The Blind Californian: Winter, 2010

The CALIFORNIA CONNECTION is a weekly news service provided in English and Spanish at 800-221-6359 Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. and all day on weekends and holidays; by email subscription: send a message to webmaster@ccbnet.org; or on the web at www.ccbnet.org.

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If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney communicate with the Executive office for other suggested forms. Thank you.

In accepting material for THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN, priority will be given to articles concerning the activities and policies of the California Council of theBlind and to the experiences and concerns of blind persons. Recommended lengthis under three pages or 1800 words.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Grade II braille Version

Editor's Page, by Mike Keithley
President's Page: Rededication to Excellence,, by Jeff Thom
Nominations for CCB awards, by Catherine Skivers
Founding of the California Council of the Blind, by Catherine Skivers
CCLVI scholarships, submitted by Donna Pomerantz
Diamond Jubilee: The Fall, 2009 CCB Convention, by Mike Keithley and Roger Petersen
Summary of Fall 2009 Resolutions
Summaries of CCB Board Meeting Minutes, by Gabe Griffith
How Sponsorships Can Help with Fund-raising, Membership, and Public Relations, by Ardis Bazyn, CCB Membership Committee Chair
Out of the Doghouse: 2009 ACB Convention, by Mary Beth Randall
2009 ACB National Convention Report, Part Two, by Donna Pomerantz and Jeff Thom
Rough Going, by Jo Carpignano
In Memoriam: Frank Silva, by Catherine Skivers
On the Lighter Side, by Evelyn Drewry
Access Through Accessibility: Inclusion in the Arts and Media for the Visually Impaired, Part Four, by Rick Boggs
What Your Guide Dog Board Does for You, by Tony Candela, Board Member
Advocacy 101, Lecture 1: Seven Steps for Chapter Engagement, by Frank Welte, CCB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
Report on State and Federal Legislation, by Frank Welte
CCB OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2010

So what does all this mean? Well, for one thing, braille literacy, already reeling from a failing grade, is dealt yet another blow. While it's true that the lucky people who have notetakers with braille displays can still read the new Ziegler in braille, it is more likely it'll just be heard in speech--that's just the easy way. Those who don't have access to the Internet, or prefer not using it, have lost a friend. Gone are the days of quietly reading the magazine while on the bus or train. I always feel a bit uneasy reading on the Braille Sense in that environment.

Will the Matilda Ziegler in braille ever come back? Only if we insist that it happen and the blindness organizations offer to support it. It won't happen on its own because the web and email versions are so easy to maintain and update, and cost next to nothing. Then there's the question of whether the staff feels obliged to respond to readers' wishes. After all, we weren't told beforehand that the braille and tape versions were going away nor were we invited to give opinions. It's "take it or leave it, folks."

Actually I think the Ziegler has made a big mistake in emphasizing a web-based magazine. It will soon become just one of thousands of sources of information, and it will eventually wither away. That's unfortunate, but I guess a one hundred and two year run isn't all that bad.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: REDEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE
by Jeff Thom

I wish I could bottle the energy for all of you who missed our Diamond Jubilee convention to celebrate our 75th anniversary, which was held in Fresno over Halloween weekend. You can get a real flavor for what went on either by listening to the conference on our website, ccbnet.org, or by asking the office for a set of free tapes. Suffice it to say that not only was it one of the most well-attended conventions we have had in years, participants, from first-timers to veteran warriors, told me how incredibly pleased and energized they were by the proceedings. We learned, among other things, of that intrepid group of blind Californians who founded this organization on the principle that we, the blind community, best know what we want and need. They founded the organization during the worst depression in U.S. history. Yet, in addition to their focus on creating the organizational structure, our founders never ceased to advocate for the blind and visually impaired of this state.

However, our time to pat ourselves on the back because of our long and glorious history is over. It's time to look ahead to the many challenges that face Californians who are blind or have low vision. By the time you read this, 2009 will be starting to fade into memory and the daily grind of 2010 will have begun. Each one of us needs to work locally to retain current members and recruit new ones every chance we get. When CCB is holding a fund-raiser do your best to enlist support of others to assist CCB in these troubled economic times. Most of all, when Frank Welte, or your local leaders or anyone you know, brings to you a request for advocacy, don't hesitate to get involved. If you don't know what you can do, ask your chapter president, a CCB board member, or, of course, call or e-mail me. My door, so to speak, is always open.

Let's rededicate ourselves to the path of excellence that the founders of CCB forged 75 years ago. Let's make the next 75 years as remarkable as the first 75 have been. The time to start on that path to excellence is now.

NOMINATIONS FOR CCB AWARDS
by Catherine Skivers

The History and Awards Committee is looking forward to receiving nominations for individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the blindness community. The members of this committee are Roger Petersen, Gussie Morgan, Bernice Kandarian, Joe Smith, Chris Gray, Al Gil, and Don Queen. We all enjoy the opportunity of hearing about members who are deserving of recognition for making a positive difference to blind Californians.

Please review the requirements for someone you think is deserving of a nomination for one of the following awards. I am sure you all know someone who is deserving of our thanks and appreciation.

The CCB Hall of Fame: Up to five persons per year who have made significant contributions and sustained effort to advance the goals of CCB, may be nominated.

The CCB Community Service Award: Presented annually to a blind or visually impaired individual who, through his/her association and activities, has demonstrated integration into and interaction with the life of the community.

The CCB Distinguished Service Award: Given periodically to an outstanding blind or visually impaired person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of blind people in general. The recipient of this award need not be a member of CCB.

The CCB Legislator of the Year Award: Bestowed periodically on a state or federal legislator who has introduced and successfully directed enactment of legislation in behalf of persons who are blind or visually impaired.

The Humanitarian Award is granted to an individual or organization that has assisted blind people in general or CCB and its affiliates in particular to an extraordinary degree. The recipient may be blind or sighted.

The CCB Merit Award (Formerly the Certificate of Merit): Given to any individual who provides outstanding volunteer service to CCB, its chapters or affiliates.

The Chapter of the Year Award: Presented by the Membership Committee to the CCB chapter that conducts a group effort to make a significant difference in the life of an individual and/or the local community.

The CCB Publications Awards: Granted by vote of the Publications Committee to the person who has prepared the best article of the year appearing in the Blind Californian or in newspapers or periodicals. There are two categories: an article related to an issue of importance in the blindness community and an article concerning lifestyle.

Please send your nominations by February 15, 2010 to "Attention Awards Committee"; California Council of the Blind; 1510 J Street, Suite 125; Sacramento, CA 95814. Awards will be presented at the spring, 2010 convention. In nominating your candidate, please be sure to include all the reasons why you think this award should be presented. If you have difficulty in determining which award your candidate deserves, the committee will be happy to assist you.

FOUNDING OF THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
by Catherine Skivers

On October 6, 1934, a group of 29 persons met in Fresno to consider the formation of a California Council for the Blind. The plan for such an organization originated with Mrs. Kathleen Michael, then Chief of the Division for the Blind in the State Department of Social Welfare. Her plan was to form a group in which the sighted members would predominate but the blind would have some representation. Of the 29 people present, 16 were blind and 13 were sighted. The blind members had come at the insistence of Dr. Newel Perry, Director of Advanced Studies at the California School for the Blind and leader of the blind at that time. The blind people represented various organizations of the blind up and down the state, which Dr. Perry had been organizing during the previous ten years. Most of the sighted persons present were engaged in work for the blind in the state and had held several preliminary meetings among themselves to discuss the formation of a council.

It was the late Professor Jacobus tenBroek, one of Dr. Perry's "boys," who master-minded and battled through the substitution of the adopted Article 1, Section 1 of the Bylaws of the newly formed organization, which gave the blind the majority on the original Council by adding representatives of two additional organizations of the blind to the roster. This majority led to the election of Dr. Perry as the first President, a post which he held until his retirement from the position in 1953.

"A meeting of the group interested in the welfare of the blind was held in the Jade Room of the Hotel Fresno, at Fresno, on Saturday, October 6, 1934. The meeting was called to order by the chairman, Mrs. Kathleen Michael, at 10:15 a.m. The following persons were present: Mrs. Kathleen Michael (Chief of the Division for the Blind); Mrs. J. R. Lewarton (blind representative of the Long Beach area); Mr. H. D. Hicker (Chief of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation); Mr. J. R. Atkinson (Founder and Director of the Braille Institute of America, Los Angeles with Mrs. Atkinson); Miss Annette Williams (blind representative of the Oakland area); Mr. Reginald White (blind representative of the San Luis Obispo area); Dr. Newel Perry (Director of Advanced Studies, California School for the Blind); Miss Dorothy Glass (blind representative of the mountain area); Mr. Joseph M. Kelley (Superintendent of the State Industrial Home for the Adult Blind, Oakland, with Mrs. Kelley); Dr. Thomas F. Madden (Fresno physician, representing the Lions Clubs); Mr. J. tenBroek (blind college student at Berkeley); Dr. W. R. Groshell (blind osteopath, representing the blind of the Los Angeles area); Mr. Franklin Dean (blind representative of the American Brotherhood for the Blind, Los Angeles); Mr. Stanley Vosper (blind representative from the Long Beach area); Mr. H. J. Porter (blind representative from the Los Angeles area); Miss Gladys Conley (secretary to Mrs. Michael); Mrs. Mary Carroll (home teacher of the adult blind, Oakland); Mr. Perry Sundquist (partially blind representative from the Los Angeles area); Mr. Alfred Kloess (blind teacher in the Los Angeles City Schools); Mr. Orville Brenner (blind representative from the Long Beach area); Mr. Henry Bindt (blind representative from the Berkeley area); Miss Bernece McCarary (home teacher of the adult blind, Oakland); and four representatives from the Fresno Welfare Department.

"Mrs. Michael gave a short resume of the previous meetings and asked if the members wished to hear the minutes read. The motion carried. The minutes were read and accepted. Mr. White requested the secretary to read again the minutes of the committee meetings and the proposed constitution. The minutes were read and discussion followed.

"Mr. White moved that the constitution be adopted as read. The motion was lost. Mr. Lewarton requested that the constitution be read again. After some discussion, Miss Glass stated that it would be better to hear it again, also the names proposed for the personnel of the Council. The constitution and names were read.

"Mr. Hicker suggested that the proposed members of the Council be seated together in order to make voting easier. Mr. Bindt asked how many members were present who were eligible to vote and would they please identify themselves. After discussion as to the eligibility of the members, Mr. tenBroek moved, seconded by Dr. Perry, that the names as read be temporarily accepted for the purpose of the adoption of the constitution. The motion carried.

"Mr. Lewarton asked if a substitute could be sent in case a representative was unable to attend a meeting. The ruling of the Chair was that the question could not be answered until the constitution was adopted. Dr. Groshell moved, seconded by Mr. Dean, that the articles of the constitution be voted on separately. After much discussion, the constitution was adopted as amended.

"The question then arose as to the personnel of the Council. Dr. Perry asked Mr. Sundquist to read the copy of the proposed Article I, Section I, of the Bylaws, 'Personnel of the Charter Members of the Council'. Bindt moved, seconded by Dr. Groshell, that the Article be read. The motion carried. Mr. Sundquist read the Article, and discussion followed as to the changes in the personnel. It was explained that the total number was the same, but that two changes had been made (substituting two representatives of the blind for two sighted representatives). Mr. Groshell moved, seconded by Mr. Lewarton, that Article I, Section I, of the Bylaws be adopted. The motion carried.

"Mr. tenBroek stated that the Council was now formed, and the Secretary was asked to read the representatives on the Council, which are as follows:

"1. Chief of the Division for the Blind, Department of Social Welfare; 2. Chief of the Rehabilitation Bureau, Department of Education; 3. Principal of the California School for the Blind; 4. Director of Advanced Studies, California School for the Blind; 5. Superintendent of the Industrial Home for the Adult Blind, Department of Institutions; 6. Supervising Field Worker, Department of Institutions; 7. Manager of the State Workshop for the Blind, Los Angeles, Department of Institutions; 8. Representative of Classes for the Blind, Los Angeles public schools; 9. Representative from the State Library, Department of Education; 10. Blind Representative of the Braille Institute of America, Los Angeles; 11. Blind Representative from the American Brotherhood of Free Reading for the Blind, Los Angeles; 12. A Blind Business Woman, selected by the Executive Committee of the Council; 13. District Governor, or representative, of the Lions Clubs; 14. Northern Representative from the California Alumni Association of Self Supporting Blind; 15. Blind Representative of the Western Seeing Eye Owners Association; 16. Blind Representative of the San Francisco Association for the Blind; 17. Blind Representative of the Alameda County Club of Adult Blind; 18. Blind Representative of the San Francisco County Club of Adult Blind; 19. Blind Representative of the East Bay Club of Blind Women; 20. Blind Representative of the San Diego Braille Club; 21. Blind Representative of the Los Angeles County Club of Adult Blind; 22. Blind Representative of the Los Angeles Braille Club; 23. Blind Representative of the Associated Blind of California; 24. Blind Representative of the Long Beach Braille Club; 25. Southern Representative of the California Alumni Association of Self-Supporting Blind.

"It was moved by Dr. Perry, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that Miss Dorothy Glass be formally accepted as the member of the Council designated as a Blind Business Woman. Carried unanimously.

"The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by Mrs. Michael, who stated that the first order of business would be to elect the officers for the new Council. Mrs. Michael stated that as Chairman, she would appoint a nominating committee. Discussion followed. The motion was made by Mr. tenBroek, seconded by Dr. Groshell, that each officer be nominated from the floor, and that a standing vote be taken. The motion carried.

"The following officers were elected: Dr. Newel Perry, President; Mrs. Kathleen Michael, First Vice President; Mr. Perry Sundquist, Second Vice President; Mrs. Mary Carroll, Recording Secretary and Treasurer; Mr. J. Robert Atkinson, Corresponding Secretary. Mr. H. D. Hicker, Mr. J. tenBroek, and Miss Dorothy Glass were elected to serve on the Executive Committee.

"The following committees were appointed: Mrs. Kathleen Michael, chairman of a committee to study the needs of the non-custodial adult blind; Mr. H. D. Hicker, chairman of a committee to study the opportunities of remunerative employment of the blind; Mr. J. M. Kelley, chairman of a committee to study the necessary essentials for a good home for the adult blind; Dr. Richard S. French, chairman of a committee to study the needs, real aims, and essentials for a good school for blind children; Dr. Thomas F. Madden, chairman of a committee on the prevention of blindness. There were also be a committee on Publicity, and one on Legislation.

"A resolution was passed, and the Secretary was instructed to send a note of thanks to Mr. Clayton Smith for his courtesy and hotel accommodations.

"Mr. Atkinson suggested that provision be made for special meetings. Mr. Atkinson moved, seconded by Mr. Sundquist, that Article I, Section II, of the Bylaws be amended to read: 'Special meetings may be held on call of the President at any time, on ten days written notice.' The motion carried.

"The motion was made by Miss Williams, seconded by Mrs. Michael, that the next Council meeting be held on the first Saturday in April, 1935 at Bakersfield. Carried.

CCLVI SCHOLARSHIPS
submitted by Donna Pomerantz

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to one full-time student in each category: entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate. College students who are visually impaired, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school and/or local community are encouraged to apply.

Applications may be submitted beginning January 1, and all materials must be received by March 1. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2010-2011 academic year.

To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an online application, please visit www.cclvi.org and click on the "Scholarship" link.

Applications will be available to submit online until March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please plan ahead so that mailed documents will be received by March 1. Please note that no faxed materials will be accepted.

Questions may be directed to CCLVI at 800-733-2258. We look forward to receiving your application materials!

DIAMOND JUBILEE: THE FALL, 2009 CCB CONVENTION
by Mike Keithley and Roger Petersen

[Editor's note: This report is a combination of two articles in the December, 2009 SVCB In Touch newsletter.]

From Mike:

"Celebrating 75 years of Advocacy and Service," we returned to Fresno, where CCB was born in 1934. The convention, hosted by the Greater San Joaquin Valley Chapter, was held October 29 through November 1 at the Fresno Radisson, and I found navigating the hotel to be easier than expected. I tend to feel like "I'll never learn this layout" with the unavoidably complicated floor-plan description, but I was doing OK by the time the convention was over, as usual. I especially appreciated the Starbucks. I arrived Wednesday afternoon so I could have a relaxed dinner, talk to people, check out the free wireless Internet access, go to bed early, and explore after breakfast.

The first event I attended was the Thursday afternoon Technology Committee presentation. People from Apple never arrived, but Peter Cantissani did demos of Apple's iPhone and VoiceOver systems, which I couldn't understand because someone disconnected the ALD transmitter. But the history "show and tell" presentation by Noel Runyan was very entertaining as the ALD transmitter was then working.

As I'm on the board of the Braille Revival League of California (BRLC), I attended its board meeting just before the CCB's public board meeting, which lasted almost five hours.

Although these meetings are always long, it's worth the effort to stay attentive and stick it out. For example, about 45 minutes were spent reading Minutes from several board meetings, and this droning time really did help me keep perspective as to what CCB's leadership is up to. The treasurer's report was revealing too. Although income from investments was better than expected, CCB is still on a deficit track, and this is becoming a serious restraint to services. For example, the board broke with tradition and decided not to send delegates to ACB's 2010 Legislative Seminar. Instead, chapters and affiliates will be encouraged to send their own delegates and aggressively deal with local issues. It was also decided to have the fall, 2010 convention in San Diego, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel in La Jolla. The spring convention will be at the San Francisco Airport Crowne Plaza hotel in Burlingame.

CCB'S history was a major theme of the convention, and Friday's first general session started with a presentation from Sharon Hiigel, Curator of the Fresno Historical Society. We learned about the development of the San Joaquin Valley and Fresno. But the high point for me was the presentation by Kevin Walsh, Staff Engineer, Fisker Automotive, Irvine, California, where we learned that manufacturers producing hybrid cars seem to be paying attention to the lack of noise from these vehicles at slow speeds. We heard several "noises" (lion and leopard growls) being studied for their effectiveness. I came away thinking that these exotic noises could actually be a distraction rather than helpful.

I attended the President's Dinner with its panel, moderated by Cathie Skivers, of presidents from chapters that date back to the beginnings of CCB. From this perspective, SVCB Is a youngster.

The Friday evening general session featured another historical presentation from the History Committee, and a captivating talk by Kamilla Ryding, CCB's intern from Denmark, about the living conditions of visually impaired people in that country. And then there were the elections, where Donna Pomerantz was re-elected as Second Vice President, Linda Porelle was re-elected board member (both Linda and Donna had previously been elected to fill vacancies), and Dan Kysor and Foster Brown were elected as board members. Incumbents Gabe Griffith (secretary), Jerry Arakawa and Peter Pardini (board members) were also re-elected. Ann Kysor and Richard Rueda were retiring from the board and were thanked for their service.

I was up early Saturday morning to attend the membership PR breakfast, where the focus was on getting sponsorships for chapter fund-raising projects. Unfortunately I was hampered by the acoustics of the room, but I know that strategies such as discussions with management and press releases were mentioned.

Saturday morning is my time to wander around the exhibit hall asking questions and examining products. I wanted to check out the iPhone, but I never found the Apple table.

The highlight of Saturday's general session was the debate over one vs. two conventions. The convention decided to keep the current semi-annual convention scheme, even though it was repeatedly pointed out that an annual convention would better fit CCB's deficit spending.

The banquet featured conversations at my table, the prime-rib-cutting battle (I won), scholarship presentations (I was impressed with the quality of recipients' responses) and raffle prizes. I didn't win anything, alas! The wireless microphones were working well!

I forgot to set my watch back an hour Sunday morning and wondered why no one was in the restaurant at "6:30." I quickly discovered the reason and just read email until friends arrived.

Sunday's business meeting was taken up with the reading of resolutions, which will be summarized in the BC, along with a Constitutional amendment to remove the residence requirement for membership.

From Roger:

I also traveled to Fresno on Wednesday and sampled a good and affordable Mexican restaurant that evening. One more note about cuisine, Bernice was born in Fresno and we got Armenian bread, string cheese and lahmajoon from nearby merchants, which made for quick meals and snacks.

A special guest at the convention was Paul Schroeder, Vice President for Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind. Paul spoke once in the general session, once in the CAT/CCLV Friday morning session and again at the banquet.

An additional word about Noel Runyan's presentation on the history of technology: the stuff he brought was amazing. He had a VersaBraille, Accent and Echo speech synthesizers, cube slate and circular sliderule and much, much more. A real blast from the past!

At the banquet, I sat at the head table with Bernice, who presented an invocation including historical information about the Armenian community in Fresno. We saved one award from last Spring's convention, a Distinguished Service award for Mitch Pomerantz. (He was not at the Spring Convention.) We were all amused and pleased when Cathie Skivers won the $250 cash prize in the CCB Sweepstakes, after she had lobbied hard to get a cash prize included.

SUMMARY OF FALL 2009 RESOLUTIONS
by Gabe Griffith

This year we had a total of 13 resolutions submitted. This included the two appreciation resolutions and two that were withdrawn. Below are summaries of the resolutions with the withdrawn ones noted.

Resolution 2009 B-1 Dealt with the process of hiring readers through the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and was withdrawn by the submitter.

Resolution 2009 B-2 dealt with clerical staff in the Division of Blind Field Services (BFS) within DOR. It called on DOR to establish a committee to explore giving BFS counselors their own support staff rather than borrowing from the local division offices they are housed in.

Resolution 2009 B-3 addressed counselor case loads within BFS. Some counselors have case loads of as low as the mid 20s and other have loads as high as 185 or more. This resolution called on DOR to establish strategies to balance these case loads.

Resolution 2009 B-4 was in regards to the Matilda Ziegler Magazine no longer being published in braille. It called on the board of directors to reconsider its decision and to publish the reasons for it.

Resolution 2009 B-5 dealt with business enterprise consultants (BEC) to the business enterprise program (BEP) vendors. The first line of contact for many BEP vendors is their BEC. This resolution called on DOR to ensure that BECs focus their efforts on providing proactive assistance to BEP vendors.

Resolution 2009 B-6 was in regards to shared space. Many cities are beginning to adopt this concept that has made its way to the United States from Europe. The resolution called on CCB chapters and affiliates to remind their local planning entities of their responsibilities under the ADA. It also called on the CCB Committee on Access and Transportation to develop guidelines to use when planning a shared space area.

Resolution 2009 B-7 called on the Rehabilitation Services Administration to take action to try and get DOR counselors exempted from the Furlough Fridays established by California.

Resolution 2009 B-8 called on DOR to finalize and implement the contract for BEP vendors' location with the United States Postal Service within California.

Resolution 2009 B-9 called on BEP to provide the fiscal solvency reports in preferred formats that they are required to provide. This was in follow-up to a spring 2009 resolution.

Resolution 2009 B-10 addressed supermarket websites. This resolution was withdrawn by the author for further research.

Resolution 2009 B-11 dealt with discrimination within the entertainment industry in California. It called on the industry to take steps to provide more parts for actors who are blind or visually impaired.

Resolution 2009 B-12 was the hotel appreciation resolution, and 2009 B-13 was for volunteer appreciation.

SUMMARIES OF CCB BOARD MEETING MINUTES
by Gabe Griffith

Summary of the April 2, 2009 Pre-convention Board Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 by president Jeff Thom. Secretary Gabe Griffith called the roll. Present were Jeff Thom; 1st Vice President Gene Lozano; Secretary Gabe Griffith; Treasurer Chris Gray; Immediate Past President Cathie Skivers; board members Jerry Arakawa, Vincent Calderon, David Jackson, Ann Kysor, Ken Metz, Peter Pardini, Donna Pomerantz, Louis Preston, and Richard Rueda.

There were several announcements on topics including the hospitality suite, tickets being auctioned, scholarship accounts, and more. Jeff then read the agenda.

Minutes were read and approved for the fall 2008 pre-convention board meeting and conference calls for November 19 and December 11, 2008, and February 11, 2009.

Chris Gray then discussed the budget. After some additions to the proposed budget, it was moved and seconded to approve the budget. It passed.

Fund raising: Diana Sandul discussed several fund-raising ventures. These included the eBay giving, PG&E CARE program and several grant opportunities she is looking into through the Sacramento Nonprofit Resource Center.

Publications: Bernice Kandarian gave a Publications Committee report. The written report was attached to the original minutes. Donna Pomerantz then reported on the web task force. After much discussion a motion was finally adopted so that the president and web task force could move forward.

Membership: It was decided to give both membership awards at the spring conventions and to give membership pins to members who have been part of CCB for 25, 40, and 50 years.

Trust funds: Cathy Skivers reported on the Newel Perry and Ellen Murphy trust funds. She gave their current amounts and updated the board on the activities of these trusts.

Externship: The board decided to approve an externship opportunity. This will be a student from Denmark who will be working with Frank Welte but supervised by Jeff.

Subsidies: After much discussion it was moved not to subsidize meals at the fall convention but to subsidize rooms so that convention attendees pay $100 per room per night. It passed. It was then decided to hold the spring 2010 convention in Burlingame in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Constitutional amendment: There was much discussion surrounding the proposed constitutional amendment that would have CCB move to one convention a year. The board decided to disseminate a survey for individuals and chapters to complete and to have time set aside at the Saturday afternoon general session in Fresno to allow the membership to discuss this amendment before voting.

Families conference: It was decided to spend $125 to share an exhibit table at this conference with ACB.

Public comment: There was a second round of public comment. Comments here included the proposed constitutional amendment and conventions. After the public comment the board entered executive session to discuss legal matters.

Summary of April 14, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call Minutes

President Jeff Thom called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM. Since Gabe Griffith was absent, President Thom called the roll and present were: Jeff Thom; Eugene Lozano; Jr. 1st VP; Donna Pomerantz (on the call for the first time as the 2nd VP); Cathie Skivers, Immediate Past President; Directors: Richard Rueda, David Jackson, Peter Pardini, Linda Porelle (her first call as a new director), Vincent Calderon, Jerry Arakawa, Ken Metz, and Ann Kysor. It was announced that Louis Preston would join later.

Jeff Thom read the agenda. He then brought to the board's attention a discussion of the veteran's home. They have had on-going problems for several years, and we continue to receive reports of bad treatment of blind and other veterans with disabilities. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) wants to have an organization to sign an agreement for arbitration with the Veterans Administration (VA). The gentleman who was assisting CCB actively with this project is no longer at the veteran's home, and Margie Donovan has retired. It was decided to sign on to this as an organization.

Jeff Thom told board members about a recent call which included Mary Willows, President of the National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC) as well as many people from several agencies for the blind. The consensus was that because of service cuts and other issues, SB105 is not being correctly followed. It was felt that since the Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change (BARC) had not functioned for some time, that perhaps there should be a new and larger organization created to work on a similar agenda. It was decided to continue to be involved with negotiations.

Frank Welte will be testifying in Sacramento on the Department of Rehabilitation Plan. He will be working with the CCB Rehabilitation Committee for ideas to present.

Summary of the June 15, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call

President Thom called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM. Present were Jeff Thom; 1st Vice President Gene Lozano; 2nd VP Donna Pomerantz; Secretary Gabe Griffith; Treasurer Chris Gray; Immediate Past President Cathie Skivers; board members Jerry Arakawa, Vincent Calderon, David Jackson, Ann Kysor, Ken Metz, Peter Pardini, Linda Porelle, Louis Preston, and Richard Rueda.

Bay area office: Jeff brought up that since the executive office has been in Sacramento, we do not have an office presence in the Bay Area. Cathie has agreed to host an office and provide a phone number for it. [See masthead]

The board then discussed positives and negatives of product endorsements, and was in favor of investigating this idea. It was decided to appoint a committee to investigate the matter of endorsing products.

There was a lengthy discussion of social networking sites. A CCB member had put up a Facebook site using CCB's name, and the board was concerned about the legalities of this. It was decided to work with the owners of this site to reach an agreeable solution for all. It was also decided that CCB should obtain place holding accounts on several different social networking sites so they would be available when we are ready to use them.

Summary of the August 3, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:30 PM. Present were President Jeff Thom; 1st VP Gene Lozano; 2nd VP Donna Pomerantz; Treasurer Chris Gray; Secretary Gabe Griffith; Immediate Past President Cathie Skivers; Board members Jerry Arakawa, Vince Calderon, David Jackson, Ann Kysor, Ken Metz, Peter Pardini, and Linda Porelle. Absent were Louis Preston and Richard Rueda.

Audits: The board was told that the 2007 and 2008 audits were almost complete, and were expected to be finished by the time the board met at the fall convention.

The board then entered executive session. It was decided to give Jeff Thom and Gene Lozano authority to decide whether or not to sign on to an objection in a Bay Area access settlement case. The board then left executive session.

Facebook: It was decided to have the password-protected place holding accounts for the social networking sites to be given to the president. It was decided to recommend changing the name of the Facebook site to "members and friends of the California Council of the Blind."

It was then decided to give Jeff Thom and Cathie Skivers authority to seek legal advice to look into the rights and means of protecting name, logo, and organization and report back to the board with their findings.

The board then decided to receive and review the minutes for the prior meeting at least one week prior to the next one.

There was a discussion about the First Timers convention scholarship, and it was decided not to have a scholarship at this time.

There was a discussion about interviewing for a staff position and the type of candidate we are looking for.

Frank Welte is attending meetings for a 20th anniversary ADA celebration, and it was decided that he should continue attending these meetings and report to the membership at the fall convention unless board action is needed.

There was a discussion about t-shirts and whether or not we could find any other ideas for a 75th anniversary item for the fall convention. It was decided to accept the Fund-raising Committee's recommendation for the t-shirts as well as sizes and prices.

HOW SPONSORSHIPS CAN HELP WITH FUND-RAISING, MEMBERSHIP, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
by Ardis Bazyn, CCB Membership Committee Chair

When the CCB Membership, Public Relations, and Fundraising Committees had a joint seminar at the fall CCB Convention, they discussed how best to plan sponsorships and how they would benefit chapters.

The first question asked of participants was: "What could you ask organizations and companies to sponsor?" Answers were: sessions at conventions, special events, legislative seminars, advocacy training, walk-a-thons, audio description shows, entertainment or sporting events for the visually impaired, mentoring projects, students with visual impairment events, website development, job fairs, and employment seminars. Basically, it was felt that sponsorships could be requested for any function or event that would benefit the organization and/or its members and others with visual impairments. The key would be to show the benefit of the sponsorship to both parties.

The second question asked was: "Why would companies or organizations want to sponsor our activities?" Answers were: to provide training and resources for blind or visually impaired persons, education and advocacy, entertainment or better living, and job development. These would be altruistic motives. Other benefits to the sponsor would be advertising or public relations opportunities.

The third question was: "Who could be asked to sponsor our activities?" Answers were: Clubs such as Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis; other community organizations; local corporations; and product or service companies that are blindness related. Others that might be interested might be ATT, Sprint, Charter (or other cable companies), national or regional banks, and other companies that have worked with us as individuals or chapters.

The fourth question was: "How would you promote the idea of sponsorships to these groups?" Answers were: speaking to these organizations, personal contacts and networking, advertising in their publications, and letters to organizations and product and service related companies. All letters and networking efforts need personal follow-up afterwards.

The fifth question was: "What should you include in a letter or when personally contacting sponsoring individuals or groups?" Answers were that it depends on the tone of the letter. The most important aspect was the specific activity to be sponsored. It was felt that anyone contacting the sponsor needed to be respectful when getting "nos"--they might be a future sponsor. The contacting person needs to act appreciatively and be thankful for their consideration. Negativity about blindness is not appropriate when writing a letter or contacting them in person. No form letters should be used--they are generally just thrown away. Letters need to be personal, and this can be done with stories about blind people and their accomplishments. The "whine" should be kept out of the letter. It might be advantageous to offer different levels of sponsorships providing different perks for the sponsors. You could offer a link to their website from yours, an ad on your website, or info articles in your publication. A special fund-raising brochure or convention program could also be used to advertise for them. Banners and acknowledgments at conferences and special events and flyers conference bags could also be ways to promote sponsors. Tax ID numbers should only be placed on letters that are personally given to a sponsoring entity. If sending a letter, you can state "tax ID provided upon request."

OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE: 2009 ACB CONVENTION
by Mary Beth Randall

Once again I journeyed to the ACB convention to represent GDUC at the GDUI affiliate.

This time I had a chance to go a couple of days earlier then usual so that I could just enjoy the area some. Florida isn't for everyone, but I did have a good time visiting Orlando.

This was Tennyson's second national convention. He is such an awesome dog. I could not have asked for a better dog to take to places like this. He just weaves through crowds, handles different places and enjoys just meeting anyone new.

As far as GDUI events went, the highlights of the week were the business meeting and the lunch. I don't know if this has happened before, but the business meeting actually took two days to complete. GDUI has been working on updating its constitution, and so the whole meeting on both days was spent reading each article and allowing people to make amendments from the floor. Overall, I was impressed with how well it all went. The end result is that GDUI does have a new constitution. Every member should be getting a new copy of it as soon as it is available.

The lunch was great because of the speaker. Ronnie Graves is nationally known for creating prosthetics for animals. He is also the founder of the Sumter Disaster Animal Response Team. Hearing him talk about the way he and his wife got started in helping to rescue animals was really interesting, and it gave me a lot of respect for such amazing people. Ronnie even talked about the semi that he now uses to go into disaster areas. This group is so awesome that I would be thankful just knowing that it was coming to my rescue.

I did make sure to have fun as well though. I had the chance to meet people I only know on-line, and I went on one tour. For me, even though I have responsibilities, I recharge my batteries, so to speak, at these conventions; and I honestly look forward to them each year.

2009 ACB NATIONAL' CONVENTION REPORT, PART TWO
by Donna Pomerantz and Jeff Thom

Tuesday's final presentation, on access to sidewalks and intersections, was given by a star-studded cast, including two panelists who are no strangers to CCB: Lucas Frank from the Seeing Eye and researcher extraordinaire Janet Barlow from Asheville, North Carolina; and they were joined by Dianne Ketts, an orientation and mobility instructor from Orlando. Diane began by discussing research findings related to signalized intersections and accessible pedestrian signals (APS). She discussed the challenges of designing intersections to keep traffic moving and accommodating pedestrians. In downtown areas, signals will be pre- or fixed-timed, and the length of each cycle will be predictable. She stated that in other locations, signals will be traffic-actuated, where they respond to vehicle traffic. In some instances where there is a major and minor street, only the major street is traffic-actuated; and when there are two major streets, both are traffic-actuated. Traffic-actuated signals will not give a pedestrian sufficient time to cross unless a button is pushed to activate it fully for pedestrians. Newer accessible pedestrian technology, which is integrated into the signal unit rather than being separate and which contains locator tones, help solve problems related to the loudness of the signal and the inability to find its button. The vibro-tactile arrow, also contained in these units, can be used to point to the direction to cross. Diane stated that their research findings recommend a rapid ticking sound be used for the walk indication so it will be very distinct from the locator tone. She also mentioned that when advocating for an APS, make sure it is very close to the curb-ramp but furthest from where the traffic is moving, and separated by at least ten feet to determine which device to listen to. The research also indicated that if APS devices need to be installed on a single pole and they are less then ten feet apart, the speech message should be used rather than the ticking.

Lucas discussed the countdown signals, whose use is rapidly growing. It's felt that asking for 100% information from these countdowns is not good because too much information might prevent us from hearing traffic and confuse us as to when to cross. Also, if we want to implement APS's on a mass scale, it's felt that countdowns will create noise pollution and a possible backlash.

Janet discussed the increased use of roundabouts, emphasizing their advantages from a traffic-calming and traffic-moving efficiency perspective, and that they can reduce accidents. She stated that we need to advocate for them to be accessible to those who are blind and visually impaired. Changes in state and local laws to ensure that we have sufficient time to cross by requiring drivers to yield to us in a roundabout are crucial as is the installation of pedestrian-activated APS devices, permitting sufficient time to safely cross. We should advocate for detectable warnings to help us find crosswalks.

Our first speaker at Wednesday's General Session was also someone that we know well in CCB: a former member and continued friend, Susan Mazrui from AT&T. She commended Apple on its iPhone accessibility work which, if you haven't seen it, we hope you can do at the Fall CCB convention. She also urged us to get involved in ACB's advocacy efforts and make sure that we as blind people get what we need in the telecommunications area.

Cathy Nimmer of Indiana received the Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award. This amazing lady, whose activities are too numerous to mention, told us that there's no need to be a super-blind man or woman, just someone who wants to make a difference.

On the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's birthday, it was very appropriate to hear a discussion of its importance from Stephen Rothstein, head of the Perkins School for the Blind, the first in the nation and celebrating its 180th anniversary. He asserted that when 90% of blind students are not learning Braille, we are failing. The reasons include the paradox that technology is creating disincentives for learning braille; that mainstreaming, which is such an outstanding thing, has led to more teachers of the visually impaired not knowing braille; and medical advancements that create more blind children that have blind children who also have challenges that make learning braille harder. And there is a lack of public awareness about the need for braille. But Rothstein is an optimist and the Perkins staff is working hard to ensure a brighter future for it.

He then moderated a panel on schools for the blind. The first panelist was another former Californian, Phil Hatlin (who still finds his way here from time to time), one of the true pioneers in the field of education of students with visual impairments. He made the point that inclusive education was really started in the blindness field, and that those who work in schools for the blind must embrace and work with this model in order to stay relevant. While the Texas School for the Blind, where Hatlin worked before retiring, remains true to its mission as a residential school, it is expanding to help other blind students in Texas who are mainstreamed. Bob Beadles, from the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind, discussed the economic factors that are leading to the consideration of closures of shared services with schools for the deaf. When legislators need to cut costs, it's tough to ensure that they consider all the outreach programs that many schools for the blind are doing. Outreach, early intervention services, work with local school districts, and other services, are all important to keeping schools relevant and viable. He closed by noting that Perkins has become a regional program, and maybe this model is needed for schools to survive. Carl Jacobsen of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind was the final panelist. He spoke of the outstanding services provided by the Florida school. In closing the panel, Rothstein said that he hoped to work closely with ACB and others in ensuring that the complete spectrum of services continues to be available and that schools for the blind provide a center of excellence. Following the panel, Terry Kelley, Kim Charlson and Judy Jackson (representing the Braille Revival League) led a celebration of Louis Braille's birthday. Terry sang a song called Merci Louis, scrumptious tactile birthday cookies were passed out to all in attendance, and "Happy Birthday" was sung.

Its pretty hard to follow this act, but L. J. Ganser, an NLS narrator from the American Foundation for the Blind, was more than up to the task. Pronouncing every word correctly is one of the most difficult tasks for a narrator; and even with all the experts and sources at his disposal, he has made mistakes on occasion. In fact, he said that assuming you know how to pronounce something often causes the worst errors. In this digital era, however, making corrections is far easier than it was when audio tape was used. He mentioned various words whose official pronunciations are horrendous and should be changed. His early influences included being read to as a child and reading comic books, just as he now reads to his daughters. His incredible vocals cannot be given justice through the written word. When he reads a great book for NLS, he is more energized after finishing than before he started. Books that he's read range from "Jurassic Park" to "Native Son" and to books in the Spencer Detective series. When he is recording something he can't stand, he tries to imagine a person who loves the book, and that helps him give it his best shot. His talk ended on a deeply somber note as his career with at an end: AFB is closing its studio later this year since NLS can't even pay it enough to make it break even. He just hopes that something will happen to prevent this, because he and his colleagues love doing this for us.

The next panel was on the prevention of identity theft. Identity theft is a crime and should be reported to law enforcement. Social Security numbers are being sold by the millions; and your child's number may end up being used by illegal immigrants or to get health insurance, which can impact your own health records. When you lose credit cards, you need to file a 7-year fraud alert because your initial one will only last 90 days. Try to close out all your unused accounts. And there are measures that can help prevent identity theft: use cash rather than cards; shred your junk mail; keep personal documents hidden, including your Social Security card; don't place outgoing bills in your own mailbox for the mail person to see; ignore emails allegedly from banks; and monitor bank accounts.

The Wednesday session ended with a discussion of quiet car issues by Eric Bridges, ACB Governmental Affairs Director. Our legislation, HR734 and S841, is pending, and its need for passage may depend upon whether the Department of Transportation follows through on a development plan of immediate action. Otherwise, we'll move ahead. This plan is due in January, 2010. Eric praised us for all of our past efforts and told us that only with continued advocacy will we succeed in the future.

One of the can't-miss events of the convention, the 3rd annual ACB auction, was held Wednesday evening. The auction raised more than $24,000, and, whether you work as an auctioneer, as does one of us, or just fight off other bidders as does the other, or even just listen to the craziness all around, we can guarantee you that all had a roaring good time.

On Thursday we were honored to hear by telephone from Kareem Dale, a blind attorney who is serving as President Obama's Assistant on Disability Policy. He works in the Office of Public Engagement, which involves making sure that people with disabilities are integrated into all major national policy discussions, such as health care reform. He also works on the Domestic Policy Council. Kareem feels that the President has done more than any of his predecessors to include persons with disabilities in formulating policy and making sure that their needs will be met, whether in education, technology or housing. The President is also making strong moves in ensuring that more individuals who are blind or have other disabilities are appointed to important government positions. He is committed, and has already moved towards, full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Kareem noted that various appointments are being made; and the selection process for others, including the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, will soon commence. The President is committed to ensuring that state rehabilitation agencies do a better job of serving consumers. Mr. Dale stated that the Obama Administration is very aware of ACB's telecommunications concerns and is working with us and our coalition partners on those issues. He also mentioned work on issues relating to accessibility to books and discussions he has had with the Reading Rights Coalition. He also stated that the President is very committed to the United Nations treaty on the rights of persons with disabilities, and in fact, the news was released only a few days later that this treaty would be submitted to the Senate for ratification. He also informed us that deaf-blind students were able to see the President in the Oval Office.

That morning's proceedings included another phone call, of a far different vintage, but no less important. The convention program contained a page devoted to ACB heroes, but it was written as a memorial page. As you can guess, Cathie Skivers, who was included in that page, was surprised to hear about her demise, and it was decided to give her the chance to set the record straight.

Melanie Brunson, ACB's Executive Director, followed Cathie and spoke of the increased interaction with the White House for ACB and the disability community and expressed her hope that this would translate into the policy arena. She spoke of the ACB office moves of both the D.C. office into Arlington, Virginia and the Minneapolis office into the suburbs. She spoke of the mid-year unveiling of a plaque that will be displayed in the Arlington office to honor major financial contributors to ACB. Melanie mentioned our various efforts to expand the reading rights of persons with disabilities and, most especially, those who are blind or visually impaired with respect to e-books, including the Kindle II problems and other issues. She also discussed our work to improve enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires the federal government to make its websites and software accessible, including our efforts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She then mentioned Eric Bridges', ACB Governmental Affairs Director, work as a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee to the Federal Communications Commission. Melanie stated that the mid-year meetings and ACB Legislative Seminar for 2010 will be held on February 19-23.

Mike Godino then gave the Treasurer's report. Reductions in various expenses and bequests have enabled ACB to have black ink both in 2008 and so far this year. Moreover, we have been able to increase our reserves substantially during the past two years. Our 2008 excess income was $380,684, and we have an excess income of $50,000 for the first five months of 2009, which bodes extremely well for the year. Next, Carla Ruschivall, convention coordinator, gave her report. She recognized the outstanding work of the Florida Host Committee and the national committee. Even in this down economy, we managed to keep sponsorships at the same level as last year. Moreover, youth participation doubled over last year.

Various other reports were given during the Thursday session, including Chris Gray's, who gave a report on the American Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment. As president of its board, he reported that the center now has a permanent governing structure; and it can begin to work on its very long-term goal of establishing the center itself, which would be a facility in the Washington, D.C. area to serve a variety of needs for persons with visual impairments, including a home for ACB. Larry Turnbull, the dynamic volunteer head of ACBRADIO, reported on its activities. He recognized a number of individuals who play such a large part in making it so successful. He talked about the incredible listenership growth in ACBRADIO, and the high expectations for the future. He'd like more affiliates and individuals to do their own shows. Mike Garrett, ACB board member, reported on ACB Enterprises and Services (ACBES), the corporate entity that handles the ACB thrift stores. We are working on improving the image of these stores to create a better buying environment. Expansion is a long-term goal. The good news is that this year has been better than last.

Friday, the last day of the convention, is always a busy day as it includes both the business meeting and the convention banquet. All of the ACB officers, President Mitch Pomerantz, First Vice President Kim Charlson, Second Vice President Brenda Dillon, Secretary Marlaina Lieberg, and Treasurer Mike Godino were re-elected without opposition Mr. Godino is serving his last term, while the others can run for a final term in two years. A series of constitutional amendments was passed, most of which were not substantive. However, one series of amendments was adopted that modifies the process for removal of ACB officers and directors by, among other things, giving a role to the entire membership in the commencement of this process. In addition, the President is appointing a task force to look at the ACB bylaws that relate to ACB standing committees in order to determine what changes should be made to this structure. The rest of the business meeting was devoted to consideration of resolutions. As we always do, CCB sent a few resolutions to the convention and others came from its members. One of our resolutions, aimed at improving the usability of the Duxbury braille software, was defeated; but, nonetheless, CCB is pursuing that on our own. We were, however, successful with other resolutions. Resolution 2009-13, based upon a CCB resolution, seeks to increase the accessibility of national parks to those who are blind or visually impaired.

Two other resolutions of note began with the work of CCB members. Resolution 2009-07 concerns our support for HR571, which would undo changes in the law that resulted in devastating revenue decreases from vehicle donations, which have seriously harmed not only CCB and other ACB affiliates but many other nonprofits throughout our nation. Resolution 2009-08 concerns the problems with the shared space concept, which is gaining momentum in this country and Europe, where cars, bikes and pedestrians share the same space in one nice, happy family setting.

Other resolutions adopted at the convention concerned topics such as video description, musical-related and distance learning software, schools for the blind, health care reform, insulin pumps, and our quiet car and telecommunications legislation. The Braille Forum, ACB's monthly magazine, will provide you with a detailed report on these resolutions.

The ACB banquet is always a time to unwind, have some fun and wrap up the convention. Door prizes and raffles galore, hilarity, and a wonderful speech by Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President, World Blind Union, Kooyong, Australia, highlighted the event. She gave a fascinating summary of the activities of the World Blind Union.

In many ways, this report barely scratches the surface when it comes to describing an ACB convention. The numerous special interest workshops and meetings for students; attorneys; social workers; teachers; guide dog users; and so forth; the large exhibit area; the great tours in which you can participate; our international guests which, this year, included individuals from Canada, South Africa, Iran and Vietnam; and most of all the time spent seeing old friends and making new ones; will make your convention experience so much richer. When the gavel comes down on next year's convention at the new Sheraton Hotel in Phoenix, July 10-17, 2010, we certainly hope that you can be a part of this great event. Let's make sure that all of ACB knows who has the biggest and best state affiliate in our great organization.

ROUGH GOING
by Jo Carpignano

Instead of paying attention to a strange foreboding, I convinced myself that an expedition on the Sea of Cortez would be a great adventure. I told myself, that with macular degeneration, I should go while still able to see the great whales and sea lions for myself. Besides, the idea that I'd be snorkeling in tropical waters on my eightieth birthday was irresistible.

The flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then to La Paz was leisurely and, though it took all day, a not unpleasant experience. As darkness descended, we were boarding the Sea Bird, a small ship just under a hundred tons. After a quick change and a drink at the bar, dinner was served almost immediately. Following dinner, we adjourned to the lounge where the captain introduced his crew. The activities director explained that after a safety drill on deck the next morning, snorkeling around a volcanic island would be available. I loved snorkeling and was eager to sample these warm waters. Deciding to get started immediately, I signed up for the wet suit offered to insulate against possible cold currents. This cruise had been well planned. I was looking forward to the following day's activities.

We were informed that though there had been a severe storm the night before, fair weather was expected for the rest of the week. Rough waters were not anticipated, or so we were led to assume. What is it they say about assumptions?

After the meeting and once in my cabin, I knew that my assumptions were wrong. Exiting the sheltered bay and La Paz harbor and entering the Sea of Cortez, the Sea Bird began to pitch and roll. I knew there would be rough seas for awhile. However, instead of getting into bed quickly, I was determined to unpack my clothes before retiring. Big mistake. As I pulled at my heavy suitcase under the bed, the ship was struck by a big wave, tossing me to the side and twisting my back.

"What are you doing?" I scolded myself with disgust. "Stop playing the fool and get to bed before you get hurt." But it was too late, the spasms in my lower back told me that the damage had already been done.

I crawled onto my bunk without brushing my teeth or washing my face, afraid that I might collapse in pain while attempting to reach the sink. I hoped that the pitching and rolling would soon cease. No such luck. The waves were merciless, coming one after another and getting worse, while my injured back was causing agony. There was nothing to do but ride out the tumultuous residue from the previous night's storm.

I wondered how I could summon assistance from the crew, but there was no button to push, no phone from which to call, no method of contacting anyone. Besides, what could be done? Until these rough seas subsided, few would risk walking the heaving decks awash in sea foam. I would need to wait until morning or until the waves diminished. There were aspirin in my suitcase, but I dared not leave my bunk to get them. The pain was too intense.

"Just lie flat and relax those muscles," I told myself. But the ship was tossing me about and I didn't know how to relax. Then I realized that this was not entirely a new feeling. My body had experienced this kind of violence before. I reasoned that recalling the previous circumstances might help. Since, obviously, I had survived, the survival strategy might be applicable here and now. Needing the reassurance, I began to speculate.

It was not like riding one of those mechanical bulls in pseudo western saloons, nor like the roller coaster ride in Las Vegas, but more like the river rafting trip on the American River. One summer, I'd had this experience with the San Mateo Chapter of the California Council of the Blind. Yes, that was the memory I'd been searching for. River rafting in rough waters and small ships on rough seas were much alike. For a time, I had distracted myself with this search for a similar experience, now what?

Lying parallel to the length of the ship, I slid head first toward the bow as it descended into a wave's trough. When the ship jolted and rose to the crest of the wave, I slid feet first toward the stern. Cabin 201, where I lay in excruciating pain, was at the very front of the ship. Therefore, I experienced the full impact of each new wave. I could not escape the sudden violent movements up over the top of the waves and down into their troughs, one hour after another.

"Don't try to brace yourself, go with the waves," I told myself. This was a mantra I learned from the river rafting trip. This strategy of not fighting the repeated impacts seemed somewhat effective. Additionally, I realized that lying with a pillow under my bent knees, back muscles relaxed more and I experienced much less pain.

Now that back spasms had diminished, I needed to distract myself from a rising discomfort in my gut. Was I going to be seasick too? Having had a bad Margarita before dinner had not been wise. Additionally, the dinner I'd consumed was still sitting there, undigested. I could feel its weight. What would happen to my injured back if vomiting occurred?

"The more you think about it, the worse it will get," I warned myself. "Find a way to distract yourself--tell a story, sing a song, think of something funny, anything."

The storm was getting worse, the waves made my room shudder and my stomach queasy. The rain was pelting the window of my cabin with big drops. And suddenly in desperation, I began singing to myself:

"Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens
"Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
"Brown paper packages, tied up with strings
"These are a few of my favorite things
"Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
"Doorbells and sleigh bells and ... with noodles"

What was the something to go with noodles? I couldn't recall. But I was on the right track, thinking about something other than my upset stomach was working. Trying to recall the words of the song was a perfect distraction. And so it continued hour after hour, mentally reconstructing the song from "The Sound of Music." Finally in the early hours before dawn I fell asleep.

In the morning, the seas were calm, and I was awakened by voices outside my cabin. They were excitedly extolling the graceful beauty of dolphins riding the bow waves. Time to get up for the thrill of watching marine mammals at play, I thought. But my first attempt to sit up in bed resulted in a scream of pain. After catching my breath, I carefully slid off my bunk and staggered across the room. Opening the door a crack, I asked the first person passing by to summon the ship's doctor. I had survived the night and now, at last, I would get help.

Dr. Jean Marshall arrived at my cabin about an hour after I sent the message about needing medical attention. She asked to examine my back, and after concluding that there was no more serious injury than a bad sprain, she prescribed pain medication and suggested that a cold pack might help. She gave me a hydrocodone tablet and said she would arrange to obtain an ice pack. I swallowed the hydrocodone; and, when delivered, I slipped the plastic bag with ice cubes under my back. Feeling soothed by the cool sensation, it was not long before I slept again. Now in calm waters, I could recover from last night's sleep loss.

When I awoke, I discovered that the ice had melted and the plastic bag had leaked. I was soaked, my gown was soaked, the sheets were soaked, and the bed was soaked. I lay there for some time wondering what to do about this new problem. I really needed to get dry. Fortunately, the cabin steward arrived just in time to help solve this new dilemma.

"What would you like me to bring you for lunch?" she said cheerfully. "Lunch? I don't want any lunch, I'm not hungry," I said. "I'm wet."

I explained what had happened and then pleaded: "Would you put my gown in the dryer, then bring it back to me? I only brought one nightgown on this short trip. Stupid of me, I guess; but I didn't know all this would happen."

Patiently, the young lady followed my request, first changing the sheets and padding the bunk with towels. Lifting my soaked gown between two fingers and extending her arm, she gingerly carried it out the door. (I wondered if she suspected it might be more than melted ice that was soaking my nightgown.)

I took another pain pill, put on my coat and waited for the return of my nightgown before lying down again. When the cabin steward returned with my dried gown, she informed me that Dr. Jean insisted that I eat something. I agreed to some soup and asked if a heating pad might be available. I would not risk any more "ice packs."

After another hour had passed, the heating pad arrived along with a large bowl of delicious hot soup. Because of the medication, there was much less pain by this time, and I could get across the cabin if I moved carefully. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. At last I felt that I had a treatment plan that might lead to a full recovery.

In spite of my initial uncertainty, after two days of rest, constant application of heat and periodic medication, I was able to dress and go down to dinner. After that, I felt well enough to participate in several of the planned activities and eventually saw some live whales.

At long last my ordeal was over. I had survived a storm on the Sea of Cortez and, with medical assistance, had overcome a potentially serious outcome. Dr. Jean remained attentive to my needs during the remainder of the trip, frequently checking my progress. My greatest disappointment was that I missed the opportunity of snorkeling on my eightieth birthday.

In my letter to Lindblad Lines, I complimented the medical services on the Sea Bird, but complained bitterly about the absence of adequate lighting in the cabin and on the stairways. The only light source in my cabin was directly over the sink. Though I doubt that my injury was due to the poor lighting, it was difficult for someone with low vision to navigate the dark, confined area. Also, the stairway down to the dining room was so dimly lit that a sturdy banister was my only salvation from falling.

[Editor's note: The river rafting trip Jo referred to was published in the fall, 2005 BC as River Rafting, Anyone?]

IN MEMORIAM: FRANK SILVA
by Catherine Skivers

Those of us who have known Frank Silva will miss him. In the CCB office we have a hall of fame plaque. It contains platelets with the names of those entered into the hall of fame, the year they were born (and if they are no longer with us, the year of their death), and a short phrase telling something about them. Frank Silva was entered into the hall of fame in 2007, and his platelet says, "Advocate and organizer."

Frank was born on May 26, 1918. He attended the school for the blind, which at that time was located in Berkeley. He attended his first convention of the California Council of the Blind in 1938. We all know that he missed very few conventions from then on; some of us do anyway, because most of us haven't been around that long. Frank always worked to make sure that blind people had the right to express themselves and were treated fairly. He was president of the Alameda County Club for a very long time, and we haven't been able to find anyone that knows exactly how long he filled that position. I think "decades" is no exaggeration. He did a lot of work contacting the legislature and helping in whatever the California Council of the Blind was doing.

In Berkeley, we have a center called the East Bay Center for the Blind. Way back in the fifties, some difficulty arose about how affairs at the Center for the Blind in Oakland should be conducted. Frank took the lead in having people establish the East Bay Center for the Blind, which for years was located on Shaddock Avenue in Oakland but now is located at 2928 Adeline Street in Berkeley. Frank was president of this very fine organization for many years; in fact, most of us who have been around for a very long time believe that Frank played a major role in the success of the center. He was active there until just the past few years.

When Frank accepted his plaque and was entered into the Hall of Fame at our April 2007 convention, he came up to the microphone and said, "I guess this shows that if you live long enough, anything can happen!" This fine man's efforts helped many a blind and visually impaired person realize the importance of advocating on their own behalf and for others. Those of us who knew him well feel sure that wherever he is now, if there's organizing to be done, Frank will no doubt be leading the effort.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
by Evelyn Drewry

Hello to everyone. I hope you have all had a very nice holiday season and that 2010 will be a happy, healthy and successful year for us all. This story came to me from a friend, and perhaps those of you who have prosthetic eyes can relate to it, even if you haven't had similar experiences.

Shirley had gone to the final dress rehearsal for a very important performance, which was to be put on by their church choir. All was in order with everyone seated and ready to start. While leaning forward to pick up something from the floor, she heard a noise that sounded like something hitting the floor near her foot. She had been having some problems with her prosthetic eye and was afraid she knew what had caused that noise. When she quickly put her hand up to her left eye, her worse fears were confirmed--nothing was there. So she tried to lean down in hopes of quickly finding the missing eye and putting it back in place before things actually got underway. When she didn't have any luck finding it she leaned back in her seat and started very carefully moving her foot about, still hoping she would locate it.

Suddenly, things were underway and they launched into their first song of the evening. She was singing her heart out, but in the back of her mind she was still very concerned about what had happened to her eye and how or even if she could get it back. All of a sudden someone took her hand and placed her wayward eye in it. At the end of the hymn she quickly re-inserted it and made it through the rest of the performance with no more problems.

At the break she learned the rest of the story. The eye had apparently rolled or bounced toward the front where it was spotted by someone in the front row. They had quickly picked it up and handed it off to the person in the row just behind them. This process was repeated a few more times until it finally reached the person in front of Shirley, who placed it in her hand. I guess there's nothing quite like teamwork!

ACCESS THROUGH ACCESSIBILITY: INCLUSION IN THE ARTS AND MEDIA FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED, Part Four
by Rick Boggs

The entertainment industry, epitomized by Hollywood, is a complex labyrinth of people, places and processes. Who owns who, who knows who and who does what are all questions whose answers are elusive yet vital for anyone seeking a successful career in the biz. Whether one hopes for success as a performer, a specialist behind the scenes or merely to do business with an entity in the industry, a positive result always seems to depend on being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right person. Surprisingly, this might make inroads to job opportunities for professionals with vision loss a little more obvious and accessible.

Though my own diverse career in this industry did not follow the path I am about to describe, my experience and expertise as a performer and a post-production audio engineer suggests the possibility that closed captioning and audio description (CC and AD) can serve as a point of entry for people with disabilities (PWDs) seeking employment in the industry. Individuals with vision loss who are determined self-starters with good interpersonal communication skills can learn the tools of the trade and find some real opportunities for careers in accessible media services. Developing talent and a successful track record in accessible media services could provide the necessary experience and contacts to secure work in other areas of media production as well.

Opportunities in Accessible Media

There are at least two forms of closed captioning services. Real time captioning essentially demands the same skill set as court reporting and requires similar training. Offline or pre-recorded captioning involves at least two steps. Initially, the audio track of the media, including dialog and sound descriptions, is transcribed as a text document. In a second process, the text is placed on the screen in a specific way according to a time sequence. Sometimes, the two processes are not performed by the same person. The transcription portion of the work is sometimes conducted by independent contractors. Blind individuals with good listening and typing skills could certainly carry out the duties of the transcription portion of the captioning process. Currently, 100% of television programming in major markets is closed captioned and most DVDs offer captioning as well. At least two of the large closed captioning providers are open to considering blind applicants: VITAC (www.vitac.com) and NCI ( www.ncicap.org).

Audio description involves many steps beyond viewing the media and writing the description script. My company, Audio Eyes, developed a quality control process that ensures every product is reviewed by a QC specialist who is also a visually impaired consumer. One or two other AD venders have incorporated the practice as well. Obviously, opportunities for voice-over artists and audio engineers are intrinsically involved. An overview of the process could be explained this way: The media is initially digitized or imported from tape or DVD to a computer hard drive. Once the AD writer or describer has completed viewing the media and writing the script, a quality control process enables a second sighted person to check the description for accuracy, and a professional visually impaired specialist determines the effectiveness of the description. A director conducts a recording session where an audio engineer captures the description as delivered by a voice-over artist. The audio engineer then mixes the description with the original sound track of the program and generates the required delivery format. Any professional with vision loss or other disability who possesses the proper skill set could develop a career in this type of work, as a VO artist, an audio engineer or a QC specialist. It is reasonable to suggest that visually impaired individuals who are also consumers of audio described products might have an added value to employers in this field.

The Bad News

A thorough examination of the industry in terms of employment opportunities and accessible products and services reveals several areas where much improvement is needed. There remains a disappointing lack of progress in areas such as legislation mandating AD for broadcast television, development of accessible cable TV boxes and media devices, and media websites compliant with accessibility standards. As was indicated in the initial article in this series, the entertainment industry has routinely ignored people with disabilities as performers, as professionals behind the camera, and as consumers. The industry continued discriminatory practices even in the face of notable advocacy efforts such as those of the Tri-Union National Committee on Employment of Performers with Disabilities and federal legislation aimed to force the industry to address issues like employment and accessibility of products and services. Beyond simply ignoring PWDs, the industry spent large sums of money fighting advocacy efforts to ensure inclusion of PWDs in the industry. The battles continue today. PWDs are still not included in the employment statistics gathered on the "CDR, Casting and Data Report," which tracks employment of many other minority groups in the industry. Less than 20% of movies distributed to theaters offer audio description, and a very small percentage of theaters have the audio description delivery technology. Characters with disabilities remain grossly under-represented in film and television, with blind characters among the least represented. There is still no forum in which to discuss the issue of actors with disabilities playing characters not written as disabled. Even though the best advocacy effort within the industry to date, the IAMPWD campaign (www.iampwd.org), has done much to raise awareness of important issues concerning performers with disabilities in the industry, trade unions themselves such as SAG and AFTRA do not yet make their own services accessible to disabled union members, e.g., compliant websites, accessible membership info and dues statements, etc.

The Good News

The ongoing problematic issues that need to be addressed can become tiring, but we can find relief in some very exciting, positive news in other areas, including accessible digital recording technology, media production job skills training and increasing numbers of audio described movies on DVD. Tools for blind audio engineers are dramatically improving in 2010 as Digidesign, developer and distributor of Pro Tools, the industry standard audio production software, plans to release a new, accessible version of Pro Tools. The new version will eliminate most of the barriers that were created when Apple released the OSX operating system and Alva Access ceased development of Mac screen reader software. More information is available at www.protoolspetition.org. At least two nonprofit organizations, The Accessible Planet (www.TheAccessiblePlanet.org) and People with Disabilities Broadcast Corporation (www.pwdbc.org) are currently seeking funding to begin offering job skills training for PWDs in the production of accessible media. The ACB is wrapping up its first year of its initiative known as the ADP or Audio Description Project. While the initiative unfortunately did not initially commit to specific goals for employment of blind professionals, it remains as a potential open door to employment in the industry through jobs in audio description. Though federal legislation designed to restore the mandate for broadcast audio description languishes in Congress, very few people inside the biz believe that a mandate will never occur. It is more a matter of when it will be implemented, again. Skilled and experienced blind professionals could certainly benefit from such sudden growth in the AD industry. Even without a mandate, there is some indication that major movie studios are seriously considering offering audio description in their Blue Ray DVD releases from their home video divisions.

What To Do

There are two major membership organizations within the industry that effectively represent all major production studios and networks. These organizations serve as the leadership for legally pushing back against our advocacy efforts. We must repeatedly let these organizations know that we exist and that we insist on inclusion in the industry as employees and as consumers. They are: The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America, Office of the Chairman and CEO, Washington, DC, 1600 Eye St., NW Washington, DC 20006; main: 202-293-1966, fax: 202-296-7410; Los Angeles, 15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E, Sherman Oaks, California 91403; main: 818-995-6600, fax: 818-285-4403); and AMPTP (The Alliance of Motion Picture Television Producers, 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Building E, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818-995-3600).

Persons with vision loss must remain vigilant in advocacy efforts if we hope to see significant change in this industry in our lifetime. As consumers, we must insist on accessible products and services, requesting them routinely whether they are currently offered or not. Notify management at retailers like Netflix and Blockbuster that we do watch movies and need access to websites and services. Notify cable TV providers like Time/Warner, Comcast, etc. that we need accessible cable boxes, websites and billing statements. Notify management at movie theaters repeatedly that we need audio description, and remind them what this is every time we go to the cinema. As more and more media moves to the web, we must be persistent about insisting on accessible media players on websites like Hulu.com and Youtube.com and all major TV network sites. We must persistently contact major studios like Disney, Sony, Universal, Paramount, and Time/Warner, as well as large production companies like Carsey Werner, Wolf Films, and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, etc. demanding that blind characters be included in film and television, and that blind performers be given equal opportunity to audition for all appropriate roles regardless of whether or not characters were conceived as visually impaired. We must pressure the talent guilds, including the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America, to protect the interests of their visually impaired members as they do for other minority groups.

Occasionally I am asked why advocacy in the entertainment industry is so important to me. For example, why fight for equal employment opportunities for blind actors when there may be very few individuals who could benefit from such work? The answer lies in the power that media has to influence public perceptions. If the dominant force in our society responsible for shaping common beliefs and opinions deliberately ignores or shuts out people with disabilities, or blind people specifically, and if that same dominant influence portrays people with vision loss inaccurately or poorly, then all individuals who are visually impaired will continue to experience uninformed, negative attitudes in society, which close doors of opportunity and effectively oppress and relegate us to second class citizens. Advocacy in the media and entertainment industry on every front, from employment to product accessibility and accessible services may be the advocacy work that has the greatest potential impact for all people who are blind or visually impaired.

WHAT YOUR GUIDE DOG BOARD DOES FOR YOU
by Tony Candela, Board Member

The Guide Dog Act was signed into law by Governor Earl Warren in 1947. The Guide Dog Board was established for three reasons; one, to prohibit fly-by-night schools; two, to set training standards for guide dog instruction; three, to ensure financial integrity and accountability in donor funds.

Since the Board's inception, there have been landmark wins for consumers. In 1980, Business and Professions Code Section 7215.5 guaranteed dog ownership (title) would be transferred to the guide dog user from the school. In 1989, home training was added as an additional option for successor training and undue hardship cases (sponsored by CCB). In 1992, an arbitration panel was created to settle custody disputes between guide dog users and schools.

Additionally, successful partnerships between the Board and stakeholders has brought about changes in policy and increased communication to lawmakers, the business community and general members of the public. For example, decals created in 1986 educated members of the public and the business community about access rights for guide dog users, and legislation was introduced to increase penalties for obstructing pedestrian right-of-way and for vicious dog attacks on guide dogs.

Today's Board

Today, the Board is at a defining moment in the organization's history. Consumers are savvy; donors can hold guide dog schools accountable for spending (for example, through online charity watchdog groups), and guide dog schools are held to new and improved standards by reputable international industry organizations. Where does that leave the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind?

Today's Board has a two-pronged agenda. One, to protect consumers by ensuring that service providers are both competent and ethical; two, to leverage partnerships to accomplish outreach and education goals, which include addressing access, dog attacks, assistance animals and pedestrian safety.

This Board is interested in safe and open choice for the consumer, which is why we are taking a look at our statutes and regulations to clarify and amend them to ensure they protect consumers without significantly restricting the marketplace where the consumer has as many options as possible.

In 2010, the Board will be seeking legislation to make home training available for anyone, regardless of prior experience. Not only will this give consumers more choice, it will give the schools flexibility in their training. Additionally, we want out-of-state schools to know that they are welcome here in California. The instructors would be able to sit for the exam and have the ease of mind that goes with the portability of the state license. In fact, in the last few months, two out-of-state schools have hired California licensed instructors and have encouraged them to maintain an active license.

One of the main issues from out-of-state schools is follow-up services. When an instructor works a route as part of follow-up services with a student, this is considered "instruction," which requires a license. Several guide dog users voiced concern over this law. Therefore, the Board will be open to consider all options, which may include clarifying the statute to allow for a certain time period during which an instructor could provide follow-up services without a license. Such changes would require legislative authority and may take time. In the meantime, we encourage input from all of you throughout the process.

The Board is also reviewing the time requirement for training. Currently, the law states that a first time user must have a minimum of 80 hours of training in four weeks. For successor dogs, the requirement is 40 hours over a period of two weeks. The Practice Task Force (made up of three senior guide dog instructors) recommended that the Board set the minimum at 30 hours of in-harness instruction and 15 hours of theoretical instruction for first time users. For successor dogs, the requirement would be 20 hours of in-harness instruction and 10 hours of theoretical instruction. This regulatory proposal will be submitted in the next two months to the Office of Administrative Law for consideration.

What lies in the future for the Board?

The Board is currently scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2011. What happens if this occurs? If the Board sunsets, the structure of the board members would go away, to be replaced by a Bureau within a Department (either the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Department of Rehabilitation). The Guide Dog Act itself would remain, along with all of its regulations. Fees would continue to be collected from guide dog schools and guide dog instructors. A Bureau Chief would be appointed by the Director of the Department.

What other organizations fulfill the functions of the Board? While the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) promotes standards of practice for guide dog schools, competencies for guide dog instructors have not been established. Additionally, if standards are not met under the standards set for by IGDF for the guide dog instructor, guide dogs or the guide dog school, the only remedy is to be removed as a member of the organization. There would be no format for a consumer to complain about a licensee (a school or an instructor) and no disciplinary authority to prevent the instructor from practicing or the school from operating. In other states, a school can operate without an instructor. In California, if a school did not have an instructor, its license would be suspended, which would mean that no funds could be raised. This is one of the checks and balances built into the law.

What has the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind done for you lately? The answer is not a simple one. The legal mandate is clearly consumer protection through the competency of guide dogs, guide dog instructors and schools. This is accomplished through annual school inspections, bi-annual examinations and continuing education requirements.

What else can the Board do? Can the Board be an advocate for the consumer? Can consumers still contact the Board if they have a concern about access or a vicious dog attack? The answer is yes. While the Board does not have the jurisdiction to cite or fine businesses or members of the public from impeding on the mobility of our consumers, we have historically assisted in educating businesses about state and federal accessibility laws. We hope to continue this important dialogue with our stakeholders and encourage you to be a part of our decision-making process. For more information on the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit us on the web at www.guidedogboard.ca.gov.

ADVOCACY 101, LECTURE 1: SEVEN STEPS FOR CHAPTER ENGAGEMENT
by Frank Welte, CCB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

I believe CCB will only succeed in improving life for blind and visually impaired Californians if it mobilizes its members throughout the state to advocate in behalf of the community. This column is designed to provide members and chapters with the tools they need to become more effective advocates. Here are seven things each chapter or affiliate can do to engage with local government officials.

1. It is important for every CCB chapter to take steps to influence government officials in behalf of its local blind community. To that end, each chapter should appoint a legislative committee chairperson who can stay informed on legislation that could affect its members, report this information during chapter meetings and take the lead in the chapter's advocacy activities. Don't forget to send me your legislative chairperson's contact information.

2. In order to get the latest news on legislation and other important issues, regularly follow the California Connection and the CCB Legislative Report, and share this information with chapter members who don't have easy access to it. You can listen to both of these bulletins by calling CCB's toll-free telephone number, 800-221-6359, during evenings and weekends. They are also posted on CCB's website at www.ccbnet.org and distributed through CCB's various Email lists.

3. Know who your legislators are and how to contact their offices. From city council members to U.S. senators, it's easier than you might think to find out the names of your representatives in government and how to contact them. You can find out who your representatives are by calling your county's registrar of voters, and then get their office phone numbers through directory assistance. You can call your legislators' offices to get their mailing addresses. You can also get this contact information through various government websites such as www.leginfo.ca.gov (California state legislature), www.house.gov (U.S. House of Representatives), and www.senate.gov (U.S. senate).

4. Stay informed about your legislators. Most legislators mail newsletters to constituents upon request, and their newsletters are also distributed through Email. Thanks to the Internet and accessible news services such as NFB Newsline, we have more access to current, accessible information about our government officials than we've ever had before.

5. Meet your legislators and their office staffers. It's just as important to cultivate contacts with local officials as it is to get acquainted with state and federal people. You can visit local legislative offices, and make a point of attending community events such as town hall meetings, where government officials are speaking. A city council member whom you befriend today may be representing you in Congress five or ten years from now.

6. Invite your legislators and other government officials to your chapter meetings and social gatherings. When they agree to visit your chapter, invite the press to cover the event. Not only will you build your relationship with your guests, you will garner positive press coverage for both your guests and your chapter.

7. If your chapter has the funds to do so, consider sponsoring a CCB member who wishes to attend the annual ACB Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C. During this Seminar, members are educated on current issues facing the blind community, and they are given the opportunity to develop their advocacy skills by visiting the offices of California's congressional representatives.

If you'd like to learn more about the subjects discussed above, feel free to call me at the CCB office or send me Email at frank.welte@ccbnet.org.

REPORT ON STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
by Frank Welte

As this report goes to press, the California Council of the Blind is preparing its 2010 legislative agenda. We plan to sponsor a bill that would require the state to make proposed regulations available in a format that is more readable for blind Californians. Currently, proposed regulations are formatted so that it is difficult for a person using screen reading software to read these documents to determine which portions of the regulations are being revised.

We also hope to re-introduce our bill that would require agencies that primarily serve the blind, as a condition for receiving state funding, to reserve at least 20% of the seats on their boards of directors for people who are visually impaired. As a nonprofit agency serving primarily women or ethnic minorities would lack credibility if its board of directors consisted mostly of white males, it stands to reason that the boards of agencies serving the blind must include meaningful representation from our community if they are to serve our best interests.

We have received numerous complaints of mismanagement of the Business Enterprise Program in California. CCB will be working hard to promote positive changes in BEP so that more opportunities can be opened up for Californians wishing to operate food service businesses in government facilities.

Regular readers of The Blind Californian are aware of the problem of discrimination against people with visual impairments in the entertainment industry. This industry is a significant segment of our state's economy; and if blind people are to attain employment parity here, it must remove existing barriers to the employment of blind entertainment professionals. CCB will work to bring about these necessary changes.

In 2009, our community was hit hard by a variety of harsh and disproportionate cuts to essential state services. Once again, the state legislature is facing a very large budget deficit in 2010. CCB will stand with other groups to resist further budgetary attacks on California's most vulnerable citizens: blind and visually impaired people. I encourage each of you to contact your assemblymember and your state senator to let them know how various state programs touch your life.

Federal Legislation

You'll find a discussion of H.R. 734 in the ACB Convention Report. So far, twelve members of congress from California have signed on as co-sponsors: Howard Berman, Lois Capps, Bob Filner, Jane Harman, Barbara Lee, Dan Lungren, Doris Matsui, Dana Rohrabacher, Linda Sanchez, Adam Schiff, Pete Stark, and Maxine Waters. We're seeking more co-sponsors. If your member of the House of Representatives is on this list, please thank them. If your representative isn't yet a co-sponsor, please ask them to become one. We also encourage you to ask our U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to co-sponsor S841.

CCB is encouraging California's members of the U.S. House of Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3101, the Twenty First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009. The author is Ed Markey of Massachusetts. Five California Representatives, Mike Honda, Barbara Lee, Grace Napolitano, Linda Sanchez, and Pete Stark, are co-sponsors.

CCB is encouraging California's members of the U.S. House of Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 571, which would increase the maximum tax deductible value of vehicle donations from $500 to $2,500. The author is William Delahunt of Massachusetts. Car donations are a significant funding source for CCB, and this legislation will encourage more people to donate cars to help CCB serve more visually impaired Californians. So far, H.R. 571 has twelve California cosponsors: Howard Berman, Brian Bilbray, Mary Bono Mack, Dennis Cardoza, Jim Costa, Susan Davis, Bob Filner, Mike Honda, Tom McClintock, Jerry McNerney, Dana Rohrabacher, and Pete Stark.

S.700 and its companion bill H.R.1708 have been introduced in the U.S. Congress. These identical pieces of legislation are entitled, "Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009." Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) are the chief sponsors of the legislation in each body. So far, eleven Californians have co-sponsored H.R. 1708: Mary Bono Mack, Anna Eshoo, Sam Farr, Bob Filner, Mike Honda, Barbara Lee, Zoe Lofgren, Grace Napolitano, Lucille Roybal Allard, Maxine Waters, and Lynn Woolsey. Senator Barbara Boxer has co-sponsored S 700.

We encourage you to call your congressional representatives and U.S. Senators in support of all of these bills. You can reach the office of your member of congress by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

You can get detailed information about CCB's legislative activities by reading my legislative reports, which will be posted regularly on CCB's website, www.ccbnet.org, and distributed on our various Email lists. Also, you can listen to the reports by calling the CCB toll-free phone number, 800-221-6359, during evenings and weekends. For federal legislative information, please check the Washington Connection, 800-424-8666, or ACB's website, www.acb.org.

CCB OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2010

[Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who updates and corrects the list of CCB officers and board members, including the number of the term each is presently serving, the year elected to that term and the year next up for election. Terms actually begin on January 1 following election. We shall publish the list this way at least in issues just preceding and following elections and routinely if members wish. The presence of an asterisk means that the individual served a partial term before the first full term.]

THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN Quarterly Magazine of the CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND Winter, 2010, Volume 54, No. 1

Published in Braille, Large Print, Cassette, Diskette, Online, and Email and Online in readable and downloadable text and audio media

Jeff Thom, President 7414 Mooncrest Way Sacramento, CA 95831 916-995-3967 cell jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Executive Office: California Council of the Blind 1510 J Street Suite 125 Sacrament, CA 95814 916-441-2100 voice 916-441-2188 fax toll free 800-221-6359 Email: ccotb@ccbnet.org Website: www.ccbnet.org

San Francisco Bay Area Office: Catherine Skivers 836 Resota Street Hayward, CA 94545-2120 510-357-1986 cathie.skivers@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area Office: Donna Pomerantz 1115 Cordova Street Pasadena, CA 91106 626-844-4388 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

Frank Welte, Director Advocacy and Governmental Affairs 800-221-6359 toll free 650-576-4177 frank.welte@ccbnet.org

Joel Isaac, Webmaster webmaster@ccbnet.org

Editor: Mike Keithley 191 East El Camino Real #150 Mountain View, CA 94040 650-386-6286 editor@ccbnet.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS Grade II braille Version

EDITOR'S PAGE by Mike Keithley

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: REDEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE by Jeff Thom

NOMINATIONS FOR CCB AWARDS by Catherine Skivers

FOUNDING OF THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND by Catherine Skivers

CCLVI SCHOLARSHIPS submitted by Donna Pomerantz

DIAMOND JUBILEE: THE FALL, 2009 CCB CONVENTION by Mike Keithley and Roger Petersen

From Mike:

From Roger:

SUMMARY OF FALL 2009 RESOLUTIONS by Gabe Griffith

SUMMARIES OF CCB BOARD MEETING MINUTES by Gabe Griffith

Summary of the April 2, 2009 Pre-convention Board Meeting

Summary of April 14, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call Minutes

Summary of the June 15, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call

Summary of the August 3, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call

HOW SPONSORSHIPS CAN HELP WITH FUND-RAISING, MEMBERSHIP, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS by Ardis Bazyn, CCB Membership Committee Chair

OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE: 2009 ACB CONVENTION by Mary Beth Randall

2009 ACB NATIONAL' CONVENTION REPORT, PART TWO by Donna Pomerantz and Jeff Thom

ROUGH GOING by Jo Carpignano

IN MEMORIAM: FRANK SILVA by Catherine Skivers

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE by Evelyn Drewry

ACCESS THROUGH ACCESSIBILITY: INCLUSION IN THE ARTS AND MEDIA FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED, Part Four by Rick Boggs

Opportunities in Accessible Media

The Bad News

The Good News

What To Do

WHAT YOUR GUIDE DOG BOARD DOES FOR YOU by Tony Candela, Board Member

Today's Board

What lies in the future for the Board?

ADVOCACY 101, LECTURE 1: SEVEN STEPS FOR CHAPTER ENGAGEMENT by Frank Welte, CCB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

REPORT ON STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION by Frank Welte

Federal Legislation

CCB OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2010

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN
Quarterly Magazine of the CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
Winter, 2010, Volume 54, No. 1

Jeff Thom, President
7414 Mooncrest Way
Sacramento, CA 95831
916-995-3967 cell
jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Executive Office:
California Council of the Blind
1510 J Street Suite 125
Sacrament, CA 95814
916-441-2100 voice
916-441-2188 fax
toll free 800-221-6359
Email: ccotb@ccbnet.org
Website: www.ccbnet.org

San Francisco Bay Area Office:
Catherine Skivers
836 Resota Street
Hayward, CA 94545-2120
510-357-1986
cathie.skivers@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area Office:
Donna Pomerantz
1115 Cordova Street
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-844-4388
donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

Frank Welte, Director
Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
800-221-6359 toll free
650-576-4177
frank.welte@ccbnet.org

Joel Isaac, Webmaster
webmaster@ccbnet.org

Editor: Mike Keithley
191 East El Camino Real #150
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-386-6286
editor@ccbnet.org