessibility and structured negotiations. Lainey Feingold and Linda Dardarian, lawyers from the San Francisco area, have been working with ACB using this settlement method for several years. Structured negotiation is a legal alternative to litigation in which both parties agree to legally binding settlement terms without going through court proceedings. ACB has worked with Lainey and Linda on 30 such agreements. There are now over 50,000 talking ATMs around the country. ACB members scripted the information given at these ATMs. There are over 70,000 tactile point-of-sale units at a number of retail stores around the country. Agreements have also involved web site access and alternate formats for bank and other financial statements. The city of San Francisco has committed to 500 accessible pedestrian signals (APS) and has established a procedure for additional installations. Negotiations are under way with 7-Eleven stores and Rite Aid pharmacies for tactile point-of-sale machines and web site accessibility for Rite Aid's online services. Radio Shack is also bringing tactile point-of- sale units and greater web site access by January 2009. American Express has agreed to shorten the time between on-line statements and provision of alternate formats. All three credit reporting agencies will make their web sites accessible and provide credit reports in alternate formats by the end of 2008. Annualcreditreport.com, established by Congress as a free credit reporting service, is also providing statements in alternate formats. A letter regarding access to the web site www.majorleaguebaseball.com has been sent in conjunction with the Bay State Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind. Other efforts include web site accessibility and tactile point-of-sale units in such stores as Target, CVS, and Staples retail and specialty counters. They will also be addressing the health care industry as well as financial investing sites. Work is ongoing to maintain all existing agreements. This is where ACB members come into play. Ask for statements and other information in alternate formats. If a service is not accessible, an ATM doesn't talk or a tactile point-of-sale device doesn't work, Lainey and Linda would like to know. One such report uncovered a problem with thousands of Bank of America ATMs that was readily fixed. To contact Lainey Feingold, go to www.lflegal.com, or e-mail her at lf@lflegal.com. You may reach Linda Dardarian at 1-800-822-5000. "I'm from the IRS and I'm here to help." That statement garnered the laughter of many conventioneers. Richard Keeling, Senior Tax Analyst, IRS Office of Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication, told the audience about a pending memorandum of understanding between ACB, other disability groups and the IRS in 84 cities to provide free tax preparation and asset-building assistance for anyone with a disability making under $40,000. He also reminded people to go to the IRS web site, www.irs.gov, to check on or apply for economic stimulus payments. Lee Giurlanda, Chief Accessibility Coordinator with the IRS, mentioned the availability of training conducted at Lions World Services in Arkansas. The IRS began a five-year initiative to hire people with disabilities in 2007 and thus far have hired approximately 1,000 people. Other parts of the five-year plan involve retention and development initiatives to keep employees and provide opportunities for career advancement. All IRS jobs are posted at usajobs.com or competitive employment. Qualified people with disabilities can apply under a Schedule A, non-competitive process. To contact Giurlanda for more information about employment with the IRS, e-mail lee.giurlanda@irs .gov. The final spin of the kaleidoscope took us to the Recreation Zone, the place to learn about all types of physical activity. This year, water aerobics were again available, along with information about Ski for Light. Aerial Gilbert, a nationally recognized rower, noted that the University of Louisville women's rowing team would be available to demonstrate the rowing machine featuring Erg-Chatter, talking software that makes all functions of the machine accessible. TUESDAY Today's focus was youth, students, education, technology and recreation. Patti Cox and the kids from the youth activity center led the convention in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pomerantz brought the session to order and immediately began with business. Brenda Dillon recognized the platinum and gold sponsors. M.J. Schmitt came up next to report the slate the nominating committee had selected the night before. For the board of directors, the committee selected David Trott, Billie Jean Keith, Michael Garrett, Berl Colley and Marsha Farrow. For the board of publications, the slate was Judy Jackson, Charlie Hodge and Ken Stewart. Richard Villa, president of Blind Information Technology Specialists, presented the first John R. Mattioli Jr. Technological Innovation Award to Larry Skutchan for his ongoing innovative contributions to technological advancement and tireless services to blind and visually impaired individuals across the USA and around the world. Following Villa's presentation, Judy Jackson came up and read a couple of resolutions. The first one, resolution 2008-11, pertained to accessible kiosks at airports; it passed by voice vote. Resolution 2008-05 dealt with the presidential candidates' questionnaire. It, too, was adopted. The convention turned its focus toward accessible currency with help from Jeff Lovitky, ACB's attorney in the currency case. "The case is still in litigation, so obviously I'm somewhat constrained in comments that I can make, because I'm obviously desirous of avoiding anything which would compromise our litigation strategy," he stated. "ACB has been advocating changes in this area since at least 1972, and ... probably before then. ... Unfortunately, the Washington way of dealing with persistent problems is to study them to death. And that's what happened." Lovitky reminded his listeners that ACB filed the suit in federal district court in May of 2002, and the case went on in district court for four years. In November 2006 the court issued a declaratory judgment stating that the design of currency violated the Rehabilitation Act, but it didn't include a remedy. The government appealed to the D.C. Circuit Court. Oral arguments took place in November 2007. In May 2008 the circuit court affirmed the judgment of the district court. "One of the things that was clearly primary in the court's consideration was the fact that the United States of America is virtually alone in having a currency which has really no means by which it can be identified by visually impaired people," he said. The government's major concern was cost. "We asked the government to produce for us cost figures which would give us the cost for three different tactile features which we believed should be evaluated," Lovitky said. "Those were embossing, foil and perforation." What were those figures? The government said the embossed numeral would cost $45 million to set up, with an increased annual cost of $50 million; the foil feature, $51 million to set up, with an increased annual cost of $15 million; perforation, $75 million to set up, with an increased annual cost of $8 million to produce. Lovitky stated ACB's position was that the changes it is seeking would be cheaper if they were included in changes that were already planned. The government plans changes to currency every seven years, he noted. Pomerantz presented Lovitky with a Special Achievement Award "with sincere appreciation and thanks for his tireless advocacy on behalf of blind Americans and their rights to U.S. currency that is identifiable without vision." Next up was Jeffrey Witt from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, "who wants our input on accessible currency," stated Pomerantz. Witt briefly discussed his job "to help them learn what your experiences [are] and what the potential experiences [would be] if certain changes were made." Witt's plans for the week were: 1) recruit for a survey; 2) do some focus groups; 3) hold an open forum; and 4) do a usability survey to learn what works and what doesn't in terms of currency. "I'm here to learn and to gather information," he said. The convention then returned its focus to youth and students with the 2008 scholarship presentations. Pomerantz turned the gavel over to Dillon, who turned it over to Patty Slaby, chair of the scholarship committee. She announced the CCLVI scholarship winners first; they were Charles Michael Newell, Matthew Kickbush and Paula Warren. Nationally, the winners were: Kimberly Aguillera, Austin, Tex.; Terry Baker, Polk City, Iowa; Rebekah Balmer, Elizabethtown, Pa..; Keith Blocker, Tacoma, Wash.; Meghan Briggs, Portland, Ore.; Dan Perkins, Kansas City, Mo.; Ashley Brow, Mashpee, Mass.; Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Lisa Drzewucki, Freeport, N.Y.; Sam Herbert, Billings, Mont.; Barry Hyde, Daytona Beach, Fla.; Leah Irish, Kent, Ohio; Elvin Izaguirre, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Patricia Kepler, Aloha, Ore.; Lana Lee, San Mateo, Calif.; Dawn Lloyd, Pottstown, Pa.; Zachary Mason, North Stratford, N.J.; Sharon McLennon, Yonkers, N.Y.; Curtis Norton, Medford, Ore.; Justin Salisbury, Willington, Conn.; and Catalina Roisum, Brooklyn Center, Minn. Following a break, the convention turned its focus to technology. The first presenter was John Glass, customer support manager at Bookshare.org. Glass gave a bit of background on Bookshare before updating his listeners on what's new. "We're adding about 200 books a week now," he said. Bookshare books are available for download in DAISY digital text or braille-ready file. For new subscribers who sign up at convention, Bookshare is waiving the $25 sign-up fee. People can also sign up online. Last October Bookshare received a grant from the Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs that allows it to offer free membership to all qualified students living in the United States. That grant will also allow Bookshare to add up to 100,000 more books to its collection over the next five years, and to work with publishers to get more books directly from them in digital format. Glass noted that several publishers have signed on already, including Harper Collins and O'Reilly Media. The convention next turned its attention to the availability of accessible recreation equipment with the help of Paul Schroeder, vice president of programs and policy, American Foundation for the Blind. "The bad news is that I'm filling in for Darren Burton, so you don't have him, you have me," Schroeder stated. "The good news is that along with taking care of his dog, Darren Burton is back at AFB Tech doing what he does well, which is writing about accessibility for Access World, our magazine at AFB, including work on recreation and fitness equipment ..." He advised listeners to check out "Access World" on AFB's web site, www.afb.org, as it contains a great deal of information on access to digital audio players, recreation equipment, and other devices. "How many of you here in the audience are regular exercise enthusiasts?" Schroeder asked. Many people responded with applause. "[There are] lots of excuses for not exercising. One of them that we do hear ... is that it's difficult to exercise because the equipment that I need to use isn't accessible for me as a blind person." In November 2007, Burton and Lee Huffman wrote an article on accessible fitness equipment for "Access World," which is still available on AFB's web site. All excuses aside, he said, "We know that people with disabilities are more likely to be sedentary, more likely to have health problems, and more likely to have barriers to participating in physical activity." Articles suggest that only one-third of people with disabilities participate in physical activities, whereas about half of people without disabilities participate. He advised listeners to ask fitness center staff to let them test the center a few times to see how accessible the equipment is, what kind of help the staff provides, and to get oriented. Schroeder reminded them that the ADA is just as applicable to fitness centers as to other public accommodations. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, www.ncpad.org, has a great deal of information on physical fitness activities. Schroeder thanked Darren Burton for his work on access to fitness equipment. Finally, it was time for the convention to hear from Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Ky.). He began with a story that his family used to tell him while he was growing up. "Awhile back -- and this was probably every bit of 50 years ago -- a group of Kentuckians got together to form a school for some very, very special students. These students were the best and the brightest, and they had some very high expectations from themselves, their teachers and their parents, expectations that were often quite higher than many students their age. And as the school building unfortunately was crumbling around them, with falling plaster and leaky rooms, they never faltered in their studies. Establishing this school was a feat in and of itself, so the school administration was wary of asking for more support, either monetary or otherwise. But a small group of parents decided that they would do whatever it took to make sure that these students had an acceptable, functional and safe place to learn. They did their research, they wrote letters, they made requests, and still nobody would help them. Well, one day a man with an infectious smile took them in. He listened to their requests; he listened to their concerns; he knew right then and there that this was a worthy cause and that these students deserved the best opportunity to succeed. So he gave them money to do so. That school was the Kentucky School for the Blind, and that man with the smiley face was my grandfather, then-Kentucky governor Happy Chandler. And I want you to know that story ... was very special to me. It's a heritage that I am very, very proud of, that example that my grandfather set for me." For Chandler's grandfather, it wasn't about popularity. "What mattered to him was being able to leave the world a little bit better than he found it. ... The measure of your worth is not whether people like you or not, but it's that you earned the respect of respectable people. That's what you ought to do in a public career ... and you do that by doing what you believe is right." Shared American values are what draws us together, he noted. He discussed the ADA, calling it "one of the principle examples of the good things that this country stands for: the recognition that while we all have enormous value, we're all not always treated the same way. ... As a country, we ought to strive toward that. We ought to make every effort ... to make sure that all of our citizens have access to the freedoms of this country. ... That's one of the responsibilities that goes with the freedoms that we enjoy." He said the ADA has transformed the United States, bringing about changes in access to transportation, buildings, employment, and public services. "Recently the United States took another great step to ensure equality for all. Just as disability should not be used as cause for discrimination, your genetic code should not be used against you either." He co-sponsored the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 as well as the ADA Amendments Act. "It prohibits group health plans from adjusting their premiums ... on the basis of genetic information. I think that's very important. We haven't seen that happen, but it sure could, and you can imagine who would bear the brunt of that!" Chandler asked his listeners to think about what kind of world they would leave for future generations. "As the father of three children, I can tell you it really concerns me when I think of the world and the country we're going to leave our children. It's extremely important." The USA has a $9 trillion debt; eggs, milk, bread, and gas all cost more now than they did in February. And many schools have a lack of materials, falling plaster in the classrooms, and crumbling facilities. "This earth -- we've got to protect it for the future. ... What my grandfather did for the Kentucky School for the Blind, I want to be a part of doing for every school in the country, because that's where our future is." WEDNESDAY The Wednesday morning session began with the reading of the third and final proposed amendments to the constitution and bylaws by Otis Stephens. Judy Jackson presented several resolutions, which were adopted. Marlaina Lieberg presided over the session; she introduced the first speaker, Susan LaVenture, whose presentation told members about the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI). LaVenture informed the audience about Family Connect, the new web site that was developed as a joint venture of NAPVI and the American Foundation for the Blind. To get to it, you can either go to www.afb.org and select Family Connect, or go to www.familyconnect.org. It contains a wealth of information for parents of children with disabilities. Carl Augusto of the American Foundation for the Blind also provided information about the cooperation of our two organizations, indicating that Jeff Thom had been elected to the AFB board and that Brian Charlson had been made an emeritus member of the board. He also announced that LeRoy Saunders had received the Migel medal at a ceremony earlier in the year. The Migel medal is the highest award offered by the AFB. The next speaker was Chris Kuczynski from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He reported on the New Freedom Initiative and indicated that there was an effort under way to get federal agencies to set themselves a goal of having 2 percent of their employees be people with disabilities. Currently less than 1 percent of federal employees are people with severe disabilities. Kuczynski also discussed many cases that the EEOC has filed over the past several years involving discrimination against employees who are blind or visually impaired. He indicated that there is still much to do and hoped that individuals and ACB would continue to file discrimination claims. Finally, he reported that his agency had fewer resources than they had 10 years ago and had much more to do, or would have, if new legislation passed. Frank Kurt Cylke from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped gave an update on goings-on at the library. Much of the presentation was made by Ed O'Reilly, head of the collection development section. His department is responsible for making decisions about which books are chosen for the NLS collection. He reported that NLS produces 2,000 audio books and approximately 550 braille books each year. This represents about 1 percent of the total number of books published in the United States each year. O'Reilly also briefly described the work of the collection development committee, which includes an ACB representative and which meets once annually to discuss policies that might be implemented to improve the process of collection development. He indicated that, while the transition to digital books for NLS is clearly a positive and encouraging occurrence, there is much concern being expressed in the larger community on the impact of the digital revolution. He commended users of NLS for maintaining a much higher rate of reading than does the general public. The next speaker was Mitzi Friedlander, a talking book narrator from the American Printing House for the Blind. She reported that she had started recording talking books in the early 1960s at the suggestion of Dale Carter, then a talking book narrator, who was in a play with her. Her very first book was "The Summer of the Falcon," which was sent back because she mispronounced the word "falcon." She has now recorded well over 1,000 books. She told her listeners that reading talking books is the love of her life and that it is truly a joy to be able to do it. The next presentation of the morning was a panel discussion moderated by Marlaina Lieberg which featured Mark Richert from the American Foundation for the Blind and Eric Bridges from the American Council of the Blind's national office. They discussed legislation that was before Congress. There was lots of audience participation, lots of humor and lots of good information shared. Finally, Mike Calvo from Serotek made a presentation on System Access To Go, a screen reader that can be accessed free from any computer with Internet access. He announced a contest and asked ACB members to spread the word that Serotek is making a package of its products available to students in elementary or secondary school in the United States free of charge. He urged listeners to refer people to www.serotek.com for more information. THURSDAY Thursday morning's session began with a brief report from Jeff Thom, head of the task force on voting by secret ballot in ACB elections. Thom said that our members feel strongly about this issue, both for and against. On the positive side, since ACB is a democratic organization, people should be able to vote by secret ballot as we do in America. Several reservations were expressed, however. Voting by secret ballot could take more time than the simple standing vote we currently use, and there could be the potential for fraud if ballots were tampered with. Also, the standing vote gives affiliate delegates vital information about how people are voting, which would be lost with the secret ballot. Several affiliates already employ some sort of secret ballot, such as tearing off a corner of a piece of paper, poking holes in a piece of paper with a nail, or choosing a different shape of tile for each candidate. In addition to these low-tech solutions, the task force is considering high-tech options. The secret ballot would replace only the standing vote. Thom concluded by saying that the task force's goal is to give the membership as much information as possible so that we can make an informed decision. The task force encourages further input from the membership, and will keep you apprised of future developments. ACB second vice president Brenda Dillon recognized the bronze sponsors of the convention. Next, Dr. Otis Stephens, chair of the constitution and bylaws committee, presided over the second reading of and voting on three proposed amendments to the ACB Constitution. The amendments to Article II, Purpose, and Article IV, Officers, were adopted by a voice vote. The proposed amendment regarding the Internet oversight committee was defeated in a roll call vote, with 406.5 in favor and 336 against. Although a majority voted in favor, constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority for adoption. The convention unanimously approved a motion that the ACB secretary be authorized, under the supervision of the chairperson of the constitution and bylaws committee, to correct technical errors in punctuation and spelling so long as such corrections do not alter the substantive meaning of any provision of the constitution and bylaws. Following the break, ACB executive director Melanie Brunson presented the Virginia Association of the Blind award to Ron Hepler. After the award presentation, there was a panel discussion on distance learning. Panelists were: Brian Charlson, vice president of computer training services at the Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton, Mass.; Charles Young, president of the Hadley School for the Blind, Winnetka, Ill.; and William Penrod, director of the teacher preparation program at the University of Louisville, Ky. The Carroll Center for the Blind has been offering distance learning courses on a wide range of computer skills for the past five years. These courses provide 30 hours of content at just $100 per course. In order to broaden its course offerings, the Carroll Center has established a number of partnerships with other organizations, including the Perkins School for the Blind, the Washington School for the Blind, and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. For more information, go to www.carrolltech.org. The Hadley School for the Blind is currently serving 11,500 students from around the world. Hadley's 125 distance education courses are free to legally blind people, their families, and professionals in the field of blindness. Course categories include literacy, employment, business, leisure, and independent living, as well as courses for parents of blind children. Courses are available in braille, large print, recorded format, and online. Since Hadley is also an accredited Illinois high school, students can graduate from the Hadley high school or transfer their credits and graduate from their local high schools. Most of Hadley's high school students are adults. For more information on Hadley courses and other initiatives, go to www.hadley-school.org. The University of Louisville offers distance education and on-site courses for students striving to become teachers of the visually impaired or orientation and mobility instructors. Braille competency is a cornerstone of the program. The goal is to provide accessible programs to all populations with the convenience of being able to remain at home with family and continue working. For more information, go to www.louisville.edu. Next, Dr. Douglas Dean, professor of ocular molecular oncology at the University of Louisville, discussed stem cell research as it relates to curing eye diseases. Stem cells were first identified in very early embryos; they give rise to all the different kinds of tissue in the body. A major discovery was that those early stem cells in the embryo could be cultured and maintained in a petri dish and turned into all different kinds of cells. This led to the idea of replacement therapy. Another source is adult stem cells; however, they don't work as well as the embryonic version. It may soon be possible to turn skin cells into stem cells for therapeutic use. There have been promising results with ongoing studies in animals. The major obstacle right now is that while stem cells can be turned into any cell in the body, they need some specific instructions. The challenge is to figure out how much information must be given to the cell before injecting it into the eye or the pancreas to perform a specific function. Dean feels that this research is promising. To learn more, go to the University of Louisville web site at www.louisville.edu and follow the links to the ophthalmology page. Dean's e-mail address and phone number are also on the site, and he is happy to answer any questions. In his treasurer's report, Mike Godino stated that ACB is doing rather well financially. "The Braille Forum" has been expanded, committees have some funding, and board and BOP members receive small stipends for travel. In 2007, the finance committee budgeted $1,027,194 for expenses. At the end of the year, ACB had spent only $922,949. Income was projected to be $1,055,200; ACB actually took in $2,090,291. Our net gain for 2007 was $1,167,342. Total assets at the end of 2007 were $2,137,467. It should be noted that ACB received several bequests in 2007. We carried over $312,342 from 2007 into 2008. Some money was reinvested in ACBES, and some will be used for new software and to upgrade the phone system. New staff may also be hired. Before adjourning the session, Pomerantz urged everyone to enroll in the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) program. FRIDAY Friday was devoted to elections and action on the many resolutions remaining from earlier in the week. The morning began with reports from the chair of ACB Enterprises and Services, the executive director, and the convention committee's chair. Michael Garrett told the members of activities aimed at maximizing the profitability of the thrift stores being operated around the country. Melanie Brunson spoke of some of the advocacy accomplishments of ACB. She also announced the dates and place of next year's mid-year meetings, Feb. 20-24 in Arlington, Va. Carla Ruschival shared details of various practicalities of administering the gathering, including an explanation of the delayed postal delivery of advance convention registration materials to members. She proudly reported that this convention was one of the best attended in many years. Three seats for two-year terms on the board of publications are filled in even-numbered years by elections, the other two BOP positions being filled by presidential appointments in odd-numbered years. The nominating committee had adopted a slate of nominees in its closed Monday evening session. The names on the slate put forward by the committee were considered in the order they were adopted by the committee. Nominees Ken Stewart and Judy Jackson were approved without opposition. After the name of Charlie Hodge was put forward from the committee, Marcia Dresser was nominated from the floor. Dresser came away the victor. She acknowledged the laudable contributions of Charlie Hodge, who then shared his warm sentiments toward, and noted the praiseworthy work of, Dresser. Next up were elections for the five seats on the board of directors. All were elected without opposition. The winners were: Michael Garrett, Berl Colley, David Trott, Billie Jean Keith, and Marsha Farrow. Keith and Trott were re-elected; the other three were new to the board. Judy Jackson, chair of the resolutions committee, was heard from the podium frequently during both the morning and afternoon sessions. The membership considered more than a dozen proposed resolutions, some written by individual members and some submitted from affiliates. All the proposals had been the subjects of deliberations by the committee in its open meetings each evening. Most proposals survived; a few were withdrawn by authors. Once reaching the convention floor and introduced with a "do pass" recommendation, they typically received unanimous voice approval from the body. Floor debate on resolutions was typically about a particular choice of words in its text. The hottest debate was on the appropriateness of the use of "retarded" as a synonym for "slowed" in the wording of one resolution. A closely divided voice vote eventually came down on the side of sensitivity to a fellow group of people with a disability rather than on the side of resistance to political correctness. In each of these debates, the tone was respectful of differing views, prompting Pomerantz to observe at the end of the session the civil manner of the body's deliberations. The texts of all resolutions passed by the convention have been placed on ACB's web site, and can also be requested from the national office. Friday afternoon concluded with a few more words from convention chair Carla Ruschival. She offered practical tips for those planning to attend the convention banquet, and happily noted that the 450 ticket holders represented the largest banquet turnout in five years. ***** 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. ***** A SWEET TREAT AT THE 2008 CONVENTION by Penny Crane My week in Louisville was filled with wonderful, informative events. On Wednesday, I joined other conventioneers on a tour of Schimpff's Confectionary, just across the bridge in Indiana. It was a visit to the past! Schimpff's is a family-owned candy-making outfit which has been in business since 1891. The state of Indiana has designated it as one of its hidden treasures. Our tour included a demonstration of how they make cinnamon red hots. All the ingredients are natural. I found it interesting to learn that the red hots are made from cinnamon oil, which costs $50 for one little bottle. Cinnamon oil is an extract from the interior of the cinnamon tree in Brazil. The cinnamon powder we sprinkle on our toast is made from the bark of that tree. Most days, the public can view a demonstration of candy-making. The Schimpffs make candy on turn-of-the-century equipment. They use different- sized copper bowls according to the size of the candy batch, and a metal table, with cooling tubes under its surface, to bring the candy to the right consistency. Schimpff's is mostly famous for its "Fish Candy" in 18 flavors, horehound drops made from horehound (an old-world plant of the mint family), and their original cinnamon red hots. Their red hots are square in shape, about the size of your thumb. They also make all kinds of chocolates. The room behind the candy-making demonstration area is a candy museum. It has displays of thousands of artifacts concerning the American candy industry. When we left, we were all loaded down with our sweet purchases, as well as a few quotes to rationalize eating that sweet wonder called chocolate. "Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that make you happy. Be happy!" "In 1728, the Swedish botanist Linnaeus classified the cacao plant, from which chocolate is made, as 'food of the gods.' If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for you!" "Chocolate helps you sleep. Why else would fancy hotels put a chocolate on your pillow?" "If you eat chocolate in a forest, and no trees fall, the calories don't count!" "Chocolate is God's way of making up for okra." I know you can think up some more rationalizations! ***** BFLAG: LOOKING BACK AND INTO THE FUTURE by Butch Arnold In looking back over the time that I served on the board, as vice president and as president of BFLAG, I have pride in the accomplishments we made together. BFLAG grew not only in membership but programming and diversity as well. Our membership rose from 70 members to over 200 members today. We have substantially expanded convention programs to include social events, an annual banquet with a formal program, interactive streamed educational seminars and a welcoming place for prospective members to meet and pay their dues. We have also set up an endowment fund, which now has over $5,000 to perpetuate the mission and purpose of BFLAG. We truly have come a long way. Public relations has hit an all-time high. BFLAG has been mentioned in over 500 publications, including online and print formats. We have spread the word via radio around the world and BFLAG was recognized as one of the top 10 resources for the disabled GLBTQ community in the country. BFLAG has a blind lesbian comic book character as a life member and the public relations we received from that alone is worldwide. Over 10 BFLAG members exhibited at the 2007 PFLAG national conference in Washington, D.C., and we have had representation in more than 10 pride events around the country. Public education is a key result of such public relations acts. The need for affiliates was shown in 2002 and was put on the back burner until recently. Now it is reality. BFLAG has four chartered affiliates with more being considered and worked on at this point. With each affiliate, membership growth and public relations, as well as education, will occur. I can see the time in the near future when BFLAG reaches 400-500 members and will have 10 affiliates that are active and meeting the mission/purpose of BFLAG's constitution. BFLAG has continued to be a diverse organization meeting the needs of a diverse population. It is also believed that our bisexual and queer self- identified membership is on the increase, which is simply a reflection of society as a whole. We are still reaching out to transgendered and intersexed individuals. This has been a slow process and requires more education. I believe that BFLAG's diversity will continue to increase. We, like many other organizations, will not only be more tolerant, but we will be far more inclusive in all of our activities. Communications has been one of the most rewarding aspects for me. I have had the opportunity to talk with all sorts of GLBTQ blind/visually impaired people and our supporters all around the world. I have been able to talk firsthand with many individuals struggling with their sexuality and trying to understand the loneliness and depression associated with it. I have seen many individuals struggle even to open the proverbial closet door and look or listen to what is on the other side of it. I have seen and heard of many of our members joining up with PFLAG to not only to help themselves but to educate others in the process. I have seen the conflict caused by clashing cultures on some of our members and felt their pain and anguish. The fact that individuals know they are not alone and have a place to turn to is a major benefit to them. Our work with such communications must increase and we must continue to be there in support as part of our mission/purpose. BFLAG has supported ACB in many ways. The simple fact that BFLAG members are ACB members shows an increase in ACB's membership. In every press release or interview, ACB has been mentioned in a very positive way. Many BFLAG members have gotten involved in their local state affiliate or other ACB affiliate. We even have members that are assisting with organization and reorganization of local ACB chapters. Although some ACB members strongly oppose BFLAG for whatever reason they do, like society, ACB members as a whole have overwhelmingly supported BFLAG and our mission/purpose. Both BFLAG and ACB must work on the pockets of conflict and somehow put them behind us. Much progress is being made. Into the future we move! When I joined BFLAG in 2002, I was asked to write an article about what I saw in BFLAG's future. It was printed in one of our early newsletters. Very little has changed since. BFLAG is moving in the same direction and, like a freight train, BFLAG's momentum is gaining. There are more and more opportunities to fulfill our mission/purpose. We must continue to meet the needs and take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Some of the potential actions I see in our future are: 1. Increase BFLAG's presence at ACB state affiliate conventions and other activities; 2. Provide a listserv or conference call format for ACB members who have a GLBTQ family member or friend and need support modeled after PFLAG; 3. Have telephone support group meetings for our members that will address specific needs on a regular basis with a competent facilitator/moderator keeping order and providing leadership; 4. An increase in interactive seminars throughout the year that will permit a free exchange of accurate information and education; 5. Provide a BFLAG gathering in a city that is accessible and affordable for far more people to attend and include both educational and social activities. Such an event would be welcoming to all and would benefit untold numbers of individuals. 6. Funding an executive director that would be accountable to BFLAG and provide much of the needed day-to-day support and information distribution. This individual would oversee grant writing and funding processes that are so desperately needed. This would also promote consistency and documentation. 7. Increase the BFLAG endowment fund so that its contribution to BFLAG's operating fund can support a substantial increase in steps to fulfill our mission/purpose; 8. An affiliate increase to 15 and a membership growth to 1,000 members; 9. Increase the number of yearly issues of InsideOUT to 6 and then to 12; and 10. Secure permanent funding sources to do all of the above. Although I have been criticized by some for "dreaming" and having unrealistic goals, I can only look back and see what BFLAG has accomplished and reply that all of the above "dreams" are needed and achievable. Together, I believe we will move forward like a snowball rolling downhill. We will increase in size and momentum and, in doing so, create a path for others that will be easier and offer less resistance than what we experienced in the past. Please consider getting more involved in a way that you will feel comfortable. Join or help form an affiliate in your area, become a life member, or simply spread the word that BFLAG is here and we have a mission and a strong will to meet it head-on. Thank you all for making the opportunity to serve possible. I plan to continue to do what I can to move BFLAG forward. Please feel free to contact me for any information or if I can be of any assistance to you or a friend. Hugh "Butch" Arnold BFLAG Past President 612 Holland St. Cumberland, MD 21502 (240) 522-0093 Hugh.Arnold@verizon.net ***** ACB 2008 CONVENTION MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR AND AUGUST FOCUS CALL TOPICS Compiled by Ardis Bazyn The membership seminar at the convention was well attended. Attendees discussed two topics: how involving special-interest affiliates could increase your state affiliate membership, and fund-raising as a membership tool. We also talked about coloring pages for restaurants to give to kids. Those topics are available on the ACB web site as separate links. A panel of special-interest affiliate leaders presented the topic of how involving their affiliates could increase state affiliate membership. The leaders explained the benefits of their affiliates and gave the audience the opportunity to understand how involving their members might draw more members into a state affiliate. The membership committee prepared a hand-out listing all the special-interest affiliates and an explanation of who might wish to be a member of each, their benefits and communications (newsletters, web sites, listservs), as well as the contact information for their current president. When your state affiliate holds its conventions, your convention committee should consider asking members in your state who are members of special-interest affiliates to participate. You might ask them to plan a presentation relating to their affiliate or offer them a time slot for a break-out session. In this way, both special-interest affiliates and state affiliates can benefit. If you have more people attending your conventions, you will earn more in fund-raising and participation fees. State affiliates should also consider placing information about special-interest affiliates in their newsletters. Your editor could take the information about special-interest affiliates from the link on this topic off the ACB web site, and cover a couple of them in each issue. Or the editor could contact the president of a special-interest affiliate and ask for an article about them. The second topic was fund-raising as a membership tool. The following is a list of ideas expressed. - Getting sponsorships for your convention or special events will save money for your members and your affiliate -Get discounted tickets for audio-described plays or movies for members -Get donations of food, transportation coupons, and gifts for your convention or monthly meetings -Negotiate with your convention hotel to get a gift certificate for one free night -Have auctions with lots of items of interest to members, family, and friends: gathering gift certificates and auction items from community businesses provides an opportunity to get known in your area -Give the person who gets the most donations a prize - Invite family and friends to fund-raisers such as Stanley, Mary Kay, Avon, Cookie Lee jewelry, or Tupperware parties -For fundraising events longer than four hours, provide food and transportation coupons to members -Have a braille T-shirt contest; the person with the catchiest slogan wins a prize -Get discounted or free golf instruction for members -Get free or discounted bowling games for members -Partner with other disability groups and have joint efforts such as a walk-a-thon -Participate in other disability group fundraising and invite them to your fundraisers -Engage celebrity personalities from your community in your chapter/affiliate events and they may bring their connections and resources -Have a barbecue or chili contest (ask for entry fee) and ask a public figure or celebrity to judge -Have a White Cane Ball -Sell ads placed in your convention program; banks, insurance companies, and other service companies -Sell colorful wristbands with braille on them -Have "Dining in the Dark" events -Have an event for Louis Braille Day -Have wine-tasting event; can include music, inspirational speaker, or dinner Another discussion topic was using coloring pages in restaurants to gain more exposure for your chapter or affiliate. Many restaurants offer coloring pages for children while their families are waiting for the food they've ordered. Remember, this is a coloring sheet; too much wording would detract from its use by children. Here is a description of three coloring sheets that were used by the ACB of Indiana. Coloring sheet 2007: The wording on the upper left side of the sheet states: "Kids, remind your parents to stop for the white cane." On the upper right: "It's the Indiana White Cane Law." On the left side of the sheet, a vehicle faced the center. In the center of the sheet, a dog policeman with open hand indicating stop faced forward, and a person with a white cane walking down a sidewalk facing the center of the sheet was on the right side of the sheet. Across the bottom below the picture: "Informational message by the American Council of the Blind of Indiana." Coloring sheet 2007: The wording across the top states "October is White Cane Safety Month." On the left in bullet form are the statements: "Please stop for the white cane - it's the Indiana Law! Please stop before the crosswalk. Please trim low hanging limbs. Please keep sidewalks free of toys, bicycles, trash cans and debris. We thank you!" The picture is on the right two-thirds of the page. It depicts a residential area with trees, houses, sidewalks, a street intersection, marked crosswalks. Our dog police officer is just left of the center of the sheet facing the right with open hand and outstretched arm indicating stop. The vehicle is coming from the right side of the sheet near the intersection and facing left. The individual with a white cane is facing forward, nearing the crosswalk. Across the bottom of the sheet are the words: "Distributed by the American Council of the Blind of Indiana." Coloring sheet 2008: The wording across the top of the sheet is: "White Cane Safety Day. The American Council of the Blind of Indiana would like to remind you that hybrid cars pose a special risk to the visually impaired as they make virtually no sound in urban environments. Please help us to stay safe. Thank you." On the left side of the sheet is a large traffic signal and on the right side of the sheet is a dot-to-dot automobile. Across the bottom below the picture: "Informational message by the American Council of the Blind of Indiana." In addition to the coloring sheets being taken to the restaurants, Indiana also sends a press release relating to White Cane Safety Day to the media and publicly thank the restaurants for their support. A certificate of appreciation is also given to each participating restaurant. If you have further questions on the coloring sheet endeavor, please e-mail Sue L'Esperance at lcacbi03@embarqmail.com. Coloring pages could also be used for other occasions like braille literacy month. Other issues of importance could also be addressed. Happy planning! Don't hesitate to call on the membership committee for further assistance. Or check out other articles on membership ideas on the ACB web site under the resources link. We hope you will participate on the next membership focus call. ***** SUMMARY OF 2008 RESOLUTIONS 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 2008-02 instructs the officers, directors and staff to convey to the disability community, the Department of Justice and Congress our deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current state of the ADA. It also instructs ACB leaders to, at a minimum, withhold support from, or, if appropriate, oppose future ADA legislation or proposed regulations unless such revision contains a clear and unequivocal recognition of the rights of people who are blind and visually impaired by specifically addressing issues of concern to our community. It urges that examples of such appropriate extensions of the coverage of the ADA or its implementing regulations be included, and directs the officers, directors, and staff to broadly disseminate the sense of this resolution to the disability community and to selected members of Congress. Resolution 2008-03 urges ACB, through its Information Access Committee, to engage in discussion with RFB&D to immediately institute changes in the User Authentication Key purchasing policies so that members can download and install the UAK at time of purchase. It also directs the committee to strongly urge RFB&D in writing that the policy changes regarding the UAK be implemented within 90 days of the close of the 2008 ACB national convention. ACB will offer RFB&D, through "The Braille Forum," ACB Radio and its listservs, assistance in publicizing the proposed change in the new UAK purchase policy. Resolution 2008-04 directs ACB to call upon airlines that have thus far failed to ensure full web site access, and who have failed to provide telephonic alternatives to disabled customers so that they may receive Internet pricing and offers, and make reservations online, to promptly put such accommodations into effect. Resolution 2008-05 directs the ACB national office to prepare a Presidential Candidates' Questionnaire to be sent to Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain requesting their positions on certain issues, and to let the responses to this questionnaire be made known to the membership of ACB no later than Oct. 1, 2008. Resolution 2008-07 directs the officers, directors, and staff of this organization to work collaboratively with the World Blind Union to seek creative ways to increase the flow of books in accessible formats throughout the world, and that a report of the steps taken by this organization over the next year outlining the objectives of this resolution be presented at the 2009 convention. Resolution 2008-10 directs the ACB president, in consultation with the chair of the Environmental Access Committee, to appoint a task force to develop, within 90 days, a list of appropriate accommodations constituting a model policy that would make the experience of attending stadia events as accessible to blind and visually impaired people as they are for people with other disabilities whose accommodations are typically recognized and included in the design and operation of stadia. It also instructs the officers, directors and staff of ACB to collaborate with other blindness-related organizations to advance the process of getting these model policies adopted at all stadia. Resolution 2008-11 directs the organization to strongly urge airlines to make kiosks at airports accessible to and usable by people who are blind or visually impaired. It also directs the officers, directors and staff of this organization to take steps to work with the airline industry to bring about this result, and that ACB make available to the airline industry the assistance of the ACB Information Access Committee. Resolution 2008-12 states that this organization is committed to the enactment of comprehensive federal telecommunications and video programming legislation, especially the unique needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. To be truly comprehensive, such federal legislation must, at a minimum, expressly address public policy objectives. This organization expects and demands of its coalition partners, as a condition of ACB's continued participation in such coalition, their unwavering commitment to the inclusion and retention of provisions described above. Resolution 2008-13 directs ACB to urge Congress and the President of the United States to promptly enact H.R. 5734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008. The officers, directors and staff of this organization are instructed to contact their representatives as a matter of priority so as to advance the passage of this crucial legislation. Affiliates and members of ACB are strongly urged to add their efforts to this critical endeavor. Resolution 2008-14 instructs ACB's officers, directors and staff to work to develop and implement such activities as are likely to forward a better understanding and a wider use of braille; also encourages the Braille Revival League to assume a leadership role in the design and implementation of the campaign that will be adopted by this organization. Resolution 2008-16 directs that ACB strongly urge the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) to make a thorough study of Nemeth Uniform Braille System (NUBS) and provide a report on this study to this organization in its 2009 convention. Resolution 2008-17 instructs ACB officers, directors and staff to immediately investigate the matter of free matter mailings from the U.S. to Canada being returned to the sender, and are urged to take such action as seems appropriate to them. Resolution 2008-18 instructs ACB officers, directors and staff to communicate to developers, manufacturers and providers of telecommunications equipment, and, as appropriate, to lawmakers and officers of relevant federal agencies, that equality in telecommunications must include designing and building access features into equipment at the same price to consumers as is charged for equipment used by non-disabled people. Resolution 2008-19 expresses ACB's thanks and appreciation for the services and accommodations provided by the Galt House Hotel and its staff during the 2008 convention. Resolution 2008-20 thanks and commends the host committee and the commonwealth of Kentucky for their fine work on the 2008 ACB national convention. Resolution 2008-21 directs that this organization express its appreciation to all volunteers who worked to assist the attendees of the 2008 ACB convention, and requests that Ms. Beaman assist in communicating this resolution, or its sense, to all volunteers. ***** DKM MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU! by Terry Pacheco Are you honing your leadership skills through your local ACB affiliate? Do you want to enhance those skills and bring even greater successes to your advocacy efforts? Are you ready to take the next steps? Have you wished you could attend an ACB national convention where these opportunities abound, but it always seemed out of your reach? If you have answered "yes" to all of these questions, then read on. The Durward K. McDaniel Committee may be looking for YOU! Each year the McDaniel Fund Committee selects two ACB members who are interested in broadening their involvement in our community as first-timers to the upcoming national convention. The 2009 convention will be held in Orlando, Fla. July 4-11. Travel, lodging, registration administrative fee, tickets to select events, and a stipend for meals and incidental expenses are paid for two people who have never attended an ACB national convention before. These two special guests to the convention have the chance to experience all that the convention has to offer -- exhibits, speaker's receptions with world- renowned leaders in the areas of most interest to them, committee meetings, seminars, and so much more! Who? What? When? Where? Why? Read on! Who can apply? Any member who has never attended an ACB national convention and is active in a state or special-interest affiliate is eligible. What do I need to do? Talk to your state or special-interest affiliate president. He/she can answer any questions you may have, and must give you a letter of recommendation to include with your application packet. Packets should include your name, day and evening contact information, a letter telling the committee about yourself and your involvement in ACB, and a letter of recommendation from your affiliate president. Only one recommendation will be considered for each applicant. When is the deadline? This is a change this year. All packets (include your letter of interest and your president's letter of recommendation) must be postmarked by February 28, 2009. Where do I send my completed packet? All packets should be sent to: DKM First-Timers' Committee, c/o American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005. Applications may be e-mailed to pcastillo@acb.org. Why is this program available? The Durward K. McDaniel Fund First- Timers' Program has brought many future ACB leaders to conventions in memory of the community outreach and mentoring efforts Durward was so well-known for. The committee sponsors a fund-raising event at each national convention to help defray its expenses. Orlando will be no exception. It is always a fun time for a good cause. Be sure to watch for more details in future editions of "The Braille Forum." You may also choose to support the work of the committee by purchasing a special cassette version of "People of Vision," the history of the American Council of the Blind. This special edition includes a cassette recording of a brief history of our organization in Durward's own voice. Call the national office at 1-800-424-8666 or (202) 467-5081 to order your copy. ***** HERE AND THERE by Sue Lichtenfels The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. The Braille Forum cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to info@acb.org, or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in mailbox 26. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date. NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ACB STORE ... ACB now has the VIP series of talking thermostats available at its online store. The VIP series is the first digital thermostat with audio playback of day, time, indoor temperature, temperature setting and programming instructions so blind and visually impaired users can precisely and easily manage their indoor comfort. Yes, the VIP talks to you! When you press the day/time, weekend or weekday schedule buttons, you are voice prompted to enter the correct settings. Press the report button to hear day of the week, time, indoor temperature and the temperature setting. Press the up or down arrow buttons to raise or lower the temperature and hear the new temperature setting. The VIP Talking Thermostat comes in three models, so whether your heating and cooling system is one- or two-stage or heat pump, gas, oil, or electric, there is a model to fit your needs. When you purchase your VIP Talking Thermostat from the ACB Store, you receive a well-established product with a proven track record, and product reliability which carries a lifetime warranty. The Talking Thermostat is blind-user-friendly, and does not require a sighted person to do the initial set-up. It comes with an audio compact disk with complete operating instructions, as well as a large print version, and a user's guide with technical information. You will also receive superior product and customer support from a supplier with 50 years of experience in the heating and cooling controls industry. To order a Talking Thermostat, or to obtain more information, visit the ACB online store at www.acb.org. BRAILLE GREETING CARDS Shadows in the Dark offers a large selection of braille greeting cards with braille pictures and more than 2,000 specialty gifts. Their new contact information is: Shadows in the Dark, 22615 Mathis Rd., San Antonio, TX 78264-9581; phone (210) 621-2070; web site www.shadowsinthedark.com; or e-mail info@shadowsinthedark.com. AUDIO GUITAR INSTRUCTION The TalkingTabs All-Audio Guitar Instruction Complete Beginners Series Special Edition is designed for people who are visually impaired. There are no materials to read. It uses all-audio instructions that verbalize exact hand and finger positions, guiding you every step of the way so you can begin playing notes, scales, chords, and your favorite songs. A guitar and CD player are all that's required to complete this 20-hour course. For more information, visit www.talkingtabs.com or call 1-800-660-6850. PERSONALIZED SONGS FOR KIDS The Songs of Love Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to writing and recording personalized songs for children and teens who are chronically or terminally ill. Each child receives a CD of his or her own song, free of charge, with original melody and lyrics based on profiles submitted by hospitals and families. Every "song of love" is one of a kind; songs are never duplicated. To request a song, fill out the Songs of Love Profile Sheet giving all of the child's special interests, hobbies, favorite people, pets, music and things. Songs can be written in any language and style for children up to age 21. Expect a four- to six-week wait for regular delivery; orders can be rushed for special circumstances. For more information, visit www.songsoflove.org or call 1-800-960-7664. SPECIAL TOY GUIDE For those who shop for a child with a disability, the 2008 Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids is now available in Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us stores as well as online at www.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled. The complimentary guide offers qualified toy recommendations based on research from National Lekotek Center, an independent non-profit organization that hand-picks and tests the toys featured in the guide. For more assistance picking toys, contact the Toy Resource Helpline at 1-800- 366-PLAY (7259). LOOKING FOR A FRIEND? Bentley is a fuzzy plush teddy bear. He is dark brown with tan coloring around his nose and on his belly. Bentley measures 22 inches and wears a white satin bow tie with black dots. When you purchase Bentley for $22 plus $5 for shipping, you support SportsVision in its development of sports and leisure activities for people who are blind or visually impaired. To order, send checks or money orders made payable to SportsVision to PO Box 23053, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, call (412) 429-1996 or send e-mail to info@MySportsVision.org. CHILDREN'S BOOK "The View from Under the Pew" by Diane Winters Johnson tells the story of Walter, a guide dog who assists Pastor Diane in her daily life at home, and at the church where she works. Walter helps Pastor Diane get to the church, to the hospital where she visits the sick, and to his favorite weekly event -- the potluck supper. Walter loves his view from under the pew, where he can listen to the choir sing and see the faces of the families who have come to church. For ages 6-10, the book is available in print or braille for $14 from National Braille Press. To order or read more about this book, visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/BC0608-VIEW.html, or call 1-888-965- 8965. ANTHOLOGY FROM DISABLED WRITERS "Behind Our Eyes" is an anthology of 27 writers, each of whom has a visual or physical disability. The stories, essays and poetry offer an insight into how disabled people feel about the way they're perceived in today's world. The book is available for order from IUniverse, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com using ISBN 978-0-595-46493-7. UNSHACKLED "Two Ends of a Leash: Unshackled" is the life story of Dr. Grace Napier. She was born blind, and started school when there were no special education programs for blind children. But she had a hunger to learn, and a gifted teacher changed her life. She began using a guide dog at age 17. Now 85, Grace resides in Colorado after a career of teaching children and graduate students. To read more, ask your local bookstore to order the book (ISBN 978-1-58736-959-9), or contact Wheatmark, 1-888-934-0888 extension 100. NOVEL CAN BENEFIT BLIND James Carmen Weaver is the author of the novel "Before Winter." This family story/love epoch is set in the Appalachian Mountains and is about a blind widow with a 10-year-old daughter. The story relates her trials and tribulations, evil plots against the family, crafty escapes, and features a "knight in shining armor from Florida." Weaver used the Blue Grass Council of the Blind's web site as part of his research for the novel and will donate $1 for every book sold to an organization for the blind. To order your copy, call him at (251) 867-4272 or send an e-mail message to jimcw10@yahoo.com. ONLINE BOOKSTORE ASB's Online Bookstore provides shoppers from around the world access to over 800 brailled books, 26 various recorded magazine subscriptions, and 11 radio broadcast selections. To see a list of titles, visit www.asb.org. JOIN THE CARAVAN ... The Braille Caravan by Creative Adaptations for Learning, available from National Braille Press, that is! This educational toy, made in the USA, consists of 30 goldenrod non-toxic plastic blocks. Each block represents the braille cell, designed with six black pegs that can be manually pushed up or down to form dots 1-6. Using a finger, stylus, or pencil, a young child or newly blinded adult can easily make letters, words, and even whole sentences by manipulating the six dots on each block, and joining them in a "caravan." The set contains 30 braille blocks, a canvas carrying bag, a print activity guide, and an English Braille Symbols Chart for just $30. To order, call (800) 548-7323 or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/CARAVAN.html. LET'S GET CRAFTY! Craft Adaptations for Adults with Vision Impairments (revised 2007) by Stephanie Stephens Van is available through VisionAWARE. The book includes 17 craft projects for beginner to advanced crafters. The author also gives adaptive "tricks of the trade" -- hints for measuring, using scissors, threading needles, and labeling. The book can be downloaded for $25 from www.VisionAWARE.org. HANDMADE ITEMS FOR SALE Faith Cummings has a variety of hand-knit and crocheted items, from wearables to afghans, for sale. She also dresses dolls of different sizes in outfits ranging from modern to historical patterns. Items are made to order. Prices vary according to the item desired. To learn more, contact Faith at fecpw@aol.com or (540) 337-2036. KNITTED & CROCHETED ITEMS J. Barrett sells hand-made Irish fisherman afghans for $40, including shipping. Each set of patterns tells a tale, a print copy of which is included. Choose fringed or scalloped edging. She also knits infant sweaters with bonnet and booties in a choice of colors, $20; baby afghans, $20; angel-shaped dish/face cloths, $6; crocheted rosary in a pouch, $6; crocheted towel to hang on refrigerator handle or doorknob, $6; and hats, scarves and mittens in choice of color, child size, $15, or adult size, $20. Other gift ideas are available, including shawls, ponchos, potholders, pouches, purses, and more. Specify item color and send check or money order to: J. Barrett, 39 Cathy Circle, Portsmouth, RI 02871; phone (401) 683-0940 or e-mail jbarrett5@cox.net. GOT A SWEET TOOTH? Sweet Tooth has added chocolate guide dogs, braille chocolate watches and other chocolate holiday items to its extensive offering of braille chocolate bars. Available sayings on the chocolate bars include Happy Birthday, Love You, Have A Nice Day, Thank You, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. They weigh 4 1/2 ounces and can be made in milk, dark or white chocolate. Plain chocolate bars cost $2.50 each; bars with nuts, crisped rice or peppermint cost $2.75. Sugar-free bars cost an extra dollar each. They are bagged in cellophane and tied with ribbons. Shipping and handling extra. To order, or get a price list, contact Sweet Tooth at (585) 544-1853 or send a request to judydavis12@rochester.rr.com. Send check or money order made payable to Judy Davis at 32 Vinton Road, Rochester, NY14622. GOOD FORTUNES COOKIES This gigantic fortune cookie is both a gift and greeting card all in one! Good Fortunes Cookies (R) make a sweet impression for any occasion. These delectable treats help you to voice anything you want in a BIG, BIG way. Every cookie can be created especially for your friends, family, colleagues, or clients to celebrate any holiday or special occasion. Messages inside can hold up to 10 personalized sentences. Learn more at www.goodfortunes.com, or call 1-800-644-9474. CHOCOLATE PRESCRIPTION Satisfy your chocolate craving by indulging yourself in rich, gourmet chocolate every day! Experience a delicious one-ounce bar of 72 percent cacao dark chocolate in conveniently packaged one-week or four-week prescriptions, so you can treat yourself or a loved one to a moderate amount each day. Get your dose at www.chocolateprescription.com, or call (214) 550-3929. A UNIQUE TREAT Cheesecake & Books by Cheesecake and Crime, Inc: A place where fiction and function meet! Cheesecake and books are the perfect combination for the sweet tooth and novel lover in you. Cheesecake and Crime features a wide arrangement of delectable cheesecakes along with the latest book from mystery and suspense authors. From their tempting kahlua and amaretto flavors to their fun holiday flavors and sugar-free for the health conscious -- it's simply a crime to want more sent right to your home! Visit www.cheesecakeandcrime.com, or call (702) 629-5523 for more information. LARGE PRINT CALENDARS AVAILABLE Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired's Large Print Calendars are bigger and better than ever! This year, the calendar is nearly double the size to provide as much room as possible for writing in appointments and special occasions. Individual calendars can be purchased for $5 and will be shipped free matter for the blind. Shipping charges will be added for those not eligible for free matter shipping. Bulk pricing available. For more information, or to order, contact Lindsay Fauth at 1-800-606- 1349 or via e-mail, lfauth@sabvi.com. ***** HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP To place an ad in this column, you may either call Sharon Lovering at the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or e-mail the ad to her at slovering@acb.org. Due to space constraints, individuals are limited to advertising twice per year. FOR SALE: Desktop computer with 500-gig hard drive, 2 gigs RAM, Wi-Fi, Windows XP Professional, JAWS and ZoomText. Comes with 19-inch flat-screen monitor. Asking $850. Toshiba 17-inch laptop with 3 gigs RAM, 160-gig hard drive, Windows XP, JAWS and ZoomText. Asking $1,200. Toshiba 15-inch laptop with 160-gig hard drive, 1 gig RAM, Windows XP, ZoomText. Asking $900. Brand-new desktop computer with 1,000-gig hard drive, 2 gigs RAM, 2 CD burners, 19-inch monitor, Windows XP Professional, JAWS 7.10, and ZoomText 9.1, keyboard, mouse and speakers. Asking $1,100. Contact Jose at (818) 220-6256. FOR SALE: BrailleNote PK in excellent condition. Comes with latest software upgrade, maps and points of interest on flash memory card, and the latest Sendero GPS software. Hardly used; in excellent condition. Asking $3,000. Contact Dave at shotgun@byrdsoft.com or call (928) 646-0269. FOR SALE: Owasys 22c screenless talking cell phone, bought new this year from Capital Accessibility. Comes with all paperwork, box, an extra charger and leather case. Asking $550 or best offer, plus $5 shipping. PayPal or money order only. E-mail trekfan79@yahoo.com and put SWAP SHOP in caps as the subject line. FOR SALE: Freedom Scientific StreetTalk, never used. Complete with software and receiver, but not in box. Asking $450 or best offer. Call Leanne Cherry in New Jersey at (973) 228-2510 or e-mail her at cliff.leanne@verizon.net. FOR SALE: Optelec color CCTV with 17" monitor, barely used. Asking $900. Contact Cheryl at (845) 895-3020 Eastern time. Will consider offers. You pick up or pay shipping. FOR SALE: Used Roland XP10 professional keyboard synthesizer. Easy for beginners to use; has features for pros, too. Lightweight, 61 keys with editable general MIDI-based synthesizer containing 338 sounds and sound effects. Asking $400, including shipping. Contact Steve at (517) 347-7046. If you leave a message, please speak slowly and clearly, as I also have difficulty hearing. FOR SALE: Open Book 8.0, brand new. Asking $800 if you pay for the transfer fee or $875 if we cover that cost. Braille Note BT 18-cell refreshable braille. Comes with carrying case, headphones, power pack, cables, cassette tutorial, card reader, and two flash cards. This unit is in excellent condition. Asking $700. Black-and-white scanner with cable and software on CD. Asking $50. Will only accept bank money orders in U.S. or Canadian funds. Upon receiving the money order, item(s) will be shipped out with shipping, handling, and insurance covered by us. Contact Nancy Ryder at owenryder@sympatico.ca or (319) 217-8235. FOR SALE: Lexmark X9350 all-in-one USB, network and wireless printer, copier, fax, scanner. Excellent condition. Includes all software and cables plus two brand-new unopened black and color cartridges along with USB and network cables. Asking $100 plus $25 shipping, handling and insurance. Crank-up AM/FM radio, flashlight, and alarm and cell charger. Uses no batteries. Brand new; never used or opened. Asking $15 plus $10 shipping, handling and insurance. Kingston 4-gig Traveler USB flash drive. Never used, never opened, brand-new. Asking $30 plus $5 shipping, handling and insurance. Epson Perfection 1660 USB 48-bit flatbed color scanner with power adapter, USB cable and all software. Excellent condition. Asking $25 plus $25 shipping, handling and insurance. A-Data 80X 2GB high speed secure digital (SD) card. Brand-new; never used or opened. Asking $20 plus $5 shipping, handling and insurance. Contact Don Risavy Jr. via e-mail, drisavyjr@cox.net, or phone (850) 208-1923. FOR SALE: VoiceSense notetaker. Includes power cord and cable needed to connect it to a computer. Eligible to receive latest upgrades for free. Asking $1,200 or best offer. Contact Rodney Neely via e-mail, blindlion@verizon.net, or call (571) 527-8905. 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 Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, IL Berl Colley, Lacey, WA Marsha Farrow, Summerville, GA Michael Garrett, Missouri City, TX Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA David Trott, Talladega, AL Cammie Vloedman, Oklahoma City, OK Ex Officio: Paul Edwards, Miami, FL BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Paul Edwards, Chairman, Miami, FL Marcia Dresser, Reading, MA Judy Jackson, San Antonio, TX Jenine Stanley, Columbus, OH Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY Ex Officios: Barry Levine, Homer Glen, IL Ron Milliman, Bowling Green, KY