The California Connection (2015 Editions)

California Connection - Current Eddition
December 11, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for December 11.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Council Office Closure

The Council office will be closed between December 16, 2015 and January 3, 2016 for the holidays and administrative purposes.
If you need assistance during this holiday period, you may call President Jeff Thom at 916-995-3967 on or after December 20.

Due to the office being closed the next Connection will be put out January 8, 2016.

Conference and Convention Preview: Hotel Reservation Information for the 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference andConvention

Would you like to get a head start on attending the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention? If your answer is yes, then you can begin by making your hotel reservations starting now.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention of the California Council of the Blind (CCB)!!! This year's theme is "Believe it and achieve it".

The conference and convention will take place Thursday April 7th - Sunday April 10th, 2016 at the Viejas Casino & Resort four-star hotel. The hotel address is: 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.

The Casino Resort offers the following:

Luxury spa and high-end shopping at Viejas Outlets
Casino expansion with 10,000 square feet, featuring Vegas-style gaming and over 2,000 slots
Team-building and family friendly entertainment at Viejas Bowl, Fun Zone Arcade, and the Show Court with live multi-media performances
Buffet with endless gourmet selections and unlimited beer, wine, and champagne
Fine gourmet dining at The Grove Steakhouse, recipient of the AAA FourDiamond Award
Diverse dining options, including Asian and Mexican cuisine, and all-American favorites

To make hotel reservations via phone, call: 800-938-2532, or via Internet reservation link: viejas.com/hotel.
When making your reservation by phone or online, provide the following reservation conference code:160413CALI.

Room rates are: Single: $99, Double: $99, Triple: $119, Quad: $139, Suites:$339.

The rates are all-inclusive of guest room tax.

The cut-off date for reserving a room in our block is March 16th, 2016, so don't delay, make your reservation today!!!

The Viejas Casino & Resort welcomes service animals and does not permit pets to be brought into their facilities.

Transportation between the hotel and San Diego International Airport, SanDiego downtown Amtrak Station as well as San Diego downtown Greyhound Depot information will be provided in a future announcement.

Please share this information with chapters and other interested parties. The CCB looks forward to welcoming you at the Viejas Casino & Resort!

Audio Archives of the 2015 Conference and Convention:

From: The CCB Technical Operations Group

Audio recordings are now available on the CCB website from the 2015 Conference and Convention.
You can either listen to or download audio recordings for many of the 2015 Conference and Convention sessions and events.
A link to the Audio Archives page can be found on either the Upcoming" or Past Conference and Convention pages at http://www.ccbnet.org, or use the direct link at: http://www.ccbnet.org/Conventionarchives.htm

Sacramento Capital Chapter Christmas Party

The Sacramento capital chapter will hold it's Christmas party on December 19 from 1 PM to 5 PM at Brookfield's restaurant.
The address is 4343 Madison Ave.
you are welcome to bring a $10 Christmas gift to exchange. Also, we will sing some Christmas carols! Everyone is welcome!

For information, call Karen at (760)604-3735. You can email her at k.shrawder@comcast.net.
Come and join us as we celebrate Christmas!!

From the CCB Hearing and Vision Loss Committee: An Introduction to Hearing Loss:

Does your hearing loss qualify you for services? In most cases, yes!

Join CCB's Hearing and Vision Impaired Committee as we explore this and more!
This is the second of a series of monthly open interactive resource conferences to help you deal with your hearing loss.
Date: Wednesday,December 16;
time: 7:30 PM pacific;
Phone: 800-662-6992; ID: 1184109.

CCLVI Scholarship Announcement:

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are low vision, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community.

Application materials must be received by March 1. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2016 - 2017 academic year.

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

Applications will be available to submit online until March 1 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Questions may be directed to CCLVI at (800) 733-2258 or scholarship@cclvi.org.

We look forward to receiving your application materials!

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

December 4, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for December 4.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Conference and Convention preview: Hotel reservation information for the 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention

Would you like to get a head start on attending the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention? If your answer is yes, then you can begin by making your hotel reservations starting now.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention of the California Council of the Blind (CCB)!!! This year's theme is "Believe it and achieve it".

The conference and convention will take place Thursday April 7th - Sunday April 10th, 2016 at the Viejas Casino & Resort four-star hotel. The hotel address is: 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.

The Casino Resort offers the following: <

Luxury spa and high-end shopping at Viejas Outlets
Casino expansion with 10,000 square feet, featuring Vegas-style gaming and over 2,000 slots
Team-building and family friendly entertainment at Viejas Bowl, Fun Zone Arcade, and the Show Court with live multi-media performances
Buffet with endless gourmet selections and unlimited beer, wine, and champagne
Fine gourmet dining at The Grove Steakhouse, recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award
Diverse dining options, including Asian and Mexican cuisine, and all-American favorites

To make hotel reservations via phone, call: 800-938-2532, or via Internet reservation link: viejas.com/hotel. When making your reservation by phone or online, provide the following reservation conference code: 160413CALI.

Room rates are: Single: $99, Double: $99, Triple: $119, Quad: $139, Suites: $339.

The rates are all-inclusive of guest room tax.

The cut-off date for reserving a room in our block is March 16th, 2016, so don't delay, make your reservation today!!!

The Viejas Casino & Resort welcomes service animals and does not permit pets to be brought into their facilities.

Transportation between the hotel and San Diego International Airport, San Diego downtown Amtrak Station as well as San Diego downtown Greyhound Depot information will be provided in a future announcement.

Please share this information with chapters and other interested parties. The CCB looks forward to welcoming you at the Viejas Casino & Resort!

Chapter Christmas party:

The Bay View chapter will hold its Christmas party on December 12 from 4 to 8 PM at the Hayward Ranch located at 22877 Mission BLVD. in Hayward. Entrees will include Veal for $25, Salmon for $26 and Prime Rib for $32. We hope you will be able to come and join us. We will have a short installation of officers and as usual will have lots of fun. Cocktail hour is from 4 to 5 with dinner served at 5. Please make your reservations by December 8 with Catherine Skivers at (510) 357-1986.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it's Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

If you remit your check/cash by November 7 (our next chapter meeting day), you can pay $30 for salmon or chicken or $40 for prime rib. If you pay after November 7, your cost will be $35 for salmon or chicken and $45 for prime rib. An extra $5 will be charged if you pay at the door.

Please send choice of meal and check payable to Glendale-Burbank Chapter, CCB and send to John Mavis, Treasurer, 1232 N. El Centro Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038-1706.
If you have questions, call Ardis Bazyn 818-238-9321.

Chapter Christmas Party:

Please join the East Los Angeles chapter for an enjoyable holiday party. The party is schedule on December 12 from 12 noon to 3 pm at the Mi Hacienda restaurant located at 9613 Whittier Blvd., Pico Rivera, 562 699 2500. You will have a choice of one of three Mexican food plates, plus coffee, tea or milk for $17. We will have a gift exchange, with a limit of $15 per gift, and lots of fun and friendship. Please contact Charles Nabarrete at 626 338 8106 or chasnab45@gmail.com

From the CCB Hearing and Vision Loss Committee: An Introduction to Hearing Loss:

Does your hearing loss qualify you for services? In most cases, yes!

Join CCB's Hearing and Vision Impaired Committee as we explore this and more! This is the second of a series of monthly open interactive resource conferences to help you deal with your hearing loss. Date: Wednesday, December 16; time: 7:30 PM pacific; Phone: 800-662-6992; ID: 1184109.

CCLVI Scholarship Announcement:

Application materials must be received by March 1. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2016 - 2017 academic year.

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

Applications will be available to submit online until March 1 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Questions may be directed to CCLVI at (800) 733-2258 or scholarship@cclvi.org.

We look forward to receiving your application materials!

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

November 25, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for November 25.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The CCB Office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays Thursday NOV 26th and Friday NOV 27th.

From The President

We are always looking for people who are interested in serving on CCB committees. If you have an interest in, and feel that you will be effective on, a specific committee, or just want more information about them, please contact me either by email at jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or by phone at 916-995-3967.

We have a specific need for new members to serve on the CCB Awards Committee, that determines our annual award winners and I would urge anyone interested to contact me.

Mutt Strut

We would like to thank all of you who participated or supported the Mutt Strut in Sacramento and Los Angeles this year. Even though the run/walk portions of the two separate events have been completed and was a smashing success, it isn’t too late to help raise funds for the California Council of the Blind (CCB).

Here are two ways to help raise funds:

Make a donation to someone’s FirstGiving page.
You can give the CCB Office a call and they will assist you by phone, or, here are the links to the two events:
Sacramento
Los Angeles

You can still Purchase 2015 Big Bucks Bonanza Charitable sweepstakes tickets.
The grand prize is $1,000 cash.
Tickets cost $2 each and the drawing will be held on December 4th in the CCB office.
To purchase tickets, call the CCB office at 1-800-221-6359 and your ticket order will be processed.
The office will accept your credit card information as a means of payment.

San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party

It's that time again to celebrate the holidays with your CCB San Francisco Chapter friends.

This year we are meeting on Sunday, December 6 from 1:30 to 5:00 PM at:
San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired 214 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA
The meals will be catered by Mohammed Eltawil, the owner of Palmyra Mediterranean Restaurant.

Choices will be either chicken or meatloaf with a variety of vegetables, rice, salads and dessert.
There will be coffee, tea and soft drinks.
The cost is $25.00 per person.

Reservations: call Liz Klein at 650-576-9354 or email Vita Zavoli, vzavoli@gmail.com no later than November 30, 2015.
When you make your reservation, please inform us of your meal selection of either chicken, meatloaf or Vegetarian.
Make checks payable to SF Chapter and send to: Vita Zavoli 1271 Washington Avenue, #144 San Leandro, CA 94577 Or give your payment to Frank Welte at the SF LightHouse, call Frank at 510-541-1442.
Come ready to fill up your belly! And, you never know what sort of entertainment will arise.
We look forward to sharing the holiday spirit with you.

Contra Costa Chapter Christmas Party

You’re Invited!

The CCB Contra Costa Chapter will be holding their annual holiday party on December 12th between 5 and 7 pm at the Black Bear Diner (700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek).

Please contact Rosemary Chase recmft@yahoo.com 925-944-1709 by December 7th if you’re interested in attending.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it’s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Christmas Holiday Party

From Pattie Aminoff, Social Chair
Hello everyone, It's that time of year again where the San Gabriel Valley Chapter has it's Christmas Holiday party.
This year's party will be at Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant on Saturday, December 05, from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Address: 608 East Liveoak Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006 The cross street is 6th Ave.
Everyone will be ordering from a modified menu and will have separate checks.
Also, we will have the restaurant to ourselves.

Please RSVP by December 1st.
Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The Hunt For Affordable Housing

A half day seminar to learn about affordable places to live in the Sacramento region.

Join the Society for the Blind and the Hatlen Center, a program of Junior Blind, on Wednesday, December 2nd as we hear presentations from the Capital Area Development Authority (CADA) and Mercy Housing on affordable apartment and housing opportunities and resources available in the Sacramento region.

Attendees will leave the seminar with knowledge on how to apply for affordable housing in the region, how to qualify for housing, where to gain additional financial resources and the ability to network with presenters.
The seminar will conclude with brief presentations from the Society for the Blind and Junior Blind, who will provide information for attendees on local resources from recreation to support groups and employment options.
Light refreshments will be served.

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Location: Society for the Blind, 1238 S. Street Sacramento CA 95811
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

RSVP:
For more information, please call 916.452.8271 or email rrueda@juniorblind.org

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

November 20, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for November 20.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The CCB Office will be closed for administrative purposes Monday NOV 23rd and Tuesday NOV 24th.
The CCB office will also be closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays Thursday NOV 26th and Friday NOV 27th.

Due to the Thanks Giving holiday the next connection will be on Wednesday November 25th.
Please have any items in to me by 5:00 PM on November 24th.

From The President

We have a specific need for new members to serve on the CCB Awards Committee, that determines our annual award winners and I would urge anyone interested to contact me.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it’s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Christmas Holiday Party

Please RSVP by December 1st.
Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The Hunt For Affordable Housing

A half day seminar to learn about affordable places to live in the Sacramento region.

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Location: Society for the Blind, 1238 S. Street Sacramento CA 95811
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

RSVP:
For more information, please call 916.452.8271 or email rrueda@juniorblind.org

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

November 12, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for November 12.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The CCB office will be closed from 3 PM Thursday, November 12th reopening on Monday, November 16th at 8 AM.

Contract Opportunity

California Council of the Blind Settlement Monitor
California Council of the Blind v. County of Alameda

The California Council of the Blind is seeking to contract with an individual to serve as CCB’s representative on the Task Force that will be monitoring the settlement entered into pursuant to the case of California Council of the Blind v County of Alameda.

The primary duties of this position would be as follows:

Become familiar with the terms of the settlement in California Council of the Blind v County of Alameda, by December 1, 2015.
Attend initial meeting/session (in-person), with representatives of County Registrar and third-party voting accessibility expert to review the County’s training, set-up and troubleshooting procedures regarding accessible voting machines.
Review of materials described in number 2 above and prepare CCB’s recommendations, including any proposed modifications to such materials. Review likely to occur in first quarter of 2016.
Attend (in-person) one poll-worker training twice annually to review and prepare comments for the Task Force required pursuant to the settlement on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the settlement.
In spring 2016, attend (in-person) one training session of the County’s Help Desk Hotline staff and repair comments on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the terms of the settlement.
Provide additional comments on written training, set up and troubleshooting materials whenever such materials are updated.
Test the functionality of the County’s accessible voting machines during each election (by voting in-person and writing a brief summary of experiences). Provide summary of experiences to Task Force and any recommendations based on those experiences by e-mail.
Review the County’s own reports regarding the use of audio ballots following each election and prepare comments or recommendations for the Task Force.
Keep detailed time records documenting work done with a brief description for every quarter of an hour.

Job qualifications:

General knowledge of accessible voting methodologies.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Familiarity with the purpose and structure of the California Council of the Blind.

Technology skills.
Proficient in Word

General Information:
This position will be compensated at the rate of $15 per hour and will last for the duration of the settlement agreement.
Some travel will be required for this position and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The contractor need not be a resident of Alameda County.
The employee will report directly to the president, and if called upon, provide reports to the CCB board of directors.

All interested applicants for this contractor position shall submit a resume and cover letter to California Council of the Blind president, Jeff Thom, at jeff.thom@ccbnet.org by not later than November 15, 2015.

Mutt Strut

The 2015 Los Angeles Mutt Strut is almost here. Last years was great! We were able to raise money for scholarships, employment and crisis assistance, and it was all thanks to you.
This year will be even bigger and better. Proceeds will not only benefit CCB, but also cancer prevention and diabetes research conducted by the City of hope.
We can't do this without you and your friends, come join us!

Please call the office at 800-221-6359 if you need assistance to register for the Mutt Strut or if you have any questions. And if you register by Sunday, you can save $10 with the early-bird registration price.
You can find all the information you need on the web at www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut or give Donna Pomerantz a call at 626.233.2991 or send an email to donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org.
And don't forget to let us know if you want "Big Bucks Bonanza Tickets!" For a $2 donation per ticket, you just might be the lucky winner of $1000.

Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it’s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

Becky Griffith - Celebration Of Life

Gabe Griffith, along with the Contra Costa and San Francisco Chapters of the California Council of the Blind, invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Becky Griffith on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.

Becky was a quiet inspiration to many of us in the way she lived her life to the fullest, not allowing illness to stop her from advocating for the rights of people who are blind and visually impaired, cooking for her family and friends and thoroughly enjoying those walks in the park and jaunts to San Francisco.

Becky passed away from complications of Diabetes on September 4, 2015 at the age of 44 and we will miss her jovial spirit.

If you plan to attend, please let Vita know at vzavoli@gmail.com by Sunday, November 15 so adequate plans can be made for the amount of guests.
If you'd like to share any comments, but cannot attend the celebration, please send them via email to Vita and someone will read your contribution during the event.
If you can, we would greatly appreciate any donations to assist in the rental of the facility.
For additional questions, please contact Vita at vzavoli@gmail.com

From the Hearing and Vision Impaired Committee

An Introduction to Hearing Loss
Have you ever wondered if you have a hearing problem? Like everybody mumbles, where are all the birds, your cane doesn't sound like it used to, and you can't hear the wind in the trees.
And when you're at convention you can hardly hear the speakers and can't participate in meetings.

Join CCB's Hearing and Vision Impaired Committee as we explore all these things and more!
This is the first of a series of monthly open interactive resource conferences to help you deal with your hearing loss.
Date: Wednesday, November 18; time: 7:30 PM; Phone: 800-662-6992; ID: 1184109.

Chapter meeting:

Start the Thanksgiving week with a turkey and ham meal with all the trimmings. The East Los Angeles chapter will have its annual Thanksgiving luncheon on November 21, 2015 at the Garcia residence, 1226 S. McBride St. Los Angeles, cross street Olympic Blvd. at 12 noon. We will have our regular chapter meeting at 10:30 am. The cost will be $5.00, and there will be a cash bar. Please contact Charles Nabarrete at chasnab45@gmail.com or 626 338 8106 if you plan to attend.

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

Advocates for people with disabilities have entered into structured negotiations with Lyft, Inc. to ensure that disabled riders with service animals are ensured access to transportation services offered by Lyft drivers.

These collaborative efforts are under way between Lyft, Inc. (Lyft), Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), Rosen, Bien, Galvan & Grunfeld (RBGG), and TRE Legal - attorneys for several blind persons who have raised concerns regarding access for service animal users.

DRA, RBGG, and TRE Legal contacted Lyft to present these concerns after certain community members reported difficulties obtaining rides from drivers on the Lyft platform.

Lyft currently has a policy that drivers on their platform accept riders with service animals, but Lyft agreed to work with these advocates to ensure that disabled individuals are not denied rides or provided a lesser quality of service because they use service animals.

The parties are hopeful that they can agree on specific new initiatives to improve access to transportation available through the Lyft platform for all riders with disabilities who use service animals.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Elder telder@trelegal.com
TRE Legal Practice, LLC
4226 Castanos Street Fremont, CA 94536
410-415-3493

Michael Nunez mnunez@rbgg.com
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP
50 Fremont Street, 19th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
415-433-6830

Julia Marks jmarks@dralegal.org
Disability Rights Advocates
2001 Center Street, 4th Floor Berkeley, CA 94704 510-665-8644

press@lyft.com

Microsoft Job Openings

Microsoft has two job openings for blind/visually impaired people.
Visit http://aka.ms/ASGaccessibilityjobs for more details

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

November 6, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for November 6.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Tuesday, November 10th before the next connection is recorded November 12th. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The CCB Office will be closed Wednesday, November 11th for the Veterans Day Holiday and from 3 PM Thursday, November 12th reopening on Monday, November 16th at 8 AM.

Please note that due to the office being closed on Friday November 13 the next connection will be released on Thursday November 12.
In order to make sure your item is in the connection please have it in by Tuesday November 10.

Contract Opportunity

California Council of the Blind Settlement Monitor
California Council of the Blind v. County of Alameda

The California Council of the Blind is seeking to contract with an individual to serve as CCB�s representative on the Task Force that will be monitoring the settlement entered into pursuant to the case of California Council of the Blind v County of Alameda.

The primary duties of this position would be as follows:

Become familiar with the terms of the settlement in California Council of the Blind v County of Alameda, by December 1, 2015.
Attend initial meeting/session (in-person), with representatives of County Registrar and third-party voting accessibility expert to review the County�s training, set-up and troubleshooting procedures regarding accessible voting machines.
Review of materials described in number 2 above and prepare CCB�s recommendations, including any proposed modifications to such materials. Review likely to occur in first quarter of 2016.
Attend (in-person) one poll-worker training twice annually to review and prepare comments for the Task Force required pursuant to the settlement on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the settlement.
In spring 2016, attend (in-person) one training session of the County�s Help Desk Hotline staff and repair comments on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the terms of the settlement.
Provide additional comments on written training, set up and troubleshooting materials whenever such materials are updated.
Test the functionality of the County�s accessible voting machines during each election (by voting in-person and writing a brief summary of experiences). Provide summary of experiences to Task Force and any recommendations based on those experiences by e-mail.
Review the County�s own reports regarding the use of audio ballots following each election and prepare comments or recommendations for the Task Force.
Keep detailed time records documenting work done with a brief description for every quarter of an hour.

Job qualifications:

General knowledge of accessible voting methodologies.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Familiarity with the purpose and structure of the California Council of the Blind.

Technology skills.
Proficient in Word

Mutt Strut

CCB Bay View Chapter Fund Raiser Luncheon

The CCB Bay View Chapter members cordially invite you to attend their fund raiser to be held November 14th from 12 Noon to 4 PM at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA.
Lunch will be served at 12 Noon with fried chicken and salad.
The movie �Meet Me in St. Louis� will be played.
Also, raffle and door prizes will be available.

Cost is. $10
Please RSVP by no later than November 11th by calling Cathie Skivers 510-357-1986 or Patty Nash, Chair, 510-521-2042.

Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it�s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

Chapter meeting:

New App

The American Council of the Blind has just released its new ACB Link iPhone app.
The app will assist ACB members in communicating relevant news of the blind community to users.
The app will also allow users to be easily connected with state affiliates and informed by the wide variety of ACB Radio programming.

To learn more about ACB Link, go to
link.acb.org.

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

The California Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) is seeking applicants for its BTBL User Advisory Council (BUAC) for 2016.

The BUAC welcomes geographic representation from Eastern, Southern, and Northern parts of its 43 county Northern California purview. Present members are primarily from the Sacramento Metropolitan and Bay Areas.
We seek ethnic, cultural, and print disability diversity.

Please visit http://www.library.ca.gov/services/council.html or call Mike Marlin at (916) 654-0640 or (800) 952-5666 for more information and to apply by the November 15, 2015 deadline.

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

DRA, RBGG, and TRE Legal contacted Lyft to present these concerns after certain community members reported difficulties obtaining rides from drivers on the Lyft platform.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Elder telder@trelegal.com
TRE Legal Practice, LLC
4226 Castanos Street Fremont, CA 94536
410-415-3493

Michael Nunez mnunez@rbgg.com
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP
50 Fremont Street, 19th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
415-433-6830

Julia Marks jmarks@dralegal.org
Disability Rights Advocates
2001 Center Street, 4th Floor Berkeley, CA 94704
510-665-8644

press@lyft.com

Job Announcement

We are hiring for a Lead Braille Instructor and an Assistant Braille instructor for The Davidson Program for Independence.
The job postings are linked below, please share them with anyone who may be interested.
Resumes should be submitted through Junior Blind�s HR department.

Lead Braille Instructor
Assistant Braille Instructor

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

October 30, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for October 30.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Birthday Wishes

Winifred Downing is celebrating her 90th birthday this week. Please join us in wishing her a very happy birthday.

Contract Opportunity

California Council of the Blind Settlement Monitor
California Council of the Blind v. County of Alameda

The primary duties of this position would be as follows:

Become familiar with the terms of the settlement in California Council of the Blind v County of Alameda, by December 1, 2015.
Attend initial meeting/session (in-person), with representatives of County Registrar and third-party voting accessibility expert to review the County’s training, set-up and troubleshooting procedures regarding accessible voting machines.
Review of materials described in number 2 above and prepare CCB’s recommendations, including any proposed modifications to such materials. Review likely to occur in first quarter of 2016.
Attend (in-person) one poll-worker training twice annually to review and prepare comments for the Task Force required pursuant to the settlement on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the settlement.
In spring 2016, attend (in-person) one training session of the County’s Help Desk Hotline staff and repair comments on behalf of CCB, which shall address any suggested improvements or any failures to comply with the terms of the settlement.
Provide additional comments on written training, set up and troubleshooting materials whenever such materials are updated.
Test the functionality of the County’s accessible voting machines during each election (by voting in-person and writing a brief summary of experiences). Provide summary of experiences to Task Force and any recommendations based on those experiences by e-mail.
Review the County’s own reports regarding the use of audio ballots following each election and prepare comments or recommendations for the Task Force.
Keep detailed time records documenting work done with a brief description for every quarter of an hour.

Job qualifications:

General knowledge of accessible voting methodologies.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Familiarity with the purpose and structure of the California Council of the Blind.

Technology skills.
Proficient in Word

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) is very appreciative of those who attended in person or online the 2015 Annual Conference and Convention (CC).
We would appreciate in receiving input from attendees as to their satisfaction with the:
Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel rooms and spaces, CC program, and MD Support LowViz Guide app.
Also, your recommendations for future conference and conventions will be very much welcomed.

Please complete the evaluation form, found below, on or before 11:59pm, Saturday October 31, 2015.
Evaluation responses are to be emailed to Eugene.lozano@ccbnet.org.
For those needing assistance in completing the form, call the CCB office 1-800-221-6359.

In advance, we wish to thank you for completing the evaluation form and contributing to the planning of future conference and conventions.
Sincerely, Gene Lozano Chair, Conference and Convention Committee

2015 Conference and Convention Evaluation Form

Were you satisfied with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel (e.g. rooms, plated meals, lighting, etc.)?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Tell us your experiences with the hotel restaurant in regards to the: quality of food, meal prices, and level of service.
Please be specific with your comments.

If you are a guide dog user, what were your experiences with the relieving area?
Please be specific, particularly if you have any recommended changes.

Were there adequate hotel staff and volunteers to assist you during the conference and convention?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were the hotel staff/volunteers helpful and courteous to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

What were your experiences in accessing the exhibit room and exhibitors?
Please be specific with your comments.
Please provide contact information (e.g. name, phone number, email address, and mailing address) for exhibitors who should be invited to exhibit at future conference and conventions.

Were you satisfied with the sound quality of speakers in the meeting rooms?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

If you used one of the assistive listening devices, did it function to your satisfaction and were you able to participate in those sessions where the technology was available to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any specific presentations and/or topics you were or were not interested in hearing about?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any presentations and/or topics given by a committee or special interest group you found to be informative and valuable to you? Would you like a similar presentation to be given as part of a future general session program or as a track/workshop?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Did you attend Track 1: Navigating the Internet with iOS and/or Mac using Assistive Technology Workshop?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about shopping and paying bills online?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future internet-related workshops?

Did you attend Track 2: The Three Pillars of Strength for Chapters and Affiliates: Projects, Fundraising and Membership?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about putting on projects with purpose, fundraising activities, as well as membership recruitment and retention?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future leadership training programs?

Did you attend Track 3: Unified English Braille (UEB)?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about the reasons for UEB, what are the changes in the braille code, and how the new braille code will be implemented?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future UEB programs?

What is your opinion in continuing putting on tracks as a replacement for a Saturday afternoon Third General Session?
Please be specific in your comments.

If, in your opinion, tracks should be continued for future conference and conventions, what subject matter/topics should be covered in these workshops?
Would you be interested in organizing a track for the 2016 Conference and Convention and what would be the subject matter to be covered?

As an iPhone user, did you use the MD Support’s new LowViz Guide app to navigate through the hotel?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

There are expected improvements to be made to the LowViz Guide app within the next few months.
Would you be interested in having the use of the LowViz Guide app at the 2016 Conference and Convention to be held at the Viejas Casino Resort, which has large open gaming spaces?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Overall was the Conference and Convention a success in your opinion?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us regarding your experience, positive or negative, with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel and/or the Conference and Convention program?

Mutt Strut

CCB Bay View Chapter Fund Raiser Luncheon

The CCB Bay View Chapter members cordially invite you to attend their fund raiser to be held November 14th from 12 Noon to 4 PM at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA.
Lunch will be served at 12 Noon with fried chicken and salad.
The movie “Meet Me in St. Louis” will be played.
Also, raffle and door prizes will be available.

Cost is. $10
Please RSVP by no later than November 11th by calling Cathie Skivers 510-357-1986 or Patty Nash, Chair, 510-521-2042.

Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it’s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

New App

To learn more about ACB Link, go to
link.acb.org.

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

The California Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) is seeking applicants for its BTBL User Advisory Council (BUAC) for 2016.

Please visit http://www.library.ca.gov/services/council.html or call Mike Marlin at (916) 654-0640 or (800) 952-5666 for more information and to apply by the November 15, 2015 deadline.

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

DRA, RBGG, and TRE Legal contacted Lyft to present these concerns after certain community members reported difficulties obtaining rides from drivers on the Lyft platform.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Elder telder@trelegal.com
TRE Legal Practice, LLC
4226 Castanos Street Fremont, CA 94536
410-415-3493

Michael Nunez mnunez@rbgg.com
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP
50 Fremont Street, 19th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105
415-433-6830

Julia Marks jmarks@dralegal.org
Disability Rights Advocates
2001 Center Street, 4th Floor Berkeley, CA 94704
510-665-8644

press@lyft.com

Job Announcement

Lead Braille Instructor
Assistant Braille Instructor

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

October 23, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for October 23.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

2015 Conference and Convention Evaluation Form

Were you satisfied with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel (e.g. rooms, plated meals, lighting, etc.)?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Tell us your experiences with the hotel restaurant in regards to the: quality of food, meal prices, and level of service.
Please be specific with your comments.

If you are a guide dog user, what were your experiences with the relieving area?
Please be specific, particularly if you have any recommended changes.

Were there adequate hotel staff and volunteers to assist you during the conference and convention?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were the hotel staff/volunteers helpful and courteous to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

What were your experiences in accessing the exhibit room and exhibitors?
Please be specific with your comments.
Please provide contact information (e.g. name, phone number, email address, and mailing address) for exhibitors who should be invited to exhibit at future conference and conventions.

Were you satisfied with the sound quality of speakers in the meeting rooms?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

If you used one of the assistive listening devices, did it function to your satisfaction and were you able to participate in those sessions where the technology was available to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any specific presentations and/or topics you were or were not interested in hearing about?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any presentations and/or topics given by a committee or special interest group you found to be informative and valuable to you? Would you like a similar presentation to be given as part of a future general session program or as a track/workshop?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Did you attend Track 1: Navigating the Internet with iOS and/or Mac using Assistive Technology Workshop?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about shopping and paying bills online?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future internet-related workshops?

Did you attend Track 2: The Three Pillars of Strength for Chapters and Affiliates: Projects, Fundraising and Membership?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about putting on projects with purpose, fundraising activities, as well as membership recruitment and retention?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future leadership training programs?

Did you attend Track 3: Unified English Braille (UEB)?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about the reasons for UEB, what are the changes in the braille code, and how the new braille code will be implemented?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future UEB programs?

What is your opinion in continuing putting on tracks as a replacement for a Saturday afternoon Third General Session?
Please be specific in your comments.

If, in your opinion, tracks should be continued for future conference and conventions, what subject matter/topics should be covered in these workshops?
Would you be interested in organizing a track for the 2016 Conference and Convention and what would be the subject matter to be covered?

As an iPhone user, did you use the MD Support’s new LowViz Guide app to navigate through the hotel?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

There are expected improvements to be made to the LowViz Guide app within the next few months.
Would you be interested in having the use of the LowViz Guide app at the 2016 Conference and Convention to be held at the Viejas Casino Resort, which has large open gaming spaces?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Overall was the Conference and Convention a success in your opinion?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us regarding your experience, positive or negative, with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel and/or the Conference and Convention program?

Mutt Strut

Memorial Service

Chapter Christmas Party

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter is having it’s Christmas party at the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 pm-9 pm.
Dinner choices are salmon, chicken, or prime rib.

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

The California Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) is seeking applicants for its BTBL User Advisory Council (BUAC) for 2016.

Please visit http://www.library.ca.gov/services/council.html or call Mike Marlin at (916) 654-0640 or (800) 952-5666 for more information and to apply by the November 15, 2015 deadline.

Job Announcement From Winston-Salem Industries For The Blind

Location: Rancho Cordova, California
Job Summary: The Team Assistant will be responsible for supporting the department by coordinating functions and completing administrative, telephonic and clerical duties as assigned.
Pay: $20 per Hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides phone coverage and clerical support to the team. Places follow-up telephone calls.
Assists staff within teams to facilitate workflow and ensure efficient service to our customers.
Coordinates/implements mailings.
Logs incoming mail, sorts, and distributes.
Assembles and distributes necessary team information including reports, memos and technical data, as requested.
Assists in preparing monthly audits.
Provides support to members of the department and supports various department functions.
Handles data entry and maintains database.
Researches various topics on the Internet.
Handles follow-up telephone calls.

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

Minimum six months administrative experience.
Previous experience within the healthcare insurance industry with provider relations preferred

Knowledge, Skils & Abilities:

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Lotus Notes, AS400 and Internet.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Keen attention to detail.
Ability to work with limited direction and/or supervision.
Must be articulate and have a professional and pleasant phone manner.
High level of concentration, alertness and adaptability to changes.

OR
Any combination of academic education, professional training or work experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Contact: To apply contact HR@wsifb.com or (336) 245-5653
http://www.wsifb.com/career-center/job-postings/TeamAssistant.aspx

Accessible Tour

The Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability is proud to present the exhibit "Patient No More: People with Disabilities Securing Civil Rights" on display now until December 18, 2015 at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, CA.

This exhibit details the occupation of the Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) Office in Downtown San Francisco by nearly 150 disabled people and their allies in order to advocate for the signing of Section 504, the first major disability legislation in the United States.

We are writing to make sure you know about our access features, designed for blind/low vision visitors.
For Braille readers, throughout the exhibit there is a Braille rail (unified English braille), and occasional Braille booklets for longer text. On the rail you will find a few extras - read closely and amaze the non-Braille reading world!
Additionally, an audio guide can be accessed using your smartphone or via an iPod which can be checked out at the Ed Roberts Campus reception desk in the main lobby (please plan to leave a government-issued ID or credit card as collateral). It provides navigation cues, audio description, and reads all text. We invite you to share the exhibit experience with us and to hear this important story.

Please join us at the Ed Roberts Campus, located at 3075 Adeline Street; Berkeley, CA (above the Ashby BART Station).
More information about the exhibit can be found at: patientnomore.org

Access Day At The de Young

** Jewel City: Art from San Francisco's Panama-Pacific International Exposition de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco October 17, 2015 - January 10, 2016 ACCESS VIEWING DAY Monday, November 9, 2015 - Admission by appointment - Reduced crowds and discounted fees - Free for each member and one guest Non-members: $5 per person; some free tickets available for those with financial need (make request on reservation form in link below)

ACCESS FEATURES Available

Extra blue parking spaces at the de Young
Maps with parking and transportation information
Extra seating inside and outside the exhibition
Portable large-print editions of exhibition labels
Docent-led tours
Verbal description tours at 10 am and 12 pm Available upon request (see form in link below)
Wheelchairs and folding stools
American Sign Language interpretation (please request at least two weeks in advance)
Materials in alternative formats for study in advance of visit
Assistive listening devices

For other requests, please contact Rebecca Bradley at rbradley@famsf.org or 415-750-7645.
(Please click here for the reservation form.)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2015 DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Disability Advisory Committee (CTDAC) is accepting applications for the 2015 CTDAC scholarships.
This year there will be three scholarships provided (three $250 scholarships), and each recipient will receive a scholarship certificate.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

A college student who has a disability defined by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) as having a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
A college student residing in California at the time of applying for scholarship.
Currently enrolled in a minimum of six units in a college or university.

Applications will be accepted no later than October 30, 2015.
Submit completed applications to Ted.Clark@dot.ca.gov
Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the applicant’s answers to the five essay questions.
Recipients will be notified by December 1, 2015.
Inquiries may be directed to Ted Clark @ (916) 227-7518 DISABILTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC)

SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Application

Applicant Name: ______________________________________________
Current Address:
>______________________________________________
Mailing Address (if different from current address):
______________________________________________
Phone # (include area code): _____________________________________
E-mail Address: ______________________________________________
College: _____________________________________________________
Current # of Units: _____________________________________________
Major course of study: _________________________________________
APPLICANT SIGNATURE (keyboard signatures will be accepted):
___________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________

DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) SCHOLARSHIP
NO MORE THAN A HALF PAGE PER Question
Please answer all questions on this document

Essay Questions:

Please include a brief statement about a period in your life when your disability presented a particular challenge and describe how you overcame the challenge.

What have you learned about yourself based on your particular disability?

Why did you choose your major course of study and what are your plans with this major?

If you had the chance to effect a change in the way others view people with a disability, in your field of study, what would you do and why?

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing an individual with a disability in society today?

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

October 16, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for October 16.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

2015 Conference and Convention Evaluation Form

Were you satisfied with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel (e.g. rooms, plated meals, lighting, etc.)?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Tell us your experiences with the hotel restaurant in regards to the: quality of food, meal prices, and level of service.
Please be specific with your comments.

If you are a guide dog user, what were your experiences with the relieving area?
Please be specific, particularly if you have any recommended changes.

Were there adequate hotel staff and volunteers to assist you during the conference and convention?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were the hotel staff/volunteers helpful and courteous to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

What were your experiences in accessing the exhibit room and exhibitors?
Please be specific with your comments.
Please provide contact information (e.g. name, phone number, email address, and mailing address) for exhibitors who should be invited to exhibit at future conference and conventions.

Were you satisfied with the sound quality of speakers in the meeting rooms?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

If you used one of the assistive listening devices, did it function to your satisfaction and were you able to participate in those sessions where the technology was available to you?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any specific presentations and/or topics you were or were not interested in hearing about?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Were there any presentations and/or topics given by a committee or special interest group you found to be informative and valuable to you? Would you like a similar presentation to be given as part of a future general session program or as a track/workshop?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Did you attend Track 1: Navigating the Internet with iOS and/or Mac using Assistive Technology Workshop?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about shopping and paying bills online?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future internet-related workshops?

Did you attend Track 2: The Three Pillars of Strength for Chapters and Affiliates: Projects, Fundraising and Membership?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about putting on projects with purpose, fundraising activities, as well as membership recruitment and retention?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future leadership training programs?

Did you attend Track 3: Unified English Braille (UEB)?
If yes, explain how the track did or did not provide the information you were seeking about the reasons for UEB, what are the changes in the braille code, and how the new braille code will be implemented?
Are there any suggestions you’d like to make about the content for future UEB programs?

What is your opinion in continuing putting on tracks as a replacement for a Saturday afternoon Third General Session?
Please be specific in your comments.

If, in your opinion, tracks should be continued for future conference and conventions, what subject matter/topics should be covered in these workshops?
Would you be interested in organizing a track for the 2016 Conference and Convention and what would be the subject matter to be covered?

As an iPhone user, did you use the MD Support’s new LowViz Guide app to navigate through the hotel?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

There are expected improvements to be made to the LowViz Guide app within the next few months.
Would you be interested in having the use of the LowViz Guide app at the 2016 Conference and Convention to be held at the Viejas Casino Resort, which has large open gaming spaces?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Overall was the Conference and Convention a success in your opinion?
Tell us why or why not, and be specific.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us regarding your experience, positive or negative, with the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles hotel and/or the Conference and Convention program?

Where Is My Blind Californian

The Blind Californian should be on our website and in the hands of print and email readers by the end of this week. Braille readers should have theirs by the end of the month.
I apologize for this delay. I’ve been dealing with unavoidable family matters.
Judy Wilkinson

Mutt Strut

From President Jeff Thom:
On your mark, get set, they’re off! Runners, walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers will be struttin’ their stuff in the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! This is our biggest fundraiser and public relations event of the year, and it is up to each and every member to make sure that it succeeds in order to enable CCB to continue to provide services to Californians who are blind or visually impaired. Whether you attend in person or participate as a virtual walker, we urge you to register for the event and raise funds by asking anyone you know to sponsor you in the event. If we all work together, the event will not only be the biggest and best ever, but we’ll help put CCB on the map and obtain the revenue we urgently need.

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut or you can give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.
Fundraising can continue even after the dates of the two events.

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

COVE Vision Fair, Resources And Technology

October 17, 2015 - Merced Community Senior Center - 9:30am - 2:00pm
Information provided on the services, programs, and assistive aids for people who are blind or have a visual impairment.

Free vision screening.
The event is free and open to all ages.
Keynote Luncheon ($10) - Presenters are Jennifer Rose-Nussbaumer, MD, ophthalmologist and adjunct professor at UCSF; and Belo Cipriani, author and spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

For more information contact COVE at 209-722-8118 or info@covemerced.org

Public Forum

San Francisco- Golden Gate National Recreation Area will be holding a public forum on accessibility to gather public input on various accessibility topics for the park.

When: October 19, 2015, from 3:00 to 7:00pm
Where: The Ed Roberts Campus, 3775 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.
What: Formal presentations at 3:30pm and 5:30pm.
Staffed informational tables from 3:00 - 7:00pm.
These tables will provide information on current accessibility related projects and accessible park features.

Accessible Tour

Please join us at the Ed Roberts Campus, located at 3075 Adeline Street; Berkeley, CA (above the Ashby BART Station).
More information about the exhibit can be found at: patientnomore.org

Access Day At The de Young

ACCESS FEATURES Available

Extra blue parking spaces at the de Young
Maps with parking and transportation information
Extra seating inside and outside the exhibition
Portable large-print editions of exhibition labels
Docent-led tours
Verbal description tours at 10 am and 12 pm Available upon request (see form in link below)
Wheelchairs and folding stools
American Sign Language interpretation (please request at least two weeks in advance)
Materials in alternative formats for study in advance of visit
Assistive listening devices

For other requests, please contact Rebecca Bradley at rbradley@famsf.org or 415-750-7645.
(Please click here for the reservation form.)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2015 DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

A college student who has a disability defined by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) as having a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
A college student residing in California at the time of applying for scholarship.
Currently enrolled in a minimum of six units in a college or university.

SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Application

DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) SCHOLARSHIP
NO MORE THAN A HALF PAGE PER Question
Please answer all questions on this document

Essay Questions:

Please include a brief statement about a period in your life when your disability presented a particular challenge and describe how you overcame the challenge.

What have you learned about yourself based on your particular disability?

Why did you choose your major course of study and what are your plans with this major?

If you had the chance to effect a change in the way others view people with a disability, in your field of study, what would you do and why?

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing an individual with a disability in society today?

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

October 9, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for October 9.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From The President

The 2015 CCB Conference and Convention has come and gone, but it will live long in the memories of those who attended it or listened via ACB RADIO.
The entire Convention Committee, under the leadership of Gene Lozano, did an excellent job of putting the convention together, along with the great work of affiliate and committee chairs. We were privileged to have the ACB President, Kim Charlson in attendance. Audio files for this conference and convention will be posted on the ccbnet.org around mid-November.

The Convention elected the following individuals to office, 2nd Vice President, Judy Wilkinson, Secretary, Ardis Bazyn; Directors: Steve Fort, Joseph Lopez, Pam Metz, Charles Nabarrete, and Robert Wendt.

From Pam Polagi: President, San Gabriel Valley Chapter

I'd like to thank everyone who enjoyed respite and refreshment during the hospitality parties we hosted.
I have in my possession, a universal device charger, which we found in the hospitality suite. "Name it, and claim it", and you can have it. It wants to return to its rightful owner.

Please contact me at (626) 445-7297.
Again, I wish to thank everyone who joined us. Our gatherings wouldn't have been complete without you.

Where Is My Blind Californian

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Greater Los Angeles Chapter Fund Raiser

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter, California Council of the Blind, will be holding its fourth annual World Series Food Fest Fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the VFW Hall, 8548 Lankershim Blvd., cross street Kewen, Sun Valley, CA from 3-7 PM.

The menu will include hotdogs, hamburgers, hot links, extra special potato salad, and two types of Ken’s homemade Chili, one sort of mild, and one spicy. We will also include soda and water, and higher spirits will be available from the VFW bar. We will also have a few door prizes along with a 50/50 and a fun-filled auction of some neat gifts for you to bid on.

The cost is $15 for adults, and $8 for children 3-12 years old. Children 3 and under will be free.
Whoever responds with your reservation to President Ken Metz by October 11 will have an opportunity to win one of two $50 gift cards for early-bird registrations.
You can contact Ken by email at kenmetz1946@gmail.com or by calling him at (818) 882-3610.
We hope to see as many of you as well as your friends.

San Francisco Chapter Fund Raiser

Join the San Francisco Chapter in its annual Pizza/Bingo fundraiser, and help us support blind and visually impaired students ages 8-18 by giving them the adaptive equipment they need to excel in their education.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 12:00-4:00 PM.
Where: East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.

Thanks to your ongoing generous support of our annual $2,500 Student Education Access (SEA) Grant, we will once again be able to award assistive technology equipment to a deserving Bay Area blind or visually impaired student.

Meal tickets cost $15 each and include two free non-alcoholic drinks. We will serve salad, pizza and dessert. Additional non-alcoholic beverages cost $1 each. Beer and wine cost $2 each. Coffee is free.

The legendary SF Chapter Corner Store will be open for business with sugar-free candy, hand sanitizers and other sundry items.
Each bingo game will cost 75 cents. The blackout will cost $1.50. Half of the winnings will go to the winners. The other half will go to the SEA Grant.

You may purchase raffle tickets from chapter members at any time or at the fundraiser.
The cost is $1 for each ticket or $5 for a book of six tickets. There will be four raffle cash prizes: one each for $200 and $100, and two for $50. The winning tickets will be drawn at the fundraiser. You do not need to be present to win.

If you plan to attend the fundraiser, please RSVP to Daveed Mandell by Sunday, October 11, either via email, at daveedmandell@gmail.com, or by phone, at 510-665-9260.
Please indicate your choice of pepperoni, veggie or cheese pizza. We need to determine the amount of food and supplies to purchase.

You may purchase your meal ticket from any chapter member. Otherwise, send your check payable to the SF Chapter and mail it to: SF Chapter c/o Vita Zavoli 1271 Washington Avenue, #144 San Leandro, CA 94577

We look forward to sharing a lively and enjoyable afternoon with you.

Audio Described Movies

Disability Rights Advocates and Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld are investigating complaints from blind individuals who have been unable to use audio description services at American Multi-Cinema, Inc. (“AMC”) movie theaters.

We are interested in speaking with legally blind individuals who have encountered problems when attempting to use audio description services at AMC theaters in California.

If you are legally blind and you have been unable to access audio description services at AMC theaters in California because the audio description equipment was malfunctioning, because AMC staff did not know how to configure the audio description equipment, or for any other reason, we would appreciate speaking with you about your experiences.

To share your experiences, please contact Charlotte Landes by phone at (415) 433-6830 or by e-mail at Clandes@rbgg.com

Accessible Tour

Please join us at the Ed Roberts Campus, located at 3075 Adeline Street; Berkeley, CA (above the Ashby BART Station).
More information about the exhibit can be found at: patientnomore.org

Access Day At The de Young

ACCESS FEATURES Available

Extra blue parking spaces at the de Young
Maps with parking and transportation information
Extra seating inside and outside the exhibition
Portable large-print editions of exhibition labels
Docent-led tours
Verbal description tours at 10 am and 12 pm Available upon request (see form in link below)
Wheelchairs and folding stools
American Sign Language interpretation (please request at least two weeks in advance)
Materials in alternative formats for study in advance of visit
Assistive listening devices

For other requests, please contact Rebecca Bradley at rbradley@famsf.org or 415-750-7645.
(Please click here for the reservation form.)

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

September 25, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for September 25.
Due to the CCB Conference and Convention there will be no California Connection on October 3rd.

From The President

At the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, we will be electing a 2nd vice president, a secretary and five members to the board of directors.

Candidates for these positions were invited to submit answers to a list of four questions for the CCB Candidate's Page, with August 15 being the deadline for submission of answers. Four perspective candidates submitted answers and, commencing September 1, these answers will be posted on the CCB Candidate's Page.

You are invited to read these answers by visiting this page at http://www.ccbnet.org/candidates_2015.htm

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank Bob Hope Airport, which is 18 miles away.
Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services.
Please feel free to share this information with others.

For those folks traveling to either Los Angeles or Burbank airports, Amtrak or Greyhound for the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, the following information may be helpful if you are a current ADA qualified Para transit rider in your local area and wish to use Para transit while at the Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel.

The Para transit group in the Los Angeles Area is called Access Services. You can call (1800) 827-0829 and press option 1, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
You will then let them know that you have Para transit in your local city, and that you are requesting visitor status. They will give you all of the information along with a fax number to have your local Para transit provider send your current eligibility status.
Make sure that you check a day or so later (business days only) at the same number in order to be certain that your information was received and put into the system.
You will then be given instructions on how to use the service as a visitor.
The current fares are $2.75 per trip up to 19.9 miles, and $3.50 per trip from 20 miles and beyond.
At LAX, there is a blue Access sign outside each terminal. At the Burbank Airport, you must go out by the Taxi Stand.

CCB Conference and Convention Board of Directors Luncheon/Meeting

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional.
If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Welcome Party And Hospitality Room

Due to circumstances beyond CCB’s control, alcoholic beverages are unable to be served at either the Welcome Party or in the Hospitality Room, nor will anyone be allowed to bring them into the room for either of these events.

Greater Los Angeles Chapter has, in consideration of this occurrence, decided to reduce the price to $5 pre-registration and $6 at the door for the Welcome Party. For anyone who has already pre-registered for the Welcome Party, we will reimburse you for the additional $3 that you have paid. We can also cancel your pre-registration for this event due to the change in this circumstance, although we hope that you will decide to join us for what should be a great time.

Seeking A Roommate For CCB 2015 Conference and Convention

From Cam Schure: I will be arriving Sept. 30th. leaving on Oct 5th. Seeking a non-smoking female roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (831)372-0626 between 7 AM to 8 PM.

GDUC Convention Program

Hello CCB members. Maybe you are starting your plans to attend the CCB Conference and Convention in October. We want to give you a heads up, or should that be a “tails up” regarding the GDUC programs for Saturday morning through noon as to the informative programs planned and to be delivered by experts in their fields.
Review the program description below and make plans to attend all GDUC events at the conference.

GDUC Program description October 3, 2015 Time: 10:15 am to 11:45 am
Maintaining the Health and Wellness of Our Guide dogs - an Update from a Veterinarian
Lisa A. Pope DVM is the Owner and Chief Medical Director of Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center in southern California and she has served as a Staff Veterinarian for Guide Dogs of America.

Dr. Pope will speak about the following topics that are critical to us as guide dog handlers:

Nutrition and Supplements
What to do about Allergies
Maintaining the health and wellness of our senior guide dogs

Dr. Pope will answer general questions about how we can maintain the health and wellness of our guide dogs for a happy and productive life.

Dr. Pope Bio:
Lisa A Pope DVM Owner, Chief Medical Director of Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
When she lost her first family cat to an undetermined illness, Dr. Lisa Pope’s interest in veterinary medicine was sparked. Dr. Pope graduated with her DVM degree from U. C. Davis in 1994. Dr. Pope served as a staff vet for Guide dogs of America for about five years and opened Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center in 2000.

GDUC Luncheon Program October 3, 2015 12:00 pm to 1:00pm
Speaker: James A. Kutsch, Jr., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seeing Eye Guide dog School in Morristown N.J. and chairman of the International Guide Dog Federation, which accredits more than 80 guide dog federations around the world

Our GDUC luncheon speaker is Dr. Kutsch, and he will speak about his involvement as the Chair of I.G.D.F. and how this organization has impacted the development and management of guide dog programs throughout the world. Dr. Kutsch also travels extensively internationally and throughout the U.S. and he will offer tips for traveling with your guide dog.
Dr. Kutsch is the first blind CEO of Seeing Eye and the first graduate of a guide dog school to be named Chair of I.G.D.F.

Dr. James Kutsch bio:
In 2006, Dr. Kutsch became the first blind person to lead The Seeing Eye since its inception in 1929.
Prior to assuming the role of President at The Seeing Eye, he served 10 years on the organization’s Board of Trustees. Kutsch was previously Vice President of Strategic Technology at Convergys Labs.
James Kutsch joined the IGDF Board in November, 2010, and is currently the Chair of the Federation.

The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) is an organization comprised of member guide dog organizations from around the world. IGDF works with these member organizations on a variety of things, including monitoring the quality of guide dogs that the schools produce. However it does not actually train dogs, mobility instructors, or dog trainers.

California Library Users

Calling All Book Lovers: You know what fun we have at our convention CLUA/BRLC luncheons when we go around the room sharing our favorite books!

CALUA has instituted the Sunday night book discussion group which meets the last Sunday of every other month. And now we invite the entire CCB community to join us. We won’t be having the book sharing at our convention luncheon but you can join in the next best thing. We invite all CCB members to join the September book sharing group. And we wouldn’t mind at all if you decided to join CALUA as a result of your experience.

When: Sunday September 27 at 7:00 PM.
Where: Phone: 641-715-3286; enter code 918197 followed by the # sign.

You’ll have about two minutes to share about your book. If you can, let us know the author as well as the title and whether we can obtain the book in an accessible format.

The call will be hosted by CLUA secretary Debby Barry. If you have questions or concerns, contact Debby at phone: 818-997-9065; Email: dmbookworm1025@roadrunner.com

Greater Los Angeles Chapter Fund Raiser

San Francisco Chapter Fund Raiser

When: Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 12:00-4:00 PM.
Where: East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.

We look forward to sharing a lively and enjoyable afternoon with you.

Audio Described Movies

We are interested in speaking with legally blind individuals who have encountered problems when attempting to use audio description services at AMC theaters in California.

To share your experiences, please contact Charlotte Landes by phone at (415) 433-6830 or by e-mail at Clandes@rbgg.com

White Cane Safety Day

Celebrate White Cane Safety/Blind Americans Equality Day with Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired!

Join us Thursday, October 15, 2015 at noon at Caldwell Park, 2929 Pacific Avenue, Stockton for a proclamation by Mayor Anthony Silva. Walk the Historic Miracle Mile with us and dine at Whirlows to support our fundraiser!

On October 15 between the hours of 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, present our flyer or mention you are there to support CCBVI and Whirlows will donate 20% of your bill to support programs and services for the blind and visually impaired of San Joaquin county!
Please invite your family and friends and help us make great strides down the path to independence together!

For more information, please contact Jennifer Boylan at 209-466-3836, extension 206 or jenniferb@communitycenterfortheblind.org.

We look forward to walking the Miracle Mile and celebrating the accomplishments of blind individuals with you October 15!

Accessible Medicare Line

Centers for Medicare Services now has a number for blind and visually impaired individuals to call to request accessible Medicare communications. This also includes your quarterly Medicare Summary.
The number is 1-844-ALT-FORM (1-844-258-3676).

Pioneer Sailing Instruction Program

The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors is excited to offer a FREE beginning sailing training program for people with physical disabilities for its small boat program.

The course will start on Saturday, October 10th from 11 - 4 PM and will be held on eight Saturdays through the end of the year.
The course will be held at the northern entrance at South Beach Yacht Harbor at Pier 40 near AT&T Park in San Francisco. BAADS is easily accessible by public transportation.

Sailors will be taught by a US Sailing Instructor who will follow a core sailing curriculum using the US Sailing book Learn Sailing Right! Beginning Sailing. Sailors will learn the basic concepts of how to rig a small boat, how a boat moves through the water and how to steer and trim the sails. As the course progresses, all sailors will demonstrate hands-on skills as well as basic seamanship knowledge such as the parts of the boat and right-of-way rules. The course will be adapted to the sailors' physical abilities. Since the course will build from week from week, sailors are asked to commit to as many of the eight lessons as possible. Brand new sailors are encouraged to participate as well as those who may have some hands-on experience but have never taken a formalized instruction program. More experienced sailors will work with beginning sailors in the 303 Hansa dinghies with the goal that all will progress towards solo sailing in the Liberty Hansa, a boat which has been specially adapted to accommodate sailors with disabilities.

The course materials, US Sailing's Learn Sailing Right! Beginning Sailing, will be given out at the first lesson.
Classes are scheduled for the below dates from 11 AM - 4 PM, including a chalk talk at 11 AM. Participants should make every effort to arrive by 10:45 AM so that the program can start promptly at 11am.

If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Kathi Pugh at KathiPugh@gmail.com or 510-644-2806.

This free instructional course has been made possible through a generous grant by US Sailing and AmericaOne.

Applicants Sought for 2016 California Braille and Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

The California Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL), the NLS Regional Library serving the blind and patrons with other print disabilities in 43 counties in Northern California, is seeking applications for its Braille and Talking Book Library User Advisory Council (BUAC) for the 2016 calendar year.

To better serve patrons and stakeholders, the BUAC welcomes geographic representation from Eastern, Southern, and Northern counties within the 43 Northern California counties served by BTBL. At present, those serving on the BUAC are primarily from the Sacramento Metropolitan and Bay Areas.

To find a list of the 43 counties, please visit btbl.ca.gov/btblpublications1.html#service.
The BUAC desires a strong representation of the richly diverse range of ethnic, cultural, and print disability demographics in Northern California.

Patrons who are U.S. Veterans, bilingual Spanish speakers, persons with organic reading disabilities such as dyslexia, who are deaf-blind or have other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading conventional print are strongly encouraged to apply.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the Council by-laws and online application form on our web page: http://www.library.ca.gov/services/council.html And apply by the November 15, 2015 deadline if you are interested.

The BTBL User Advisory Council meets four times per year with all travel expenses paid to convene at the California State Library in Sacramento, with the occasional option to participate via teleconference. Councilor terms last for three years.

The purpose of the Council is to provide advice to the California State Library (CSL) and BTBL. Council members have the opportunity to advise and make recommendations to BTBL and CSL management for improvements to library services. The Council is not a policy-making body.

Applications will be reviewed by the BUAC selection committee. Applicants will be notified of their application status in mid-December.
The first meeting in 2016 will take place in February or March.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

September 18, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for September 18.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded.
Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From The President

At the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, we will be electing a 2nd vice president, a secretary and five members to the board of directors.

You are invited to read these answers by visiting this page at http://www.ccbnet.org/candidates_2015.htm

If you would like the content of the Candidate's Page to be provided to you in an alternate format, please contact administrative assistant Ed Branch, either by email, at ccotb@ccbnet.org, or by telephone at (800) 221-6359 or (916) 441-2100.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update:

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The 2015 California Council of the Blind conference and convention will be held at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles (6360 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367) October 1 - 4, 2015. The guest room rate is $85.66 plus tax for a total of $99 all-inclusive per night. The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website.

When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) or give the group code, “CCB915” in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.
Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015.
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank Bob Hope Airport, which is 18 miles away.
Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services.
Please feel free to share this information with others.

CCB Conference and Convention Board of Directors Luncheon/Meeting

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park 7801 Auburn Boulevard Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Cross Streets: Auburn Boulevard And Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Support for Senate Bill 199

We are writing to ask for your help. Please call, fax, or email Governor Brown right away and urge him to sign Senate Bill 199 (Hall) into law.
This bill will expand In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to include reading and document preparation services for IHSS recipients who are blind.

Established more than 40 years ago, the goal of the IHSS program is to enable seniors and persons with disabilities, including those who are blind, to be independent and remain in their own homes. Unfortunately, as it currently stands, the IHSS program does not fully meet this goal for recipients who are blind. There is nothing that negatively impacts the ability of persons who are blind to remain independent more than the lack of access to written information. Many individuals who are blind, and especially newly blinded individuals, including seniors, do not have or cannot use a computer. Further, no matter how computer literate we may be, we all need to access and work with paper documents. Yet, the IHSS program does not include the reading of mail and other documents and the filling out of such documents as an authorized service. IHSS recipients who are blind are more likely to throw their mail away or have someone read it long after the time it needed to be read and acted upon simply because they can’t afford to hire someone to perform this task.

For 20 years, the California Council of the Blind has been working to correct this injustice. Now, through the efforts of the council and the bill’s other primary sponsor, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930, along with the support of many other groups and individuals, we are poised to make it happen. SB 199, authored by Senator Isadore Hall III, would expand the list of authorized services under IHSS to include reading and the completion of documents.

We thank Senator Hall and his staff for working extremely hard on this bill, and we especially thank the California Legislature for passing it unanimously. Now, we only need the Governor’s signature to make 20 years of work complete.

Join with persons who are blind or have low vision, IHSS providers, and other Californians and tell the Governor to support the independence of IHSS recipients who are blind by signing SB 199 into law.
You may contact Governor Brown by telephone at (916) 445-2841, by fax at (916) 558-3160, or online through his website at https://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php.
Thank you in advance for your support. With your help, we will prevail!

Welcome Party And Hospitality Room

Seeking A Roommate For CCB 2015 Conference and Convention

From Cam Schure: I will be arriving Sept. 30th. leaving on Oct 5th. Seeking a non-smoking female roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (831)372-0626 between 7 AM to 8 PM.

GDUC Convention Program

Dr. Pope will speak about the following topics that are critical to us as guide dog handlers:

Nutrition and Supplements
What to do about Allergies
Maintaining the health and wellness of our senior guide dogs

Dr. Pope will answer general questions about how we can maintain the health and wellness of our guide dogs for a happy and productive life.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Fund Raiser

The Glendale-Burbank Chapter cordially invites you to our fall fundraiser held at Bob’s Big Boy, located at 4211 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA; (phone) (818) 843-9334, on Monday, September 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00. p.m. A reserved section has been requested from 6:00 to 8:00 so that we can sit together and socialize.

To request a flyer to give to your server, please contact Ardis Bazyn at: bazyncommunications.com or (phone) (818) 238-9321, or Anthony Signoriello at: blinddude1@g.mail.com; (phone) (818) 982-3411.
We look forward to seeing you there!

San Gabriel Valley Chapter September Meeting

Dear CCB members,
The San Gabriel Valley Chapter's September meeting date has been moved to September 26th, to accommodate our speaker, a representative from Medicare/Medi-Cal.

I invite you to please come join us, to learn about coverages, enrolment policies and eligibility.

The meeting is from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
RSVP is recommended, not required, to Steve Aminoff s_aminoff@sbcglobal.net or 626-445-6727.
Place: Denny's Restaurant, 546 West Baseline Road, Glendora, CA 91740. cross street, Grand Ave

California Library Users

Calling All Book Lovers: You know what fun we have at our convention CLUA/BRLC luncheons when we go around the room sharing our favorite books!

When: Sunday September 27 at 7:00 PM.
Where: Phone: 641-715-3286; enter code 918197 followed by the # sign.

You’ll have about two minutes to share about your book. If you can, let us know the author as well as the title and whether we can obtain the book in an accessible format.

The call will be hosted by CLUA secretary Debby Barry. If you have questions or concerns, contact Debby at phone: 818-997-9065; Email: dmbookworm1025@roadrunner.com

San Francisco Chapter Fund Raiser

When: Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 12:00-4:00 PM.
Where: East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.

We look forward to sharing a lively and enjoyable afternoon with you.

White Cane Safety Day

Celebrate White Cane Safety/Blind Americans Equality Day with Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired!

For more information, please contact Jennifer Boylan at 209-466-3836, extension 206 or jenniferb@communitycenterfortheblind.org.

We look forward to walking the Miracle Mile and celebrating the accomplishments of blind individuals with you October 15!

Accessible Medicare Line

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

September 11, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for September 11.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Remembrance

From Gabe Griffith
My wife Becky passed away on Friday, September 4th, around 9:30 PM at the age of 44. She had battled with type 1 diabetes from age 13. She had a kidney-pancreas transplant in 1998, and I donated another kidney to her in 2003 after the first donation failed. Several weeks ago, her pancreas failed and she passed away from complications of that and other health concerns.

Becky was a real fighter throughout her life and an inspiration to many of us in the CCB family.
Our family is asking that in place of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Donations can be made at this link
or by calling (1-800-342-2383)

From The President

At the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, we will be electing a 2nd vice president, a secretary and five members to the board of directors.

You are invited to read these answers by visiting this page at http://www.ccbnet.org/candidates_2015.htm

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update:

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

From the President

I want to apologize to large print users who, because of a failure by our printing company, will not receive your 2015 Conference and Convention Announcement until sometime next week. We will ameliorate this very regrettable situation as much as possible.

First, for all large print users with emails in our database, you will be receiving an email copy of the announcement.
For those who can access our website, you may read the announcement by going to http://www.ccbnet.org/conventions/upcomingConvene.htm
We know, however, that there are many of you that cannot use online versions of the announcement. If you do not want to wait for your large print version, and we encourage you to call the office at 1-800-221-6359, and ask administrative assistant Ed Branch, to read to you the necessary information to enable you to make you’re pre-registration decisions.
Finally, we are extending the date for convention pre-registration until Friday, September 25th.

CCB Conference and Convention Board of Directors Luncheon/Meeting

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park 7801 Auburn Boulevard Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Cross Streets: Auburn Boulevard And Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Support for Senate Bill 199

Seeking A Roommate For CCB 2015 Conference and Convention

From Cam Schure: I will be arriving Sept. 30th. leaving on Oct 5th. Seeking a non-smoking female roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (831)372-0626 between 7 AM to 8 PM.

GDUC Convention Program

Dr. Pope will speak about the following topics that are critical to us as guide dog handlers:

Nutrition and Supplements
What to do about Allergies
Maintaining the health and wellness of our senior guide dogs

Dr. Pope will answer general questions about how we can maintain the health and wellness of our guide dogs for a happy and productive life.

East Los Angeles Chapter Picnic

Celebrate the end of the heat wave.
Saturday September 12, 2015 East Los Angeles chapter picnic.
Menu: fried chicken, hot dogs, chili beans, corn on the cob, macaroni salad and watermelon; price $10 per nonmember.
Location: Garcia residence, 1226 S. McBride St. East Los Angeles, cross street, Olympic;
time: meeting at 10:15 a.m., food at noon.

Please join us to celebrate the end of summer. If you have any questions contact Charles Nabarrete at Chasnab45@gmail.com or (626)338-8106.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter September Meeting

Dear CCB members,
The San Gabriel Valley Chapter's September meeting date has been moved to September 26th, to accommodate our speaker, a representative from Medicare/Medi-Cal.

I invite you to please come join us, to learn about coverages, enrolment policies and eligibility.

Ralph's Grocery Card

It’s time!! PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FOR THE NEW TERM BEGINS TODAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.
** This is a wonderful opportunity for those participants that used to be a part of the now cancelled Vons escrip program to start contributing via our Ralphs Community Contribution Program. **

Participants are required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scanbar letter at the register starting today, September 1, 2015.
There are two ways to enroll:
- Online registration
- Scan-Bar letter
If you received a scanbar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year.
If you would like to receive a scanbar letter, please respond to this email and one will be emailed to you.
Even if your participants registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, they are required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

Digital Access Legal Update

from Lainey Feingold: Colleagues and friends: I have posted a new digital accessibility legal update covering developments from March 12 through August 10, 2015.
The link is: http://lflegal.com/2015/08/legal-update-summer15
As always, feedback and corrections welcomed.
Please share as appropriate.

If you are on Twitter, follow me there for updates as I hear about them.
http://twitter.com/lflegal

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

September 4, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for September 4.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The CCB office will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

From The President

At the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, we will be electing a 2nd vice president, a secretary and five members to the board of directors.

You are invited to read these answers by visiting this page at http://www.ccbnet.org/candidates_2015.htm

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update:

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

Event planning packets for the 2015 Conference and Convention were previously sent out to all CCB presidents/chairs of chapters, special interest affiliates, and committees, with a return due date to the CCB office of August 2.
If you have met this deadline, but you have any revisions that need to be made after August 2nd to the event planning request form, those changes will need to be received on or before Saturday, August 29th, 2015, 11:59pm in order to be placed into the Conference and Convention program.

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park 7801 Auburn Boulevard Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Cross Streets: Auburn Boulevard And Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter September Meeting

Dear CCB members,
The San Gabriel Valley Chapter's September meeting date has been moved to September 26th, to accommodate our speaker, a representative from Medicare/Medi-Cal.

I invite you to please come join us, to learn about coverages, enrolment policies and eligibility.

Ralph's Grocery Card

Participants are required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scanbar letter at the register starting today, September 1, 2015.
There are two ways to enroll:
- Online registration
- Scan-Bar letter
If you received a scanbar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year.
If you would like to receive a scanbar letter, please respond to this email and one will be emailed to you.
Even if your participants registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, they are required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

New Phone Number For American Council of the Blind’s Very Own ACB Radio

Do you want to hear your favorite talk shows or music, but don’t own a computer?
Just dial (605) 475-8130 and follow the instructions to listen to any ACB Radio station.
It’s easy, and most of all, fun! Thanks for supporting and listening to ACB Radio: Where Your Listening is Our Business.

Uber Petition

A new petition at Change.org urges Uber to adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding drivers’ refusals to pick up passengers who use service animals.
Here’s a link to the survey.
https://www.change.org/p/uber-enforce-a-zero-tolerance-policy-regarding-refusing-service-animals

Free Stuff

For free: a Braille compass, a Perkins Brailler (needs repair).
Call Doug at (707) 839-0588 Pacific time zone, or email: dougdrose@suddenlink.net

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

August 28, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for August 28.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From The President

At the 2015 CCB Conference and Convention, we will be electing a 2nd vice president, a secretary and five members to the board of directors.

You are invited to read these answers by visiting this page at http://www.ccbnet.org/candidates_2015.htm

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update:

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

Mutt Strut

If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park 7801 Auburn Boulevard Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Cross Streets: Auburn Boulevard And Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park 3901 Dunsmore Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Ralph's Grocery Card

NEW TERM BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.

I encourage all CCB members and Friends of CCB to call 1-800-221-6359 for more information if you have any questions, or if you wish to have assistance signing up online. There is no pre-registration! This means that the first day you can register for the new term is September 1, 2015 or after.

All CCB members who are currently enrolled in the Ralph’s Community Contribution Program will remain active until August 31, 2015.
Participants will be required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scan bar letter at the register starting September 1, 2015.
If you received a scan bar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year. If you need a scan bar letter just call the CCB office 1-800-221-6359.
Even if you registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, you will be required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

This notice does not apply to participants of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Community Rewards program.

AC Transit Board of Directors Public Hearings

On Wednesday, September 2, the AC Transit Board of Directors will hold public hearings at 5:00 p.m. at 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, to take public comment on proposed continuation of Line 46L, modifications to lines 800 and 801, and elimination of Line 822.
The public is invited to comment before or at the hearing on these proposals:

How to Comment
Individuals, organizations, and agencies may provide input on the proposals by:

Speaking or submitting written comments at the public hearings
Submitting written comments by the close of the public hearings:
- by e-mail to planning@actransit.org
- by mail to AC Transit Board of Directors, 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612
- by fax to (510) 891-7157
- Leaving comments in a voicemail message by the close of the public hearings, by calling (510) 891-7201 (English), (510) 891-7297 (Spanish), or (510) 891-7298 (Chinese).
Additional Information
See Public Hearing notices for Line 46L and Late-Night Service.
See Staff Reports on Line 46L and Late-Night Service (lines 800, 801, 822).

Free stuff

For free: a 25-cell 1 line metal slate, a Perkins Brailler (needs repair), a PacMate 20-cell refreshable display.
Call Doug at (707) 839-0588 Pacific time zone, or email: dougdrose@suddenlink.net

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

August 21, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for August 21.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update:

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) or give the group code, “CCB915” in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate. Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015. The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank Bob Hope Airport, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

Event planning packets for the 2015 Conference and Convention were previously sent out to all CCB presidents/chairs of chapters, special interest affiliates, and committees, with a return due date to the CCB office of August 2. If you have met this deadline, but you have any revisions that need to be made after August 2nd to the event planning request form, those changes will need to be received on or before Saturday, August 29th, 2015, 11:59pm in order to be placed into the Conference and Convention program.

Mutt Strut

From President Jeff Thom:

On your mark, get set, they’re off! Runners, walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers will be struttin’ their stuff in the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! This is our biggest fundraiser and public relations event of the year, and it is up to each and every member to make sure that it succeeds in order to enable CCB to continue to provide services to Californians who are blind or visually impaired. Whether you attend in person or participate as a virtual walker, we urge you to register for the event and raise funds by asking anyone you know to sponsor you in the event. If we all work together, the event will not only be the biggest and best ever, but we’ll help put CCB on the map and obtain the revenue we urgently need. To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut or you can give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100. Fundraising can continue even after the dates of the two events. If you need assistance in learning how to go about the fundraising process, you may contact me at (916)-995-3967.

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park
7801 Auburn Boulevard
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Cross Streets: Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org Web Site. You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Ralph's Grocery Card

NEW TERM BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.

All CCB members who are currently enrolled in the Ralph’s Community Contribution Program will remain active until August 31, 2015.
Participants will be required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scan bar letter at the register starting September 1, 2015.
If you received a scan bar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year. If you need a scan bar letter just call the CCB office 1-800-221-6359.
Even if you registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, you will be required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

This notice does not apply to participants of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Community Rewards program.

AC Transit Board of Directors Public Hearingss

The public is invited to comment before or at the hearing on these proposals:

How to Comment

Individuals, organizations, and agencies may provide input on the proposals by:

Speaking or submitting written comments at the public hearings
Submitting written comments by the close of the public hearings:
- by e-mail to planning@actransit.org
- by mail to AC Transit Board of Directors, 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612
- by fax to (510) 891-7157
- Leaving comments in a voicemail message by the close of the public hearings, by calling (510) 891-7201 (English), (510) 891-7297 (Spanish), or (510) 891-7298 (Chinese).
Additional Information
See Public Hearing notices for Line 46L and Late-Night Service. See Staff Reports on Line 46L and Late-Night Service (lines 800, 801, 822).

Free stuff:

For free: a 25-cell 1 line metal slate, a Perkins Brailler (needs repair), a PacMate 20-cell refreshable display. Call Doug at (707) 839-0588 Pacific time zone, or email: dougdrose@suddenlink.net

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

August 14, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for August 14.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Ralph's Grocery Card

It's that time again!! The Ralph's Grocery Card New Community Contributions Term begins 9/1/15.
PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FOR THE NEW TERM BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.
I encourage all CCB members and Friends of CCB to call 1-800-221-6359 for more information if you have any questions, or if you wish to have assistance signing up online.

There is no pre-registration! This means that the first day you can register for the new term is September 1, 2015 or after.

All CCB members who are currently enrolled in the Ralph’s Community Contribution Program will remain active until August 31, 2015.
Participants will be required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scan bar letter at the register starting September 1, 2015.
If you received a scan bar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year. If you need a scan bar letter just call the CCB office 1-800-221-6359.
Even if you registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, you will be required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

This notice does not apply to participants of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Community Rewards program.

Dinner Anyone?

Save the date:
Come Join the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the California Council of the blind for a night out at Chili’s Restaurant.

We are glad to be partnering with Chili’s for this summer’s fundraiser. 15 percent of your meal tab will go toward the Greater Los Angeles California Council of the Blind.
You must present your printed copy of the fundraising flyer so that the proper credit can be given

When: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Location: 17240 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316. Cross street is Louise.

For more information or a copy of the Chili’s flyer, please email President Ken Metz, kenmetz1946@gmail.com, or call him at (818) 882-3610.
We look forward to seeing you there.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee
The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.
The Thursday afternoon time slot 12 noon to 4pm, normally reserved for the Board Luncheon/Meeting, is available for any chapter, special interest affiliate, or committee who wishes to put on an event within this period of time.

The San Gabriel chapter has volunteered to put on the hospitality suite during the 2015 Conference and Convention”.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

On your mark, get set, they’re off!
Runners, walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers will be struttin’ their stuff in the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! One Great Event, Two Great Locations!

Sacramento Area
September 19, 2015
Rusch Park
7801 Auburn Boulevard
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Cross Streets are Auburn Boulevard And Antelope Road
Contact: Jeff Thom 916-995-3967 Jeff.thom@ccbnet.org

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Register soon and take advantage of our early-bird prices.
Come for the fun at our biggest and best Mutt Strut ever, and support CCB at the same time!

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

August 7, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for August 7.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The new CCB phone system is currently very limited in the space we have available. As a result there will temporarily be two different versions of the connection.

If you want your item to appear in the phone version of the connection there will be a limit of 75 words. If your announcement exceeds 75 words it will appear in the electronic version only. If you would like to edit your announcement and submit two announcements, one for the electronic version and one for the phone version, that would be appreciated by the editor. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration in this matter.

CCB Board of Directors Elections

At the 2015 Convention in October CCB will be electing a 2nd vice president, secretary, and five members to its board of directors.
We would like to provide perspective candidates an opportunity to give you some information on their qualifications for, and ideas about serving on, the CCB board. To accomplish this, we will again have a candidates page on our website. For those who cannot access information through our website or are not comfortable doing so, you can contact the office and ask for the candidates’ statements in either email or your alternate format of choice. It is our goal to have this webpage up by September 1.

If you are a potential candidate, we would invite you to answer the four questions indicated below, with the answer to each question to be not more than 300 words, with the count to be determined by the word-count feature in MS Word on a PC. Entries for each answer will terminate at the end of the sentence containing the 300th word and there will be no editing, spell checks or grammar checks done.

The deadline for submission of your statements is August 14, 2015. We will not accept any statements after that date! You will need to submit them to the office in electronic format as a .txt .rtf or MS Word file. Email them to ccotb@ccbnet.org no later than August 14, 2015. To be clear, there is no requirement that a candidate for the 2015 election submit answers to these questions.

The four questions are as follows:

What office are you seeking, and what are your qualifications?

Given the limited resources of our organization and the competition among nonprofit entities for financial resources, how can long-term financial stability be achieved for CCB?

Discuss two areas in which you believe that major change must occur within CCB in order to ensure that this organization will continue to thrive in the next decade, and give specifics of how you will begin to make that change happen.

Because the primary mission of CCB is to advocate for persons who are blind or have low vision, discuss three issue areas in which you believe require our advocacy efforts.

Ralph's Grocery Card

There is no pre-registration! This means that the first day you can register for the new term is September 1, 2015 or after.

All CCB members who are currently enrolled in the Ralph’s Community Contribution Program will remain active until August 31, 2015.
Participants will be required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com or by using the scan bar letter at the register starting September 1, 2015.
If you received a scan bar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year. If you need a scan bar letter just call the CCB office 1-800-221-6359.
Even if you registered as recently as June, July or August 2015, you will be required to register again, on or after September 1, 2015.

This notice does not apply to participants of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Community Rewards program.

Dinner Anyone?

Save the date:
Come Join the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the California Council of the blind for a night out at Chili’s Restaurant.

When: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Location: 17240 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316. Cross street is Louise.

For more information or a copy of the Chili’s flyer, please email President Ken Metz, kenmetz1946@gmail.com, or call him at (818) 882-3610.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Recruitment Announcement (August, 2015)

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is recruiting for a Staff Services Manager II (SSM II) to serve as the Administrator for the Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB), a three acre campus located in Albany, California.

The OCB is a 30-bed, residential 24/7 program providing vocational rehabilitation services for DOR consumers to support adjustment to blindness, the development of appropriate vocational behaviors, attitudes and interests, and the preparation of participants to achieve independence and gainful employment.

For a list of duties and qualifications please call the CCB office at 800-221-6359.

Interested candidates must submit the following:

Standard State Application (STD. 678)
Statement of Qualifications
Resume
Evidence of their SSM II list eligibility, if applicable

The state application, along with instructions, is available online at: http://jobs.ca.gov/profile/stateapplication

User Advisory Council Application

The BUAC desires a strong representation of the richly diverse range of ethnic, cultural, and print disability demographics in Northern California.
Patrons who are U.S. Veterans, bilingual Spanish speakers, persons with organic reading disabilities such as dyslexia, who are deaf-blind or have other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading conventional print are strongly encouraged to apply.

if you are interested. The BTBL User Advisory Council meets four times per year with all travel expenses paid to convene at the California State Library in Sacramento, with the occasional option to participate via teleconference.
Councilor terms last for three years.

Applications will be reviewed by the BUAC selection committee. Applicants will be notified of their application status in mid-December.

The first meeting in 2016 will take place in February or March.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The Thursday afternoon time slot 12 noon to 4pm, normally reserved for the Board Luncheon/Meeting, is available for any chapter, special interest affiliate, or committee who wishes to put on an event within this period of time.

Exhibitor packets were emailed on Friday, June 12th, 2015 to individuals and groups who have exhibited in the past or have expressed interest in exhibiting at the 2015 Conference and Convention.
If you know of an individual or group who would be interested in exhibiting, have them get in contact with the CCB office: 916-441-2100, 1-800-221-6359, or ccotb@ccbnet.org to request an exhibitor packet.
The deadline for the receipt of an exhibitor’s application and payment shall be on or before August 14th, 2015.

On Thursday, June 18th, 2015, event planning packets were sent out to all CCB presidents/chairs of chapters, special interest affiliates, and committees. Event planners will need to complete a letter of agreement and an event planning request form for each event they will be hosting, such as business session, program session, and/or luncheon during the 2015 Annual Conference and Convention.
The deadline for the receipt of the letter of agreement and the event planning request form shall be on or before Saturday, August 2nd, 2015, 11:59pm to have the information incorporated into the preregistration announcement. If there are any revisions that need to be made after August 2nd to the event planning request form, those changes will need to be received on or before Saturday, August 29th, 2015, 11:59pm in order to be placed into the Conference and Convention program.

Chapters and special interest affiliates based in the greater Los Angeles area are to notify Jeff Thom, President, 916-995-3967 or jsthom@comcast.net of their interest in hosting the Hospitality suite.
The Hospitality suite is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at the close of the scheduled evening events to 1:00 AM. The deadline for notification will be Sunday August 2, 2015, 11:59 pm.
There will be no Hospitality suite at the 2015 Annual Conference and Convention if no local chapter or affiliate has volunteered to host this event on or before August 2, 2015.
Consideration may be given to non-local chapters or affiliates who wish to host the Hospitality suite as long as they need no assistance from the state organization.
All proceeds from the Hospitality suite will be fully returned to the chapter or affiliate hosting this event.

The Greater LA Chapter will be hosting the Welcome to Woodland Hills party on Thursday afternoon October 1st, 3pm to 5pm. A chapter or special interest affiliate who is interested in hosting one or both events must complete an Event Planning Request Form, which is attached, for each separate event.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Register soon and take advantage of our early-bird prices.
Come for the fun at our biggest and best Mutt Strut ever, and support CCB at the same time!

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

July 31, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for July 31.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Editor's Note

The new CCB phone system is currently very limited in the space we have available. As a result there will temporarily be two different versions of the connection.

In Memorium

CCB is sorry to say that we have lost the following members.

Silicon Valley Council of the Blind Chapter members Rose Deterding and Susan Hyatt, High Desert Chapter member Domenic Martinelli, Yosemite Gateway Chapter Vice - President, Juan Benjamin (Ben) Roybal, and Compton Chapter, Gertrude Bonner.

If it has been a while for some of these members we apologize for not knowing sooner.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and families.

Dinner Anyone?

Save the date:
Come Join the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the California Council of the blind for a night out at Chili’s Restaurant.

When: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Location: 17240 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316. Cross street is Louise.

For more information or a copy of the Chili’s flyer, please email President Ken Metz, kenmetz1946@gmail.com, or call him at (818) 882-3610.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Research Study

We are researchers from the School of Informatics and Computing at Indiana University Bloomington.
We are conducting a research study to help design privacy-enhancing tools for visually impaired people.

We invite you to participate in this study by taking part in a 30-60 minute interview at a place of your convenience.
You will be paid $15 for your participation.
You can participate remotely using video conferencing software such as Skype or via phone.
You will be paid by a $15 Amazon e-gift card. You will receive the URL link of the e-gift card within 5-7 business days after your participation.

If you are interested in participating in our study, or have any questions about the study, please email privlab+vip@indiana.edu or call Tousif Ahmed at 812-606-6542.

User Advisory Council Application

Applications will be reviewed by the BUAC selection committee. Applicants will be notified of their application status in mid-December.

The first meeting in 2016 will take place in February or March.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

Register soon and take advantage of our early-bird prices.
Come for the fun at our biggest and best Mutt Strut ever, and support CCB at the same time!

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

July 24, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for July 24.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB Board of Directors Elections

The four questions are as follows:

What office are you seeking, and what are your qualifications?

Given the limited resources of our organization and the competition among nonprofit entities for financial resources, how can long-term financial stability be achieved for CCB?

Discuss two areas in which you believe that major change must occur within CCB in order to ensure that this organization will continue to thrive in the next decade, and give specifics of how you will begin to make that change happen.

Because the primary mission of CCB is to advocate for persons who are blind or have low vision, discuss three issue areas in which you believe require our advocacy efforts.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Calling All Runners, Walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers to the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! One Great Event, Two Great Locations!

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

This year, for the first time, take advantage of our early bird registration price.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding some new additions to Mutt Strut.

Item For Sale

From Bill Gillespie Perkins Braille Writer - new, still in the box. Asking $500, or best offer.
Call 707-217-5272 between the hours of 10 AM to 5 PM all week.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

July 17, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for July 17.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

President Jeff Thom - Office Hours

President Jeff Thom will be holding the first Office Hours of his term this Saturday, July 18, from 11 AM to 1PM. It is an open forum for CCB to bring up any issues they would like.
The phone number to call is 712-432-3066 and the access code is 497700.

CCB Board of Directors Elections

The four questions are as follows:

What office are you seeking, and what are your qualifications?

Given the limited resources of our organization and the competition among nonprofit entities for financial resources, how can long-term financial stability be achieved for CCB?

Discuss two areas in which you believe that major change must occur within CCB in order to ensure that this organization will continue to thrive in the next decade, and give specifics of how you will begin to make that change happen.

Because the primary mission of CCB is to advocate for persons who are blind or have low vision, discuss three issue areas in which you believe require our advocacy efforts.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Calling All Runners, Walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers to the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! One Great Event, Two Great Locations!

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

This year, for the first time, take advantage of our early bird registration price.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding some new additions to Mutt Strut.

Item For Sale

From Bill Gillespie Perkins Braille Writer - new, still in the box. Asking $500, or best offer.
Call 707-217-5272 between the hours of 10 AM to 5 PM all week.

Accessibility Of Absentee Voting In California

The California Council of the Blind has retained Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld (“RBGG”) to investigate the accessibility of absentee voting, sometimes called “vote by mail,” in California.

We are interested in hearing from blind individuals who have been unable to independently cast an absentee ballot in California, or who wish to vote absentee but who have been deterred from doing so because of the known lack of an accessible option.

To share your experiences, please contact Michael Nunez at mnunez@rbgg.com or at (415) 433-6830 or Jeff Thom at jsthom@comcast.net.

GPS Survey

Sendero Group has been engaged by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco to incorporate a new data set of accessibility features related to SF Muni transit stops into the Sendero GPS products on the BrailleNote, Braille Sense and Sendero Maps for the PC.

We are gathering customer feedback on which information is the most important and essential to independent use of buses and light rail in San Francisco.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

Survey Questions

How often do you use public transportation? Choose from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Daily
Please check the box next to the type of transit that you use at least once a week. Muni, Caltrain, BART, AC Transit, Amtrak, Uber, Taxi, Ferry, private car, Paratransit, or car pool.
How often do you use GPS or Maps on one or more of the Sendero products? Choose from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Daily
How useful is the transit POI data in the Sendero GPS products to help in navigating in San Francisco? Choose from Not Useful, Somewhat useful, Mostly useful, Very Useful and Essential
If the current POI data is not useful to you, please provide comments on how it can improve.
Comment___________________________________
Please rank the importance of the following features when traveling independently (1 is most important, 6 is least important):
1. Relation to associated intersection (near side vs. far side)
2. Location of stop (corner, mid-block, island, at a transit center)
3. Type of stop (i.e. bar, pole, bus zone, island)
4. Stop Amenities (pole only or Shelter)
5. Platform configuration (center, side or complex)
6. Platform level (underground, ground level or elevated)
What information about San Francisco Muni Transit stops should Sendero GPS provide?
Comment________________________________

Send survey responses to Kim Casey kim@senderogroup.com or complete an online survey form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VZ9CNBG

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

July 10, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for July 10.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From President Jeff Thom

I will hold an “Open Forum” conference call for all members to discuss anything they would like with the CCB president on Saturday July 18, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
The phone number will be 712-432-3066 and the code will be 497700.

Everyone is invited to attend and help to explore ways of continuing to make this council the best organization of persons with vision impairments in this state.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Calling All Runners, Walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers to the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! One Great Event, Two Great Locations!

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

This year, for the first time, take advantage of our early bird registration price.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding some new additions to Mutt Strut.

Accessibility Of Absentee Voting In California

The California Council of the Blind has retained Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld (“RBGG”) to investigate the accessibility of absentee voting, sometimes called “vote by mail,” in California.

To share your experiences, please contact Michael Nunez at mnunez@rbgg.com or at (415) 433-6830 or Jeff Thom at jsthom@comcast.net.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Summer Social

From Pattie Aminoff, Social Chair, San Gabriel Valley Chapter, CCB.
Hello everyone, It's that time of year again where our San Gabriel Valley Chapter gets together for our Summer Social.

This year, we will be meeting at Alex Di Peppe's Italian Restaurant.
The date will be Saturday, July 18.
The time will be from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Address: 608 East Liveoak Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006 The cross street is 6th Ave.
Everyone will be ordering from the menu and will have separate checks. Guests are welcome.

Please RSVP by July 10th. Contact me either by email or phone. Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The menu includes:

Appetizers/side Orders
Soups & Salads
Sandwiches
Pasta
Pizza
Meals
Hot and cold beverages
Beer and wine
Alex's Handmade Desserts

Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you on July 18.
This will be a chance for all of us to socialize as well as giving back to Larry, what he has so generously given us with our Pizza Pasta fundraiser.
Also, The San Gabriel Valley Chapter and guests will have the restaurant to ourselves.

GPS Survey

Survey Questions

How often do you use public transportation? Choose from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Daily
Please check the box next to the type of transit that you use at least once a week. Muni, Caltrain, BART, AC Transit, Amtrak, Uber, Taxi, Ferry, private car, Paratransit, or car pool.
How often do you use GPS or Maps on one or more of the Sendero products? Choose from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Daily
How useful is the transit POI data in the Sendero GPS products to help in navigating in San Francisco? Choose from Not Useful, Somewhat useful, Mostly useful, Very Useful and Essential
If the current POI data is not useful to you, please provide comments on how it can improve.
Comment___________________________________
Please rank the importance of the following features when traveling independently (1 is most important, 6 is least important):
1. Relation to associated intersection (near side vs. far side)
2. Location of stop (corner, mid-block, island, at a transit center)
3. Type of stop (i.e. bar, pole, bus zone, island)
4. Stop Amenities (pole only or Shelter)
5. Platform configuration (center, side or complex)
6. Platform level (underground, ground level or elevated)
What information about San Francisco Muni Transit stops should Sendero GPS provide?
Comment________________________________

Send survey responses to Kim Casey kim@senderogroup.com or complete an online survey form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VZ9CNBG

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

July 2, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for July 2.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded.
Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Office Closure

The CCB office will be closed on Friday July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July holiday and on Monday July 6th for administrative purposes.

From President Jeff Thom

Everyone is invited to attend and help to explore ways of continuing to make this council the best organization of persons with vision impairments in this state.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

5th Annual California Council Of The Blind Mutt Strut

Calling All Runners, Walkers, Dogs And Dog-lovers to the 5th Annual California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut! One Great Event, Two Great Locations!

Los Angeles Area
November 14, 2015
Crescenta Valley Park
3901 Dunsmore Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
At Honolulu near the dog park
Contact: Donna Pomerantz 626-233-2991 donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org

To register and or set up a fundraising page online, go to www.ccbnet.org/muttstrut.

You can also give the CCB Office a call for any assistance at 800-221-6359 (Calif only) or 916-441-2100.

This year, for the first time, take advantage of our early bird registration price.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding some new additions to Mutt Strut.

Accessibility Of Absentee Voting In California

The California Council of the Blind has retained Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld (“RBGG”) to investigate the accessibility of absentee voting, sometimes called “vote by mail,” in California.

To share your experiences, please contact Michael Nunez at mnunez@rbgg.com or at (415) 433-6830 or Jeff Thom at jsthom@comcast.net.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Summer Social

From Pattie Aminoff, Social Chair, San Gabriel Valley Chapter, CCB.
Hello everyone, It's that time of year again where our San Gabriel Valley Chapter gets together for our Summer Social.

Please RSVP by July 10th. Contact me either by email or phone. Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The menu includes:

Appetizers/side Orders
Soups & Salads
Sandwiches
Pasta
Pizza
Meals
Hot and cold beverages
Beer and wine
Alex's Handmade Desserts

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

June 24, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for June 24.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Summer Social

From Pattie Aminoff, Social Chair, San Gabriel Valley Chapter, CCB.
Hello everyone, It's that time of year again where our San Gabriel Valley Chapter gets together for our Summer Social.

Please RSVP by July 10th. Contact me either by email or phone. Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The menu includes:

Appetizers/side Orders
Soups & Salads
Sandwiches
Pasta
Pizza
Meals
Hot and cold beverages
Beer and wine
Alex's Handmade Desserts

CCB Board Of Directors Conference Call

The CCB board of directors will be having a conference call on Tuesday, June 30th at 7:00 PM.
The telephone number for the call will be 712-432-3066 and the access code will be 497700.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

June 19, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for June 19.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

For the first time in a number of years, the Legislature is poised to pass a budget to increase the state share of SSI benefits for individuals by $10 on January 1, 2016, as well as to reinstate the annual cost-of-living adjustment to benefits for all SSI recipients in 2020. This is only a small step, but reverses a long-standing trend of ignoring the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities, including those who are blind. However, the Governor has so far not shown his support for many of the items in the budget, such as this one and it will take our advocacy efforts to help turn the tide.

I would urge you to call the Governor’s office at (916) 445-2841 and urge Governor Brown to sign the budget and recognize the need to begin the process of ending the years of neglect of the most disadvantaged among us and most especially those on SSI.

Accessibility of Absentee Voting In California

CCB is investigating the accessibility of absentee voting in California.
We are interested in hearing from members who have been unable to independently cast an absentee ballot in California, or who have otherwise experienced problems with absentee ballots.
We would also like to speak with CCB members who have been able to cast an absentee ballot without assistance from a sighted individual.

Interested CCB members should contact me at jsthom@comcast.net or call me at 916-9953967.

Please answer the following questions in your email message.

Have you tried but been unable to independently cast an absentee ballot in California?
If so, when and where?

What barriers prevented you from independently casting an absentee ballot (e.g. my county does not provide ballot materials in accessible alternate formats)?

Have you successfully independently cast an absentee ballot in California?
If so, when and where?
If so, please also describe the method that you used to vote (e.g. large print or Braille absentee ballot, a screen-reader accessible online ballot, etc.).

Have you refrained from attempting to independently cast an absentee ballot in California due to concerns about the accessibility of absentee voting for blind voters?
If so, what are your accessibility concerns?

Would you be willing to speak with us further about these issues?

ACB Braille Forum Raffle

This is especially for those who will not be attending the 2015 ACB Conference and Convention in Dallas.
If you or your chapter would like to purchase raffle tickets for the ACB Braille Forum raffle, you can send me a check made out to the American Council of the Blind and I will turn in your raffle ticket and send you your stub.
Prizes are $5,000 $1,000 and $500. The cost of a ticket is $50.

You can send payment to me at the California Council of the Blind office, 1303 J. Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, 95814.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at 916-995-3967.

CCB 2015 Annual Conference and Convention Update

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee

The California Council of the Blind (CCB) Board of Directors has decided just for the 2015 Conference and Convention to hold its Board Luncheon/Meeting on Sunday afternoon, October 4th, 12 noon to 4pm, immediately after the membership business session ends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The purchase of lunch - for this meeting only - is optional. If you wish to partake of the luncheon please pre-register as you would for our other plated meals such as the Statewide Affiliate Lunches, Banquet and Breakfasts.

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website:
Hilton reservation link

Please feel free to share this information with others.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Summer Social

From Pattie Aminoff, Social Chair, San Gabriel Valley Chapter, CCB.
Hello everyone, It's that time of year again where our San Gabriel Valley Chapter gets together for our Summer Social.

Please RSVP by July 10th. Contact me either by email or phone. Email: pattie-marie@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 626-445-6727.

The menu includes:

Appetizers/side Orders
Soups & Salads
Sandwiches
Pasta
Pizza
Meals
Hot and cold beverages
Beer and wine
Alex's Handmade Desserts

Lunch and A Movie

On Saturday, June 27, the East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley will be hosting a lunch, followed by the film, The Help, with audio description.

Lunch will be at noon, and the movie will follow shortly thereafter; the event will wind down about 4 PM.
Lunch will consist of hot dogs, beans, salad and dessert.

This event costs $10.
Please RSVP because seating is limited.
Phone 510 843-6935 or email the Center at eastbaycenterfortheblind@gmail.com by June 24th to reserve your seat.

The East Bay Center for the Blind is easily accessed via Bart and a number of Berkeley buses.
Please phone or email the Center for directions.

Consumers On SSI Can Receive a CFTB Computer For $40 Through A Grant From The Delta Gamma Foundation

Computers for the Blind (CFTB) a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization located in Richardson, TX is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Delta Gamma Foundation to provide 75 accessible desktop computers and monitors for $40 to persons who are on SSI due to their blindness. The regular fee for a desktop is $110. Laptops are $160.

These refurbished computers come installed with accessibility software:
For questions or to request a computer contact Computers for the Blind at 214-340-6328 or info@computersfortheblind.net.

Go to www.computersfortheblind.net for details on computer specs and additional free software.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

June 12, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection for June 12.
In order to have a message in the connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded.
Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

A Farewell To Tim Kenealy

Tim Kenealy passed away in his home Monday morning, June 8th, losing his battle to cancer. We would like to offer our condolences to Diane Fisher. Tim and Diane were together, living in Sacramento for over ten years. They were a warm couple who appreciated their friends, music, technology, and, oh yes, their cats together.
We would also like to wish our condolences to Tim’s twin sister Patti Nash, a friend to so many of us.
Your friends at CCB.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

This is only a small step, but reverses a long-standing trend of ignoring the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities, including those who are blind. However, the Governor has so far not shown his support for many of the items in the budget, such as this one and it will take our advocacy efforts to help turn the tide.

Accessibility of Absentee Voting In California

Interested CCB members should contact me at jsthom@comcast.net or call me at 916-9953967.

Please answer the following questions in your email message.

Have you tried but been unable to independently cast an absentee ballot in California?
If so, when and where?

What barriers prevented you from independently casting an absentee ballot (e.g. my county does not provide ballot materials in accessible alternate formats)?

Have you successfully independently cast an absentee ballot in California?
If so, when and where?
If so, please also describe the method that you used to vote (e.g. large print or Braille absentee ballot, a screen-reader accessible online ballot, etc.).

Have you refrained from attempting to independently cast an absentee ballot in California due to concerns about the accessibility of absentee voting for blind voters?
If so, what are your accessibility concerns?

Would you be willing to speak with us further about these issues?

ACB Braille Forum Raffle

You can send payment to me at the California Council of the Blind office, 1303 J. Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, 95814.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at 916-995-3967.

CCB Conference and Convention

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website

When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) or give the group code, “CCB915” in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services.
Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

To Chapter And Statewide Affiliate Event Planners

Event Planning Packets will be emailed to Chapter and Statewide Affiliate Presidents in early June for the CCB October 2015 conference and convention. Even if you have previously submitted your event planning materials earlier this year, new or updated materials need to be resubmitted.
The tentative deadline for the first submission of the event planning documents is Sunday July 5th 11:59 pm.

There are currently some discussion as to when the board of directors meeting will occur at the conference and convention. The date as to when the board will meet will have some bearing on when the event planning documents will be issued.

If you haven’t already done so, please begin planning your event in preparation for filling out the event planning packet. We very much look forward to your group’s participation at the 2015 conference and convention.

Best regards,
Gene Lozano
Chair
Conference and Convention Committee

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Event

The Glendale-Burbank chapter is having a fundraiser at the Acapulco restaurant in Glendale from 4 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, June 17. Most plan to come between 6-8 pm.

You will need a flyer so please email either Anthony Signoriello at blinddude1@gmail.com or Ardis Bazyn at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Theater Event

Hello to all Chapter members and other interested parties.
Several of the Los Angeles Area CCB chapter members are going to be participating in the cast of characters in a play presented by CRE Outreach titled “PHENOMENAL WOMAN” an organization who works with both veterans in one group, and blind persons in another group demonstrating the power of acting.

The current play being featured this month is with the blind actors side of the CRE Outreach organization entitled “PHENOMENAL WOMAN”. This play will have various elements of surprise and will make you laugh, cry and enjoying some incredible singing by a few of the players.

The play will be held at the Center for the Performing Arts Theater, 1404 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica California, cross street Santa Monica Blvd.
The dates will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 19 (opening night), and 20 with a start time of 8 PM, and a Sunday matinee on the 21st beginning at 3 PM.
The play will also run the following weekend, June 26 and 27 with a start time of 8 PM, and the final performance being a matinee on the 28th.

Consumers On SSI Can Receive a CFTB Computer For $40 Through A Grant From The Delta Gamma Foundation

These refurbished computers come installed with accessibility software:
For questions or to request a computer contact Computers for the Blind at 214-340-6328 or info@computersfortheblind.net.

Go to www.computersfortheblind.net for details on computer specs and additional free software.

CDESK Software & "Peggy" Speech Recognition by AdaptiveVoice

CDesk by AdaptiveVoice is a stand-alone, all-inclusive software program that enables access to the most commonly used functions of all computer users.

CDesk is not merely a screen reader or a screen magnification program. CDesk is a single program with 21 applications, built from the ground up to be extremely intuitive, simple to use and easy to learn by utilizing a consistent user interface.

CDesk is a simple, competitive and low-cost solution with distinctly reduced training time and costs. Most CDesk clients are operational within a few hours. CDesk is speech enabled with large print, high contrast text and dynamic user controlled magnification throughout all of the CDesk applications.

CDesk Suite Includes 21 Applications: Email, Contacts, Internet, OCR Scanning/Reading, Word Processing, Calendar, Calculator, Spread Sheet, MP3 Music Player, Games, NLS Bard Book downloading, Real-time News Reader and Internet Radio and much more! TV via Slingbox coming this Spring!

All CDesk applications are voice-enabled, shortcut accessible, and use high contrast/large print fonts and cursors with user-controlled context sensitive magnification for ease of access to any level of user. Complete set of task oriented training videos within all of the applications and CDesk remote support and training available nationwide.

Ask about the NEW Microsoft "Surface Pro 3 and "Peggy" Speech Recognition System" Sleek, portable and affordable.

Free Full CDESK Trial at www.AdaptiveVoice.com
CDESK Affordable Software and Hardware Solutions available today!
Call for more information 949.436.7760 PST

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

June 5, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on June 5, and will be updated on June 12. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

You can send payment to me at the California Council of the Blind office, 1303 J. Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, 95814.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at 916-995-3967.

To Chapter And Statewide Affiliate Event Planners

Best regards,
Gene Lozano
Chair
Conference and Convention Committee

East Los Angeles Chapter Fund Raiser

Please join and support the East Los Angeles chapter at its fundraiser on Saturday June 13, 2015 from 11:00 am to 2 pm at the Garcia residence, 1226 S. McBride St, Los Angeles (cross street Olympic Blvd.).

We will be awarding numerous door prizes, including a two hundred fifty dollar gift certificate from Target, a basket of joy as well as conducting a 50-50 raffle.
You will be served a delicious Mexican lunch which will include beef prepared a la berria, salad and dessert with soft drinks.
There will be an opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages and take home meals.
The cost is $12.00 per person.

Please join the fun and support your fellow CCB chapter.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Event

The Glendale-Burbank chapter is having a fundraiser at the Acapulco restaurant in Glendale from 4 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, June 17. Most plan to come between 6-8 pm.

You will need a flyer so please email either Anthony Signoriello at blinddude1@gmail.com or Ardis Bazyn at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Theater Event

Executive Officer to the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is excited to advertise the opening for the Executive Officer to the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD).

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Independent Living and Community Access Division, the Executive Officer supports the CCEPD to its work of achieving full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, working with representatives of businesses, members of the disability community, and state and federal government to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities in California.

The DOR will begin interviews soon and in order to fill this Exempt, Governor-appointed position as soon as possible.
Please share with all interested parties or DOR consumers that may be interested in these positions.

Weatherization Program

As a valued community member, San Joaquin County’s Human Services Agency is outreaching to organizations and community groups to provide information regarding the FREE Weatherization Program available to low-income families (both renters and owners) in San Joaquin.

We are actively outreaching to the community to inform families of this program that will reduce their energy bills.

Please share this email and flyer and help get the word out about our program.
If you would like for someone to come to your organization to provide information about the program, drop off flyers, or if you have any upcoming events that we could participate in, please contact me. Kristi Rhea Community Services Program Supervisor 209-468-1439

TechTalk Meeting - Saturday June 13 2015

The Center for the Partially Sighted and Julian Vargas Present TECH TALK
New advances in technology are changing the lives of many people who are blind or low-vision. Come and be part of a group that will meet every month to discuss and help you better understand many types of Assistive Technology that can help you to Be more independent and productive.

Whether you are new to technology or know your way around, participating in “Tech Talk” is a great way to meet others like you who want to learn more about or enjoy talking tech.

The ever increasing cost, not to mention customer service hassles, of cable and satellite TV have many wondering whether it’s worth it or is it time to cut the cord, so to speak, and seek other comparable alternatives.
Join us this month for a discussion about the pros and cons of becoming a cord cutter. Most people are surprised to learn that there are, in some areas, over 100 channels of HD programming available for free over the air. There are also numerous sources of programming available over the Internet, not the least of which is Netflix that recently announced a robust and growing list of original content and movies that now offer audio description.
There are myriad devices that make it possible to easily stream this content to your home entertainment system, some more accessible than others. By the time we’re done, you may be reaching for your wire cutters and trying to decide what to do with the money that you’ll save.

Also, if time permits, we can talk about the latest news that came out of Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC. While these annual conferences are mainly geared toward developers, we as consumers get an idea of things to look forward to such as new product announcements and info about the up and coming new versions of IOS and Android.

When: Saturday June 13, 2015 2PM to 4PM (if coming via Access please try to schedule your return pick up after 4PM)
Where: The Center for the Partially Sighted Tarzana Office (conference room) 18425 Burbank Bl. Suite 706 (7th Floor) Near Reseda Bl.
*Please note that the conference room is located 1 door to the right of the main office entrance.

To RSVP, ask any questions or offer suggestions for future discussions, please contact Julian Vargas at: help@techjv.com Or call: 818-794-9554

Survey

We are researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
As part of a project being funded by the National Science Foundation, we are conducting a survey on blind people’s experiences with shopping malls and related tasks.
The purpose of the project is to build a system that will facilitate blind people from the U.S. and Japan to independently browse and shop at shopping malls. Through this survey we aim to gain a better understanding of blind people's experiences with shopping malls so that we may design a better shopping mall assistant tool for blind people.
Questions will range from demographic data to shopping habits and experiences regarding shopping malls and related tasks.

If you are (legally) blind, please help us by completing our online survey by June 20, 2015. We will run a draw for two $25 Amazon gift certificates as a token of appreciation for those who complete the survey by June 20, 2015.

To complete the survey, please follow this link: http://goo.gl/forms/EmaZ4PbIPv.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email them to: lommoral@ucsc.edu.
Also, if you know someone who might be interested in helping us, please forward this message. We really appreciate your help.
Thank you for your time.

Ski for Light

Sierra Regional Ski For Light (www.srsfl.org) is accepting applications for the 2016 ski season at Tahoe Donner Cross Country in Truckee, CA.

SRSFL offers guided cross country skiing and snow shoeing for blind and visually impaired children and adults. Each skier and snowshoer is matched with a trained guide.

SRSFL welcomes beginners to advanced skiers. Scholarships are available. Call one of the leaders below for more information and to sign up.

2016 ski schedules:

Saturday Day Trips

January 23, sign up deadline January 16
February 6, sign up deadline January 30
April 7, sign up deadline March 26

Please contact Betsy Rowell 916-362-5557, e-mail: betsy.rowell2@gmail.com

24th annual three-day event (adults only)
Saturday, March 5 through Monday, March 7, 2016.
Lodging will be at the Best Western in Truckee; CA. Skiing will be at Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Truckee, CA. We recommend lodging at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Rancho Cordova Friday night for out of town participants.
Please contact: Cindy Quintana 510-483-2948 e-mail: cindyq12345@sbcglobal.net

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

May 29, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 29, and will be updated on June 5. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

You can send payment to me at the California Council of the Blind office, 1303 J. Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, 95814.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at 916-995-3967.

From Mitch Pomerantz Chair, CCB Governmental Affairs Committee

Yesterday, May 28, We were informed that SB 199, our bill adding reading and document completion to the list of services covered under the In-Home Supportive Services program was removed from the Senate Appropriations Committee “Suspense File” and is being referred to the Senate floor for likely approval. If this occurs, it’s on to the Assembly where the bill already has several key supporters.

CCB has tried twice previously over the past decade or more without success to have these services included within the IHSS program. Perhaps the third time will be the charm. So far, so good!

CCB Conference and Convention

The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website
When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) or give the group code, “CCB915” in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

To Chapter And Statewide Affiliate Event Planners

Best regards,
Gene Lozano
Chair
Conference and Convention Committee

DRA Lift Investigation

To: People with Disabilities Who Have Used or Tried to Use Lyft
From: Disability Rights Advocates (“DRA”), Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, and Timothy Elder of TRE Legal Practice

We are investigating complaints from persons with disabilities who have been denied transportation services by drivers for Lyft, Inc. (“Lyft”) in the San Francisco Bay Area or other major urban centers.

We would greatly appreciate speaking with you about your experiences concerning Lyft if:

You are legally blind, you use a guide dog, and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of the presence of your guide dog.
You use a manual wheelchair to travel and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of your wheelchair.

To share your experiences, please contact: (510) 665-8644 lyftinvestigation@dralegal.org
All communications will be kept confidential.

Contra Costa Chapter Meeting

The Contra Costa chapter will be holding a roundtable discussion on accessible prescription solutions at our June 6 chapter meeting from 10:30 to 12:30.

We will have demonstrations of print alternatives including braille, large print, and various talking solutions. You will also have the opportunity to share your personal solutions.

For more information, please contact Rosemary Chase at 925-676-2110 or recmft@yahoo.com
We meet at the Bethel Baptist church at 3578 Clayton Road in Concord.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Meeting

The Glendale-Burbank Chapter is having Charles Nabarrete speak at our Saturday June 6 meeting about his career as an administrative law judge and his work with the ACB visually impaired attorneys.

Our meetings are held at the Days Inn restaurant at 450 W. Pioneer in Glendale from 11 am to 1 pm.

East Los Angeles Chapter Fund Raiser

Please join the fun and support your fellow CCB chapter.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Event

The Glendale-Burbank chapter is having a fundraiser at the Acapulco restaurant in Glendale from 4 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, June 17. Most plan to come between 6-8 pm.

You will need a flyer so please email either Anthony Signoriello at blinddude1@gmail.com or Ardis Bazyn at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Executive Officer to the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is excited to advertise the opening for the Executive Officer to the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD).

Survey

To complete the survey, please follow this link: http://goo.gl/forms/EmaZ4PbIPv.

Perkins Braille Writer Wanted

Cynthia at 916-307-7122 wants to purchase a Perkins Braille Writer.
Please call her between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM.

Ski for Light

Sierra Regional Ski For Light (www.srsfl.org) is accepting applications for the 2016 ski season at Tahoe Donner Cross Country in Truckee, CA.

SRSFL offers guided cross country skiing and snow shoeing for blind and visually impaired children and adults. Each skier and snowshoer is matched with a trained guide.

SRSFL welcomes beginners to advanced skiers. Scholarships are available. Call one of the leaders below for more information and to sign up.

2016 ski schedules:

Saturday Day Trips

January 23, sign up deadline January 16
February 6, sign up deadline January 30
April 7, sign up deadline March 26

Please contact Betsy Rowell 916-362-5557, e-mail: betsy.rowell2@gmail.com

CCBVI's 2015 Summer Day Camps For Blind & V.I. Youth of San Joaquin County

Welcome campers! This experience is completely free to blind and v.i. youth and guaranteed to be action-packed, educational and fun, fun, fun!

Day Camps are held at Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 130 W. Flora St., Stockton, CA 95202

CCBVI offers 2 free 2-week Sessions: Youth ages 8-13: Monday, June 15th through Friday, June 26th, 2015 (excluding the weekend)
Youth ages 14-17: Monday, July 6th through Friday, July 17th, 2015 (excluding the weekend)

For more info, please contact Youth Camp Director, Hy Cohen: hyc@communitycenterfortheblind.org OR (209) 466-3836, Ext. 209.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

May 22, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 22, and will be updated on May 29. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Council Office Notice

The Council office will be closed Monday May 25th in observance of the Memorial holiday, and closed Tuesday May 26th for administrative purposes.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

If you live in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, California and would like to use a pharmacy that would provide ScripTalk services, call me at (916) 995-3967.

To Chapter And Statewide Affiliate Event Planners

Best regards,
Gene Lozano
Chair
Conference and Convention Committee

From Catherine Skivers To CCB Members

On May second I had my 90th birthday. Ed Branch had a birthday the same day. Needless to say we are not twins.
I received a beautiful floral arrangement and the card said “from my friends in CCB”. It was beautiful and this meant a great deal to me. I want to thank you all for the flowers and to all of you who took the time to call me and wish me well. My son Eric gave me a great surprise party it was a wonderful day and I am trying to figure out how I can be 90 again so I can have such a great time!

DRA Lift Investigation

To: People with Disabilities Who Have Used or Tried to Use Lyft
From: Disability Rights Advocates (“DRA”), Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, and Timothy Elder of TRE Legal Practice

We would greatly appreciate speaking with you about your experiences concerning Lyft if:

You are legally blind, you use a guide dog, and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of the presence of your guide dog.
You use a manual wheelchair to travel and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of your wheelchair.

To share your experiences, please contact: (510) 665-8644 lyftinvestigation@dralegal.org
All communications will be kept confidential.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Meeting

The Glendale-Burbank Chapter is having Charles Nabarrete speak at our Saturday June 6 meeting about his career as an administrative law judge and his work with the ACB visually impaired attorneys.

Our meetings are held at the Days Inn restaurant at 450 W. Pioneer in Glendale from 11 am to 1 pm.

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Event

The Glendale-Burbank chapter is having a fundraiser at the Acapulco restaurant in Glendale from 4 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, June 17. Most plan to come between 6-8 pm.

You will need a flyer so please email either Anthony Signoriello at blinddude1@gmail.com or Ardis Bazyn at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Perkins Braille Writer Wanted

Cynthia at 916-307-7122 wants to purchase a Perkins Braille Writer.
Please call her between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM.

IHSS Time Sheets

Are you a Blind IHSS Recipient in Alameda, Sacramento, or Santa Clara County? We need your help to test a new way to approve your timesheets without signing paper copies.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is testing a new timesheet system for blind IHSS recipients.
The new system will let blind IHSS recipients approve their provider’s timesheets on their own using the telephone.
CDSS will test the new timesheet system from May 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015.

The new system is called the Telephonic Timesheet Approval System or TTAS. If you use the new timesheet system, you won’t need to approve your provider’s hours using paper. The new system will not affect your hours or the amount of your provider’s paychecks. It is your choice to use the new timesheet system or keep using paper timesheets. If you do not want to join the new timesheet system now, you can still join after July.

To find out more about the new timesheet system please contact CDSS at Adult Programs Division, 1-800-952-2553.

CDSS is also working on making timesheet paper copies available in a larger 18-point font later this year.

You can also contact Elizabeth Zirker at Disability Rights California or Silvia Yee at Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund (DREDF) with questions or if you have problems signing up.

You can call Disability Rights California Toll Free at 800.776.5746 / TTY 800.719.5798 or through California’s Relay Service by dialing 711.

You can call DREDF at 510.644.2555/510-841-8645 TTY.

Music Braille Code

The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) needs fluent braille music readers to review and comment on the latest edition of the music braille code.

This review begins June 15 and goes for 90 days. It's a 400-page print book, so it will take a while to read and comment on!

If you feel qualified to read and comment on this book and are interested in being one of the first people to see what the new edition looks like, please let me know by next Wednesday, May 20. The files will be mailed to reviewers electronically.

Please let me know of your interest by emailing me at sruconich@sisna.com
Thanks for considering participating in this unique opportunity!
Sandy Ruconich
ACB BANA representative

Mobile Technology Use

Do you use a mobile device on a regular basis? Are you interested in being interviewed about how you use mobile technology?

Chase is conducting research to explore the role that mobile technology plays in peoples' lives. The focus is on all mobile behaviors, not just banking behaviors.

Interviews would be in-person, and would likely take place at your home or workplace. Researchers will also follow participants as they perform daily tasks and take video. You will be compensated for your time.

Please contact Emily at emily.alter@chase.com

CCBVI's 2015 Summer Day Camps For Blind & V.I. Youth of San Joaquin County

Welcome campers! This experience is completely free to blind and v.i. youth and guaranteed to be action-packed, educational and fun, fun, fun!

Day Camps are held at Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 130 W. Flora St., Stockton, CA 95202

For more info, please contact Youth Camp Director, Hy Cohen: hyc@communitycenterfortheblind.org OR (209) 466-3836, Ext. 209.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

May 15, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 15, and will be updated on May 22. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

Colleagues: One of the most important issues of this legislative year for CCB is the effort to begin to roll back the reductions in SSI benefits that have lowered benefits from more than 112% of the poverty level to just over 90%. It is shaping up to be a battle of wills between the Democratic majority and the Governor who does not place senior and disability issues at the top of his priority list, although we will not know for sure until tomorrow whether the Governor has decided to compromise at all on this issue.

The next couple of weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Democrats in both houses of the Legislature will go along with the Governor on this issue and leave state benefit levels unchanged.
You can do your part by emailing or phoning your legislators.
In order to send an email to a senator you write, as a sample,Isadore.hall@sen.ca.gov. For an Assemblymember, you write, as a sample, tony.thurmond@asm.ca.gov.
If you don’t know who your state Senator or Assemblymember is, feel free to call our office at 800-221-6359 and we will get you those names.
You can also use the Assembly and Senate websites, respectively www.assembly.ca.gov www.senate.ca.gov.

The more pressure we can bring to bear, the greater our chances of success on this issue.
Thank you for your efforts.

CCB Conference and Convention

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

DRA Lift Investigation

To: People with Disabilities Who Have Used or Tried to Use Lyft
From: Disability Rights Advocates (“DRA”), Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, and Timothy Elder of TRE Legal Practice

We would greatly appreciate speaking with you about your experiences concerning Lyft if:

You are legally blind, you use a guide dog, and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of the presence of your guide dog.
You use a manual wheelchair to travel and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of your wheelchair.

To share your experiences, please contact: (510) 665-8644 lyftinvestigation@dralegal.org
All communications will be kept confidential.

Cycle Tracks

Congratulations to Donna Pomerantz for having been selected as a participant on the Class IV Bikeway Summit to be held in Sacramento on May 27th. She will be representing the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision and the California Council of the Blind.
The purpose of the forum is to assist Caltrans in developing Cycle Track Guidelines.

A cycle track is an exclusive bike facility that combines the user experience of a separated path with the on-street infrastructure of a conventional bike lane. A cycle track bicycle lane differs from the traditional on-street bike lanes that we’re familiar with.

The cycle track lane will be placed between parked cars and the sidewalk instead of traditional bike lanes situated between moving traffic and parked cars. Passengers getting out of motorized vehicles will have to cross the cycle track lane to get onto the sidewalk. While making the crossing the pedestrian temporary is exposed to moving bicycle traffic.

Cycle tracks have been installed in many cities throughout California (e.g.: Long Beach, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco).

Donna would very much like to receive comments from individuals who are blind or have low vision as to their experiences with cycle tracks, positive and negative. It would help knowing the location and city of the cycle track which you are referring to in your communications to her.
Donna’s email address is: donna.pomerantz@ccbnet.org.
She will need your comments by Thursday May 21st.

As the Chair of the Committee on Access and Transportation, I would appreciate being CC’ed on your email(s) to Donna.
My email address is: Eugene.lozano@ccbnet.org.
Your communications will help Donna in developing a position for the organizations which will be taken to the May 17th forum.
In advance, I wish to thank you for your time and assistance.
Gene Lozano First Vice President

Summer BC Deadline

I hope you’re all enjoying the spring issue of the Blind Californian. I finally got my braille copy early last week.
The spring issue didn’t have any new authors, and that’s where you come in. We’re looking for material from you!

Our Summer issue will have features on our members over the age of 80, and we have one more set of minutes, but there’s still room for you!
Send your ideas, drafts, suggestions to editor@ccbnet.org.
The next deadline is May 15, 2015.

IHSS Time Sheets

Are you a Blind IHSS Recipient in Alameda, Sacramento, or Santa Clara County? We need your help to test a new way to approve your timesheets without signing paper copies.

To find out more about the new timesheet system please contact CDSS at Adult Programs Division, 1-800-952-2553.

CDSS is also working on making timesheet paper copies available in a larger 18-point font later this year.

You can also contact Elizabeth Zirker at Disability Rights California or Silvia Yee at Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund (DREDF) with questions or if you have problems signing up.

You can call Disability Rights California Toll Free at 800.776.5746 / TTY 800.719.5798 or through California’s Relay Service by dialing 711.

You can call DREDF at 510.644.2555/510-841-8645 TTY.

Music Braille Code

The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) needs fluent braille music readers to review and comment on the latest edition of the music braille code.

This review begins June 15 and goes for 90 days. It's a 400-page print book, so it will take a while to read and comment on!

Please let me know of your interest by emailing me at sruconich@sisna.com
Thanks for considering participating in this unique opportunity!
Sandy Ruconich
ACB BANA representative

Mobile Technology Use

Do you use a mobile device on a regular basis? Are you interested in being interviewed about how you use mobile technology?

Chase is conducting research to explore the role that mobile technology plays in peoples' lives. The focus is on all mobile behaviors, not just banking behaviors.

Please contact Emily at emily.alter@chase.com

CCBVI's 2015 Summer Day Camps For Blind & V.I. Youth of San Joaquin County

Welcome campers! This experience is completely free to blind and v.i. youth and guaranteed to be action-packed, educational and fun, fun, fun!

Day Camps are held at Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 130 W. Flora St., Stockton, CA 95202

For more info, please contact Youth Camp Director, Hy Cohen: hyc@communitycenterfortheblind.org OR (209) 466-3836, Ext. 209.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

May 8, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 8, and will be updated on May 15. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

At the outset, let me apologize for the length of time it has taken to acquire a new telephone system for the office. I can only say that it was essential for the long-term benefit of CCB to make the best decision possible. However, last evening the CCB Board of Directors accepted a bid from Comcast for installation of a new telephone system and I feel quite confident that this decision will serve us well in both the short and long term. We will, therefore, work as expeditiously as possible on the installation of our new system and thus recommencing the telephonic version of the California Connection.
More news when it becomes available.

DRA Lift Investigation

To: People with Disabilities Who Have Used or Tried to Use Lyft
From: Disability Rights Advocates (“DRA”), Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, and Timothy Elder of TRE Legal Practice

We would greatly appreciate speaking with you about your experiences concerning Lyft if:

You are legally blind, you use a guide dog, and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of the presence of your guide dog.
You use a manual wheelchair to travel and you believe that you have been denied a ride by one or more Lyft drivers because of your wheelchair.

To share your experiences, please contact: (510) 665-8644 lyftinvestigation@dralegal.org
All communications will be kept confidential.

Summer BC Deadline

Diabetics Affiliate

The goal 3 committee of the Strategic Planning group for CCB voted to explore the possibility of forming a new affiliate for diabetics.
The American Council of the Blind has an affiliate named Diabetics in Action, Pat LaFrance Wolf was one of the founding members.

Although some of you may be a member of DIA, many would benefit from having a state diabetic group.
First, the CCB affiliate could have meetings at the state convention which could provide valuable information; especially if you cannot attend a national convention. Also, an email list could be set up so that diabetics can exchange information and have responses to their queries.

If you are interested in forming such an affiliate please contact David Jackson, d4jackson@sbcglobal.net or at 415-239-1873 or Charles Nabarrete, at chasnab45@gmail.com or at 626 338 8106.

If there is sufficient interest, work will begin on forming the California diabetics affiliate for CCB.

Eye-Q

Wish upon a star. What was one thing you wish someone had helped you with when you first became blind?

Team Marvel wants to know. Call us at 1-800-360-2169 and leave your name and the answer to this week’s eye-Q.

The College Success Program

If you're a college student who is blind or visually impaired and find yourself facing academic or social challenges, you're not alone. Learning Ally can help.

In partnership with the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Learning Ally is piloting The College Success Program, a research-based program designed specifically for college students who are blind or visually impaired. The program offers an online curriculum that includes articles, interviews, podcasts, quizzes and more to help you on the college journey. Explore ways to learn effectively, manage connections with professors and disabilities offices, discover technology and connect to the campus and BVI communities.

Best of all the resources we have to offer, we've partnered with mentors who are blind or visually impaired and have recently completed college. They understand the barriers you might be facing and are ready to share their wisdom and advice with you.

If you are interested in receiving mentorship during the fall semester of 2015, sign up now on our website.
This program is still in its early stages and we welcome your feedback about the content - we want students to begin the fall semester ready to succeed!

To learn more about our program, visit us at www.learningally.org/collegesuccess.
Questions or comments? Please email us at collegesuccess@learningally.org

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

May 1, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 1, and will be updated on May 8. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From CCB President Jeff Thom

CCB has some big birthdays to celebrate this week. On May 1, Teddie-Joy Remhild celebrates her 82nd, and on May 2 both Ed Branch and Cathy Skivers have their big days. We especially wish Cathy the best on her 90th birthday.

The board of directors of the California Council of the Blind will be holding a conference call on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 PM. The call-in number is 712-432-3066 and the access code is 497700.

CCB Conference and Convention

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

East Los Angeles Chapter Event

The East Los Angeles chapter invites CCB members to attend the Mother’s Day brunch which is scheduled on May 9, 2015.
Brunch, consisting of eggs, bacon, potatoes and other goodies, will be served at about 9:30 am.
A meeting will follow at about 11 am during which a representative from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office will address issues important to the blind and visually impaired community of Los Angeles County.
The brunch will cost $5.

We will be meeting at the Garcia residence located at 1226 S. McBride St. East Los Angeles.
Please RSVP by May 7 to Charles Nabarrete at 626 338 8106 or chasnab45@gmail.com.

Diabetics Affiliate

If you are interested in forming such an affiliate please contact David Jackson, d4jackson@sbcglobal.net or at 415-239-1873 or Charles Nabarrete, at chasnab45@gmail.com or at 626 338 8106.

If there is sufficient interest, work will begin on forming the California diabetics affiliate for CCB.

Talking Prescription Bottles

We have recently added a few more locations where ScripTalk accessible prescriptions are available in your region.
There is no charge to users to participate in the program.

Walmart has been installing ScripTalk in locations where it has been requested by a patient to the pharmacy manager.
If pharmacists do not know how to implement the program they can call Amanda Tolson at En-Vision America 1-800-890-1180.
Deaf-Blind ScripTalk users can request a USB version of the device with user software that can utilize a web browser for large print on screen or braille display output.

Here are the options in your region:

CVS.com mailorder will ship to all 50 states as well as Guam, US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
888-861-4363
Walmart - mail order will ship to 50 states.
888-227-3403
Walmart - Palm Desert #5096
34500 Monterey Ave Palm Desert, CA 92211 760-328-3168
Walmart - Sacramento #2598
3661 Truxel Rd Sacramento, CA 95834 916-928-9673
Walmart - Victorville #1588
11896 Amargosa Rd Victorville,CA 92392 760-951-5188
Walmart - La Mirada #5661
14865 Telegraph Rd La Mirada, CA 90638 562-567-6498
Walmart - San Diego #5338
4840 Sawline St. San Diego, CA 92111 858-268-7840
Forty-Nine Drug Co
937 North Yosemite St Stockton, CA 95203 209-465-2671

Optum Rx Mailorder (offers ScripView also) public insurance 855-475-5088. Private insurance 855-505-5107
Aetna Mailorder 800-262-2226
Caremark (Offers Braille and ScripView also) 800-552-8159.

bestcolleges.com:

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 700,000 college students - or 3.5% - have some type of disability. While students with disabilities may face unique challenges, they're entitled to the same quality of education as any other student.

Our guide walks readers with both physical and learning disabilities through their legal rights, where to find assistance on campus, and provides an extensive list of websites, apps and software resources designed for specific needs.

Please join the 360+ organizations, including the Independence Northwest, that have already shared our guide, and help students and their families advocate for quality education.

College Resources for Students with Disabilities can be found here:
http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students/

Eye-Q

Why did the blind person cross the road?
It’s not a joke with a punch line. What would it mean to you if you could safely cross any street in your neighborhood?

Team Marvel wants to know. Call us at 1-800-360-2169 and leave your name and the answer to this week’s eye-Q.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

April 24, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 24, and will be updated on May 1. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

East Los Angeles Chapter Event

We will be meeting at the Garcia residence located at 1226 S. McBride St. East Los Angeles.
Please RSVP by May 7 to Charles Nabarrete at 626 338 8106 or chasnab45@gmail.com.

Diabetics Affiliate

If you are interested in forming such an affiliate please contact David Jackson, d4jackson@sbcglobal.net or at 415-239-1873 or Charles Nabarrete, at chasnab45@gmail.com or at 626 338 8106.

If there is sufficient interest, work will begin on forming the California diabetics affiliate for CCB.

ACB Gets Fresh With Tupperware

Many of us have purchased Tupperware for use in our homes for many years. You might have purchased it when a friend hosted a Tupperware party in their home or you might have hosted a party of your own.

Did you know that Tupperware now offers a way for nonprofits to earn money to support their good work. The American Council of the Blind, through ACB member Brian Charlson and his Tupperware lady, Maureen Foley, is conducting an online Tupperware party and you can attend!

From now until the end of June, you can go online and order from a select list of Tupperware items and 40% of your purchase price will go to the American Council of the Blind. Your order will be sent directly to your home address and ACB will receive a generous donation to underwrite the many programs and services we provide our members. All you need to do is follow the steps below and you will not only get a great product, but you will also be supporting the American Council of the Blind.

go to This Link
click on the link near the top of the page labeled “Shop Now” in print but spoken as “Fundraiser” by your screen reader.
Once the page has refreshed, move down the page to the “Products” heading and from there you can browse the many items in our fundraising catalog. You can click on each item to get a complete description of any item you are considering. At the checkout screen you will be prompted to create an account and password. All orders placed online will be shipped directly to the customer.

Now it’s your turn. Take the time and go online with ACB and Tupperware.
If you have any questions, contact Brian Charlson at brian.charlson@carroll.org

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

April 17, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 17, and will be updated on April 24. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB Conference and Convention

The guest room rate is $85.66 plus tax for a total of $99 all-inclusive per night.
The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their Hilton Woodland Hills website
When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) or give the group code, “CCB915” in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.
Please feel free to share this information with others.

ACB Gets Fresh With Tupperware

go to This Link
click on the link near the top of the page labeled “Shop Now” in print but spoken as “Fundraiser” by your screen reader.
Once the page has refreshed, move down the page to the “Products” heading and from there you can browse the many items in our fundraising catalog. You can click on each item to get a complete description of any item you are considering. At the checkout screen you will be prompted to create an account and password. All orders placed online will be shipped directly to the customer.

Now it’s your turn. Take the time and go online with ACB and Tupperware.
If you have any questions, contact Brian Charlson at brian.charlson@carroll.org

Greetings

My name is Liz Conejo Daniels, and I live in Glendale, California with my husband, guide dog and rescue dog.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and am still in treatment.
I just want to reach out to other Lymies for friendship and support.
You may contact me at: lizworks@sbcglobal.net ***Just friendship and support, No spam please and thank you!***

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

April 10, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 10, and will be updated on April 17. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From Jeff Thom, CCB President

The ACB Auction is always one of the highlights of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
I am putting together a California package to donate for the auction.

If anyone would like to donate an item to include in that package, please contact me at either jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or via telephone at 916-9953967 by May 20.

Remember that any such donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering this request.

ACB Gets Fresh With Tupperware

go to This Link
click on the link near the top of the page labeled “Shop Now” in print but spoken as “Fundraiser” by your screen reader.
Once the page has refreshed, move down the page to the “Products” heading and from there you can browse the many items in our fundraising catalog. You can click on each item to get a complete description of any item you are considering. At the checkout screen you will be prompted to create an account and password. All orders placed online will be shipped directly to the customer.

Now it’s your turn. Take the time and go online with ACB and Tupperware.
If you have any questions, contact Brian Charlson at brian.charlson@carroll.org

Greetings

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

April 3, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 3, and will be updated on April 10. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB Conference and Convention

Check in and Check out dates are: Check-in: 30-SEP-2015 and Check-out: 05-OCT-2015
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.
Please feel free to share this information with others.

From Steve Fort, Bay View Chapter President

On April 11th the Bay View Chapter will meet and will be having a luncheon.
Members will hear from the telephone committee and any other persons.

Contact Cathie Skivers by Wednesday April 8 at 510-357-1986 for information and reservations.
You can also call me at 510-521-4386.

Talking Prescription Bottles

Have you consulted your pharmacist on receiving talking prescriptions at your local pharmacy?
Are you interested in receiving your prescriptions in a more accessible format?

Please contact rosemary chase recmft@yahoo.com: 925-676-2110 with your experiences or thoughts on this very important topic.

From Jeff Thom, CCB President

The ACB Auction is always one of the highlights of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
I am putting together a California package to donate for the auction.

If anyone would like to donate an item to include in that package, please contact me at either jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or via telephone at 916-9953967 by May 20.

Remember that any such donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering this request.

Greetings

Call Congress Today

Calling Congress is easy. Here's how.

Just dial our toll free number, (888) 398-8702, listen to the pre-recorded message and enter your zip code when prompted.
Once you are connected to your first Member of Congress, state that you are a constituent, and give your name and the town you are calling from.
Let them know you are calling about the budget and deliver this important message:
Current Advocacy Issue Example and Talking Points-Hunger.
As your constituent, I am calling you today to ask you to vote against any efforts to cut or block-grant hunger-relief programs like SNAP when you consider the budget resolution.
SNAP benefits have already been cut twice in the last two years. Additional cuts will result in one thing—more hunger in America. Please find a more responsible way to balance the budget.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

March 27, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 27, and will be updated on April 3. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Message To Presidents

Dear Presidents: The tentative March 30th 2015 President’s conference call needs to be rescheduled until sometime after April 14th, because President Thom will not be available until then. Upon his return from a well-deserved vacation and attending a conference, he will send out an email to inquire as to your best availability to reschedule the conference call.

On a different but related matter, I wish to inform you, on behalf of Jeff Thom & Donna Pomerantz, CCB Presidents List Moderators, that on Tuesday evening, March 24, those who submitted officer information sheets were subscribed to the Presidents list based on what chapters and statewide special interest affiliates submitted to the office. All past members - except those on the CCB Board of Directors - were unsubscribed. Any questions or concerns you might have, please send them my way through the CCB office: 1-800-221-6359 or (916) 441-2100.
Best regards, Gene Lozano

From Steve Fort, Bay View Chapter President

On April 11th the Bay View Chapter will meet and will be having a luncheon.
Members will hear from the telephone committee and any other persons.

Contact Cathie Skivers by Wednesday April 8 at 510-357-1986 for information and reservations.
You can also call me at 510-521-4386.

Chapter Meeting

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

For the first time a person who is blind can sit in their living room and orient themselves to a Muni station that they plan on visiting, plan a path of travel from the entrance to the turnstiles, to the platform, and then off the train and to the bus stop.

Frank Welte will be demonstrating this exciting, new technology at our April 4th Contra Costa chapter meeting: 3578 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA between 10:30 and 12:30p.

Contact Rosemary Chase 925-676-2110 for meeting questions.

Talking Prescription Bottles

Have you consulted your pharmacist on receiving talking prescriptions at your local pharmacy?
Are you interested in receiving your prescriptions in a more accessible format?

Please contact rosemary chase recmft@yahoo.com: 925-676-2110 with your experiences or thoughts on this very important topic.

From Jeff Thom, CCB President

The ACB Auction is always one of the highlights of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
I am putting together a California package to donate for the auction.

If anyone would like to donate an item to include in that package, please contact me at either jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or via telephone at 916-9953967 by May 20.

Remember that any such donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering this request.

Call Congress Today

Calling Congress is easy. Here's how.

Just dial our toll free number, (888) 398-8702, listen to the pre-recorded message and enter your zip code when prompted.
Once you are connected to your first Member of Congress, state that you are a constituent, and give your name and the town you are calling from.
Let them know you are calling about the budget and deliver this important message:
Current Advocacy Issue Example and Talking Points-Hunger.
As your constituent, I am calling you today to ask you to vote against any efforts to cut or block-grant hunger-relief programs like SNAP when you consider the budget resolution.
SNAP benefits have already been cut twice in the last two years. Additional cuts will result in one thing—more hunger in America. Please find a more responsible way to balance the budget.

Wanted

Oldies but goodies... Remember the old style all metal Braille dymo-tape labelers?
Yes, the ones that do not have those plastic dials that are guaranteed to brake or cause a string of obscenities.

I am also looking for those old style aluminum Braille clothing tags that will take the patience of a saint for me to sew into my clothes.

Clear your clutter and help me out! Name your reasonable price. janet4peace@redshift.com

Beep Baseball

The California Rays Beep Baseball Team begins practicing Sat., March 14, 9:30-12:00 at Atherton Park, 1978 Quail Lakes Dr., Stockton.

We are seeking players, volunteers and supporters.
Come take a swing at baseball for the blind!

For more info and our schedule, please email Jennifer Voylan at CaliforniaRays@icloud.com and follow California's only NBVA registered team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blindbaseball

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

March 20, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 20, and will be updated on March 27. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From Steve Fort, Bay View Chapter President

We regret to say that the Bay View Chapter meeting scheduled for March 14th is cancelled.
Many members of the chapter, including myself, have been experiencing illness of one kind or another.

On April 11th the Bay View Chapter will meet and will be having a luncheon. Members will hear from the telephone committee and any other persons.

Contact Cathie Skivers by Wednesday April 8 at 510-357-1986 for information and reservations.
You can also call me at 510-521-4386.

Chapter Meeting

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Frank Welte will be demonstrating this exciting, new technology at our April 4th Contra Costa chapter meeting: 3578 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA between 10:30 and 12:30p.

Contact Rosemary Chase 925-676-2110 for meeting questions.

Talking Prescription Bottles

Have you consulted your pharmacist on receiving talking prescriptions at your local pharmacy?
Are you interested in receiving your prescriptions in a more accessible format?

Please contact rosemary chase recmft@yahoo.com: 925-676-2110 with your experiences or thoughts on this very important topic.

From Jeff Thom, CCB President

The ACB Auction is always one of the highlights of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
I am putting together a California package to donate for the auction.

If anyone would like to donate an item to include in that package, please contact me at either jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or via telephone at 916-9953967 by May 20.

Remember that any such donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering this request.

Student Education Access Grant

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER California Council of the Blind (CCB)
THE $2,500 STUDENT EDUCATION ACCESS GRANT 2015

Who A legally blind student ages 8-18 who lives in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.

What The San Francisco Chapter of CCB will give a grant in the form of technology products worth up to $2,500 to an applicant who meets the criteria listed above and can best demonstrate the need for accessible equipment to enhance their educational opportunities.

Where Submit completed application and essay to:
Charlie Dorris tyreedorris@comcast.net

When Submit a completed application form and essay postmarked by March 31, 2015.

To request an application and instruction form or for further details contact: Charlie Dorris: 415-775-0487 tyreedorris@comcast.net
(or) Ellie Lee: 415-378-6079 ellieleesf@yahoo.com

Wanted

Oldies but goodies... Remember the old style all metal Braille dymo-tape labelers?
Yes, the ones that do not have those plastic dials that are guaranteed to brake or cause a string of obscenities.

I am also looking for those old style aluminum Braille clothing tags that will take the patience of a saint for me to sew into my clothes.

Clear your clutter and help me out! Name your reasonable price. janet4peace@redshift.com

Beep Baseball

The California Rays Beep Baseball Team begins practicing Sat., March 14, 9:30-12:00 at Atherton Park, 1978 Quail Lakes Dr., Stockton.

We are seeking players, volunteers and supporters.
Come take a swing at baseball for the blind!

For more info and our schedule, please email Jennifer Voylan at CaliforniaRays@icloud.com and follow California's only NBVA registered team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blindbaseball

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

March 13, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 13, and will be updated on March 20. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB Office Notice

The Council office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, March 16th and 17th for administrative purposes.

From Steve Fort, Bay View Chapter President

We regret to say that the Bay View Chapter meeting scheduled for March 14th is cancelled.
Many members of the chapter, including myself, have been experiencing illness of one kind or another.

On April 11th the Bay View Chapter will meet and will be having a luncheon. Members will hear from the telephone committee and any other persons.

Contact Cathie Skivers by Wednesday April 8 at 510-357-1986 for information and reservations.
You can also call me at 510-521-4386.

Talking Prescription Bottles

Have you consulted your pharmacist on receiving talking prescriptions at your local pharmacy?
Are you interested in receiving your prescriptions in a more accessible format?

Please contact rosemary chase recmft@yahoo.com: 925-676-2110 with your experiences or thoughts on this very important topic.

Student Education Access Grant

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER California Council of the Blind (CCB)
THE $2,500 STUDENT EDUCATION ACCESS GRANT 2015

Who A legally blind student ages 8-18 who lives in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.

Where Submit completed application and essay to:
Charlie Dorris tyreedorris@comcast.net

When Submit a completed application form and essay postmarked by March 31, 2015.

To request an application and instruction form or for further details contact: Charlie Dorris: 415-775-0487 tyreedorris@comcast.net
(or) Ellie Lee: 415-378-6079 ellieleesf@yahoo.com

Wanted

Oldies but goodies... Remember the old style all metal Braille dymo-tape labelers?
Yes, the ones that do not have those plastic dials that are guaranteed to brake or cause a string of obscenities.

I am also looking for those old style aluminum Braille clothing tags that will take the patience of a saint for me to sew into my clothes.

Clear your clutter and help me out! Name your reasonable price. janet4peace@redshift.com

Beep Baseball

The California Rays Beep Baseball Team begins practicing Sat., March 14, 9:30-12:00 at Atherton Park, 1978 Quail Lakes Dr., Stockton.

We are seeking players, volunteers and supporters.
Come take a swing at baseball for the blind!

For more info and our schedule, please email Jennifer Voylan at CaliforniaRays@icloud.com and follow California's only NBVA registered team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blindbaseball

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

March 6, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 6, and will be updated on March 13. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From Council President Jeff Thom

Pursuant to a vote of the board of directors, the 2015 CCB annual Conference and Convention has been rescheduled to October 1-4 at the Hilton, Woodland Hills. In the weeks to come we will provide you with information about what should prove to be a very exciting conference. We will also let you know when you can begin to make your hotel reservations.

Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter Fundraiser

The Glendale-Burbank Area Chapter Invites YOU To our Pizza and chicken fundraiser.
Location: Shakey’s Pizza, 1300 N. San Fernando Blvd. cross street: Bethany, Burbank, CA;
March 11, 2015; 5-8 PM.

You may request a flyer from Ardis Bazyn:
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com but it is not necessary to have one with you - just tell the cashier you are attending our fundraiser.

Student Education Access Grant

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER California Council of the Blind (CCB)
THE $2,500 STUDENT EDUCATION ACCESS GRANT 2015

Who A legally blind student ages 8-18 who lives in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.

Where Submit completed application and essay to:
Charlie Dorris tyreedorris@comcast.net

When Submit a completed application form and essay postmarked by March 31, 2015.

To request an application and instruction form or for further details contact: Charlie Dorris: 415-775-0487 tyreedorris@comcast.net
(or) Ellie Lee: 415-378-6079 ellieleesf@yahoo.com

San Francisco Muni Station Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Frank Welte will be demonstrating this exciting, new technology at our April 4th Contra Costa chapter meeting: 3578 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA between 10:30 and 12:30p.

Contact Rosemary Chase at (925) 676-2110 for meeting questions.

California School For The Blind

Hello, families and interested parties, Sharon Sacks, Superintendent of the California School for the Blind in Fremont, has asked me to let all of you know that the School for the Blind is an educational option for California students with visual impairments.

She wishes to ask parents around the state about their vision of the CSB in the future.
What would you like to see happening at the School for the Blind in the future?
Would it be concentrated studies in blind skills, opportunity for students to have a year of beginning (or refining) their blindness skills (tech, Braille, Nemeth, Orientation and Mobility, self-assertiveness, ???).

The School for the Blind wants to serve the needs of the blind and visually impaired community of students in the most appropriate way.

Please put on your thinking caps, talk amongst yourselves, come up with your best suggestions, and either send them to me at capvinews@gmail.com, or directly to Sharon Sacks ssacks@csb-cde.ca.gov.

If the internet is a problem for some parents, they could call the school directly at 510- 794-3800.

Baum Adaptive Equipment Presentation

The East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, Ca is hosting a presentation of Baum Retec, Inc. adaptive technology products on March 11 from 1-3 PM.

Renee Clark will demonstrate Baum's VarioUltra Smart Braille display with notetaking capability. She will also have the VisioBook S and VisioDesk portable CCTVs available for demonstration. Ample time for individuals to try out these devices will be available at the end of Renee's presentation.

Space is limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend this event.
Send an email to reserve your spot to eastbaycenterfortheblind@gmail.com or phone the Center at 510 843-6935.

The East Bay Center for the Blind is located at 2928 Adeline Street in Berkeley.
We hope to see you for what promises to be a fascinating adaptive technology presentation.

Job Announcement

Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Instructor
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Programs Society for the Blind, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization located in Sacramento California, has been providing individuals living with blindness or low vision training, tools, and mentorship to promote empowerment and independence for over sixty years.

Our organization is currently seeking experienced, qualified candidates for an open Orientation & Mobility Instructor position. A description of the job is provided below.

This position is full-time (40 hours per week), and it includes a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Interested applicants may email cover letters and resumes to Shane Snyder, Director of Programs, at ssnyder@societyfortheblind.org.
The position will remain open until filled.
Thank you for your interest. No phone calls, please!

General Description:
The essential function of the job is to teach students how to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their homes, workplaces, community, and beyond.

Duties:

Instruction:
1. Instruct students in the proper use of the long, white cane and other mobility aids to travel safely, efficiently, and independently.
2. Introduce students to and teach them in the use of non-visual methods and strategies for orientation and mobility.
3. Using the Structure Discovery Method, Provide real world opportunities to practice and reinforce non-visual skills and techniques for safe, efficient, and independent travel.
4. Instruct students in how to safely, locate, detect, and negotiate stairways including ascending/descending, fall prevention/recovery, and checking for hazards.
5. Conduct training in non-visual techniques for safely crossing both controlled and uncontrolled intersections including strategies for negotiating high traffic roadways.
6. Teach students how to safely and effectively utilize public transportation, including: route and trip planning; locating transit stops and transportation hubs; and boarding/exiting busses, trains, airplanes and other vehicles. Instruct students in how to safely and effectively negotiate escalators, elevators, revolving doors, and other challenges encountered when traveling.
7. Teach students how to locate, use, and navigate safely and efficiently busy public facilities such as shopping malls, stadiums, airports, hospitals, college campuses, etc.
8. Create tactile and auditory maps and instruct students in their proper use.
9. Evaluate students' functional, physical and mental capabilities, as related to mobility and orientation.
10. Determine individual students’ need for physical conditioning.
11. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
12. Address and conduct workshops for interested groups as requested.
Documentation
1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly record keeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence.
2. Documents immediately and thoroughly any student falls or other accidents that occur during training.
Team Building and Networking
1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the students.
3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client's program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society students, staff, and volunteers.
5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.
Other Duties:
1. Attend all staff and department meetings
2. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures
3. Obtain training to enhance job requirements 4. Other duties as required

Qualifications:

A minimum of two years working experience.
Master’s Degree in Orientation & Mobility or related field.
COMS or NOMC certification in O&M instruction.
Ability to stand and walk for at least seven hours per day
Sufficient stamina to walk distances of up to two miles at a time
Ability to safely descend stairs backward and ahead of students to lend any necessary support and to help prevent falls.
Sufficient strength to support the weight of adult students in case of stumbling or falling.
Proficiency in English grammar, usage, and mechanics
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook & Internet Explorer.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

February 27, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 27, and will be updated on March 6. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From Council President Jeff Thom

From President Jeff Thom

We are extremely pleased to announce that Governor Brown has appointed CCB member Joni Patche to the Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind. We know she will do an outstanding job.

Student Education Access Grant

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER California Council of the Blind (CCB)
THE $2,500 STUDENT EDUCATION ACCESS GRANT 2015

Who A legally blind student ages 8-18 who lives in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.

Where Submit completed application and essay to:
Charlie Dorris tyreedorris@comcast.net

When Submit a completed application form and essay postmarked by March 31, 2015.

To request an application and instruction form or for further details contact: Charlie Dorris: 415-775-0487 tyreedorris@comcast.net
(or) Ellie Lee: 415-378-6079 ellieleesf@yahoo.com

Take The Cruise of a Lifetime to Benefit Guide Dog Users, Inc

Yes, Guide Dog Users, Inc. is sponsoring a holiday shopping cruise in the Caribbean waters from December 5-12, 2015.

You are most welcome to attend our conducted cruise with or without a guide dog. Dave Kronk of Travel One handles all of the paperwork and will take you step by step to register. Two persons per cabin, and Dave will help you get a roommate.

For more information about this exciting cruise, please call Dave Kronk at: (618) 409-0143 or email him at: dkronk@htc.net

Baum Adaptive Equipment Presentation

The East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, Ca is hosting a presentation of Baum Retec, Inc. adaptive technology products on March 11 from 1-3 PM.

Space is limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend this event.
Send an email to reserve your spot to eastbaycenterfortheblind@gmail.com or phone the Center at 510 843-6935.

The East Bay Center for the Blind is located at 2928 Adeline Street in Berkeley.
We hope to see you for what promises to be a fascinating adaptive technology presentation.

Nationwide Release of the BEP’s U.S. Currency Reader Program To Help The Blind And Visually Impaired

The Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is now accepting and processing applications nationwide from blind or visually impaired individuals who wish to receive a currency reader to denominate U.S. currency.

Under the U.S. Currency Reader Program, U.S. citizens or persons legally residing in the U.S. and its territories who are blind or visually impaired can obtain a currency reader device at no cost.

The currency reader, known as the iBill® Talking Banknote Identifier, is compact in size, easy to use, and provides a response within just a few seconds.
A user simply inserts a Federal Reserve note into the device, presses a button on the side, and the reader identifies the denomination.
The device operates on a standard AAA battery and can read U.S. currency in circulation today.
The reader can be set to indicate the note’s denomination by voice, a pattern of tones or series of vibrations.

To apply for a reader, an individual must fill out an application, which is available on the BEP’s website at http://www.bep.gov/uscurrencyreaderform.html.
The application must be signed by a competent authority such as a doctor, therapist or rehabilitation specialist, and then mailed to the BEP at the address listed on the form.
If an applicant has verification of a visual impairment issued by another Federal, State or local agency, a copy of that documentation can be submitted in lieu of certification.

More information about the meaningful access program can be found at the BEP’s website at http://www.bep.gov/uscurrency/meaningfulaccess.html.
For questions about the U.S. Currency Reader Program or assistance with the application process, individuals can call 844-815-9388 toll free or email meaningful.access@bep.gov

Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit

Inviting CCB Members To An Important Court Hearing In The Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit At The San Francisco Federal Courthouse

Disability Rights Advocates invites CCB members to attend a hearing in our lawsuit against Uber, a popular new taxi service.
DRA is representing the National Federation of the Blind of California and several individuals in this lawsuit, which challenges refusals by drivers of UberX vehicles to transport blind customers with guide dogs.

At 1 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, we will appear before the court to argue against Uber’s motion to dismiss the case.
Uber boldly contends that disputes must be resolved through arbitration out of court on an individual basis and that Uber is not subject to the ADA. However, Uber, as a transportation service, must comply with the ADA, and this lawsuit is an appropriate method to address Uber’s discriminatory practices.

We will make this argument at the hearing with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, which recently filed a statement that supports our position. We invite CCB members, especially CCB members with guide dogs, to attend the hearing. Your presence is important because Uber needs to understand the solidarity of the community around this issue.
Please note that many dogs may be in close proximity.
Preferred courtroom dress is business casual.
Service animals should be recently groomed.
After the hearing, we will likely gather for a social event in the Civic Center area.

Please R.S.V.P. to Rachel Smith at rsmith@dralegal.org or by phone at (510)665-8644 so we have an idea of how many people to expect.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 1:00 PM.
WHERE: 450 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102, courtroom 15-A before Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins.
WHAT: Oral argument and hearing on Uber’s Motion to Dismiss and informal gathering immediately after the hearing.

You can learn more about this lawsuit by following the link below.
http://www.dralegal.org/pressroom/press-releases/lawsuit-challenges-ubers-discrimination-against-blind-customers-with

Blind Advisory Committee

The Department of Rehabilitation is seeking nominations to serve on the Blind Advisory Committee.

About the Blind Advisory Committee:
The Blind Advisory Committee (BAC) is established pursuant to Section 19098.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The BAC provides advice to the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) on means to increase competitive employment, enlarge economic opportunities, enhance independence and self-sufficiency, and in methods of improving services for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
The committee develops, in conjunction with stakeholders, an annual work plan to identify and address areas for improvement in services provided by the division to persons who are blind and visually impaired.

Composition:
The BAC shall consist of no more than thirteen members who represent the wide and diverse interests of blind and visually impaired rehabilitation consumer constituencies.
The majority of the members shall be blind or visually impaired. Members of the committee who are not blind or visually impaired shall have experience in services to the blind.

Would you like to serve?
The DOR Director-appointed BAC consists of a diverse membership interested in, and representative of, Californians who are blind or visually impaired.
The DOR Director appoints representatives of specified entities to a four-year term.

All qualified applicants are urged to apply.
If interested, please see instructions below or contact Stacy Cervenka at (916) 558-5380 or stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov.

There is currently one (1) BAC Member vacancy. This recruitment is for membership representation of the following category:
Current DOR Consumer

How to apply for appointment by the DOR Director to serve on the BAC

Complete the application and provide your resume.
E-mail the application and your resume to Stacy Cervenka at stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov.
Send your signed application and resume to:
Department of Rehabilitation
Attn: BAC, Stacy Cervenka
721 Capitol Mall Fourth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

All applications should be received no later than Friday, March 31, 2015.

Questions?
Please call Stacy Cervenka at 916-558-5380 or email stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

February 20, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 20, and will be updated on February 27. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From Council President Jeff Thom

Take The Cruise of a Lifetime to Benefit Guide Dog Users, Inc

Yes, Guide Dog Users, Inc. is sponsoring a holiday shopping cruise in the Caribbean waters from December 5-12, 2015.

For more information about this exciting cruise, please call Dave Kronk at: (618) 409-0143 or email him at: dkronk@htc.net

GDUI Raffle

Guide Dog users, Inc. will be holding a summer drawing on July 8, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. Our grand prize thus far is one-thousand dollars. Other prizes are a 500-dollar gift card; a five-hundred gift card from the Silpada jewelry Company, A Keurig Coffee Machine, A George Foreman Grill with removable plates and a Skywav CCrane Radio.

To purchase a ten-dollar chance or more please call Jane Sheehan at: 1866-799-8436.
Thank you,
Guide Dog users, Inc.

Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit

Inviting CCB Members To An Important Court Hearing In The Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit At The San Francisco Federal Courthouse

Please R.S.V.P. to Rachel Smith at rsmith@dralegal.org or by phone at (510)665-8644 so we have an idea of how many people to expect.

You can learn more about this lawsuit by following the link below.
http://www.dralegal.org/pressroom/press-releases/lawsuit-challenges-ubers-discrimination-against-blind-customers-with

Study Opportunity

Are you a legally blind or low vision mobile, computer or console gamer?

If so want to test some new equipment and earn $200.
Contact bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org

Blind Advisory Committee

The Department of Rehabilitation is seeking nominations to serve on the Blind Advisory Committee.

All qualified applicants are urged to apply.
If interested, please see instructions below or contact Stacy Cervenka at (916) 558-5380 or stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov.

There is currently one (1) BAC Member vacancy. This recruitment is for membership representation of the following category:
Current DOR Consumer

How to apply for appointment by the DOR Director to serve on the BAC

Complete the application and provide your resume.
E-mail the application and your resume to Stacy Cervenka at stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov.
Send your signed application and resume to:
Department of Rehabilitation
Attn: BAC, Stacy Cervenka
721 Capitol Mall Fourth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

All applications should be received no later than Friday, March 31, 2015.

Questions?
Please call Stacy Cervenka at 916-558-5380 or email stacy.cervenka@dor.ca.gov

MUNI Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

From now until March 31, while supplies last, the LightHouse is making these maps and smart pens available to blind Muni users at no charge. Also, we are demonstrating this exciting technology to interested groups.

If you would like us to present to your organization, if you want to request a set of audio/tactile Muni station maps, or if you want more information call Frank Welte at (415) 694-7363, or send Email to fwelte@lighthouse-sf.org.

Funding provided by a New Freedom Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

CDesk Compass Software 2015

Do you have a new computer and you want to add CDesk?
It’s affordable and easy!

Try a Free CDesk 15 day trial www.AdaptiveVoice.com and experience all of the CDesk 21 applications in one place on your computer.

CDesk is high contrast, large print and fully speech enabled. CDesk has it all!
At your fingertips you can Email, Calendar your appointments, easy to use Calculator and Spreadsheets, 3 steps to quick and easy Bookdownloading on your computer, Internet Access with Reading / Magnification, Internet Radio, MP3 Player, News Reader, Read/Scanning with Magnification /OCR and much more!

CDesk is available for a free demonstration at a center near you.
Southern California CDesk and "Peggy" Speech recognition demonstrations to groups available by appointment.
Call the CDesk Team today for more information 949.436.7760.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

February 13, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 13, and will be updated on February 20. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Office Closure

The CCB Sacramento office will be closed on Monday, February 16th, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday and closed on Tuesday, February 17th, for administrative purposes.

From Council President Jeff Thom

Pursuant to a vote of the board of directors, the 2015 CCB annual Conference and Convention has been rescheduled to October 1-4 at the Hilton, Woodland Hills. In the weeks to come we will provide you with information about what should prove to be a very exciting conference.
We will also let you know when you can begin to make your hotel reservations.

SF Muni Underground Station Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Frank Welte will be demonstrating this exciting, new technology at our March 7th Contra Costa chapter meeting: 3578 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA between 10:30 and 12:30p.
See you there!

GDUI Raffle

To purchase a ten-dollar chance or more please call Jane Sheehan at: 1866-799-8436.
Thank you,
Guide Dog users, Inc.

Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit

Inviting CCB Members To An Important Court Hearing In The Uber Guide Dog Access Lawsuit At The San Francisco Federal Courthouse

Please R.S.V.P. to Rachel Smith at rsmith@dralegal.org or by phone at (510)665-8644 so we have an idea of how many people to expect.

You can learn more about this lawsuit by following the link below.
http://www.dralegal.org/pressroom/press-releases/lawsuit-challenges-ubers-discrimination-against-blind-customers-with

MUNI Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Funding provided by a New Freedom Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

CDesk Compass Software 2015

Do you have a new computer and you want to add CDesk?
It’s affordable and easy!

Try a Free CDesk 15 day trial www.AdaptiveVoice.com and experience all of the CDesk 21 applications in one place on your computer.

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY COMMUNITY FORUM

Wednesday, February 18, 2014 7:00-9:00 PM North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) Multi-Purpose Room

The City of Berkeley's Commission on Disability will hold a Community Forum for public comment and input on issues of access, health, safety, housing, transportation, communication, and economic opportunity. The Commission seeks to focus on the effects and impacts of these issues for people with disabilities living in, working in and visiting Berkeley. The Commission is requesting public comment that will guide the work of the Commission on the topics below and other related matters of interest and concern for people with disabilities.

Disabled Placard Parking
Accessible Sidewalks
Pedestrian Safety
Developing Citywide Universal Design Policy
Barriers to Access
Service Animals Welcome program
Accessible website and digital media and its relationship to City programs, services and activities
Disability Services
How can the City government and citizen's work together to help promote access and inclusion for our disabled community?
What is Berkeley doing right?
Where is room for improvement?
What new possibilities are on the horizon?

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

February 6, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 6, and will be updated on February 13. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Glendale Burbank Area Chapter Meeting Announcement

On February 7, the Glendale Burbank Area Chapter will have Randy Harken from Nurse Next Door as its speaker. He will tell about services his company offers, non-medical and medical.

On March 7, Jeff Thom will be our speaker on how to advocate - both making complaints and furthering legislation.

On April 4, Jorge Marcus will bring his accessible products.

Our meetings are held from 11 am to 1 pm at the Days Inn Pioneer restaurant at 450 W. Pioneer in Glendale, cross street Pacific.
For questions, email: abazyn@bazyncommunications.com or call (818) 238-9321.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Pizza Fundraiser

from Pam Polagi, President San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Please join us for our 30th annual Pizza and Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

The cost is only $10.00 per person! You can purchase tickets in advance from any SGV Chapter member or you can pay at the door.

The menu will include pizza, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, regular and diet soda, iced tea, bottled water and dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the VFW Bar.

The fundraiser will be held at the VFW Hall, 825 South Magnolia Avenue, Monrovia (located on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Chestnut).

The Grand Prize is a $200 Target Gift Card, and the lucky winner does not need to be present in order to win. We will be giving away door prizes throughout the day, however door prize winners must be present at the Pizza Fundraiser in order to collect their prize.
50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the fundraiser.

Bring your family and friends! Everyone is welcome!

If you need more information please contact Obbie Schoeman, Fundraising Chair, at (818) 399-6741.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Since we still don't have telephone access to the Connection, I would appreciate everyone passing the word along regarding the fundraiser, so it won't fall through the cracks from those who usually rely on the telephone for the California Connection.
Thank you very much.

Study on Streaming Video Services

My name is Adina and I am the Outreach Coordinator at watchLAB, a nationwide market research firm based in Chicago and San Francisco. We are reaching out to you because we are conducting a paid research study related to how individuals who are blind/visually impaired interact with a streaming video service, paying $150 for 90 minutes at our San Francisco offices at 201 Post street.
This study aims to understand the usability of the product and your input will help us improve the interface for future users.

If you or anyone you know is interested in participating please either reply to this email, fill out the survey below or call in at 312-235-6179 and ask for the “Leisure Activities” study.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LA0049
We are also offering a $25 referral incentive for anyone you send over to us that qualifies and participates.
More info on the study is listed below.

Date: Week of Monday, February, 9th
Times: To be determined. Range is from 9am-5pm, depending on what spots are available
Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Location: In person Interviews at San Francisco offices at 201 Post street
Payment: $150 check after the interview

Once again, If you are interested in participating, please reply to this email or call in at 312-235-6179 or fill out our pre-qualifying survey below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LA0049

If you have any questions about our company, you can visit our website at
http://www.watchlab.com.

Audio Describe Theater

Audio Described Performance of: X's & O's (a football love story) written by KJ Sanchez Directed by Tony Taccone at Berkeley Repertory Theater SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 8:00 pm

This is first time Berkeley Rep has offered audio description and it was at the request of legally blind actor Marilee Talkington who is appearing in the show.

Marilee Is one of only two legally blind actors in the country to earn an M.F.A. in acting and is one of the 6 actors in the cast.
She plays 7 different characters from a brain researcher to Midwestern Giants Fan to Teddy Roosevelt.

One of the cast member is also 2 time Superbowl champ Dwight Hicks who played during with Joe Montana.

This show is getting national attention, including an upcoming piece about it on NPR on Superbowl Sunday.

There is a Discount for this evening: 20% off tickets 50% off for those under 30
Discount Code: TEAM
Box Office: 510 647-2949
Website of show: http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1415/8241.asp

Be sure to request a headset when you order your tickets
See you at the THEATER!

MUNI Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Funding provided by a New Freedom Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY COMMUNITY FORUM

Wednesday, February 18, 2014 7:00-9:00 PM North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) Multi-Purpose Room

Disabled Placard Parking
Accessible Sidewalks
Pedestrian Safety
Developing Citywide Universal Design Policy
Barriers to Access
Service Animals Welcome program
Accessible website and digital media and its relationship to City programs, services and activities
Disability Services
How can the City government and citizen's work together to help promote access and inclusion for our disabled community?
What is Berkeley doing right?
Where is room for improvement?
What new possibilities are on the horizon?

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

January 30, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 30, and will be updated on February 6. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From: President Jeff Thom

I regret to inform you that, due to circumstances entirely beyond the control of the California Council of the Blind, we have been forced to reschedule the April 16-19, 2015 California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
The hotel is unexpectedly going through a complete renovation of meeting space and its restaurant, and this renovation will not be completed until this summer.

At this point in time, we do not know either the date or location of the 2015 Conference and Convention, except that the event will still be held in southern California.

Please do not make hotel reservations or any other arrangements to attend the convention. We will let you know as soon as details become available about the date and location of the convention.

If any of you have already incurred out-of-pocket costs as a result of your plans to attend the conference, such as airfare, and those costs cannot be recouped, you are welcome to inform CCB Administrative Assistant, Ed Branch, either by email at ccotb@ccbnet.org or by telephone (800)-221-6359.
We will evaluate such cost data and let you know if we are able to obtain reimbursement from the Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

CCB Board of Directors Conference Call

The CCB board of directors will be holding a conference call meeting on Thursday February 5 at 7 PM, phone number 712-4323066 and access code 497700.

Due to the lengthy agenda, the meeting will begin right at 7 PM. The agenda is as follows:

Call to order
Roll call and introductions
Review of agenda
Public comment on Items not on the agenda
Approval of September 14, Minutes
Ratification of Board Votes on Website conversion Contract
Discussion and action on 2015 CCB Conference and Convention
Proposed Mutt Strut Budget
Website issues
OCB Assistance Fund
Updates (time permitting)
Adjourn

(Public comment will be permitted on all agenda items. However, during each segment of public comment, each speaker shall be limited to two minutes.

Glendale Burbank Area Chapter Meeting Announcement

On February 7, the Glendale Burbank Area Chapter will have Randy Harken from Nurse Next Door as its speaker. He will tell about services his company offers, non-medical and medical.

On March 7, Jeff Thom will be our speaker on how to advocate - both making complaints and furthering legislation.

On April 4, Jorge Marcus will bring his accessible products.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Pizza Fundraiser

from Pam Polagi, President San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Please join us for our 30th annual Pizza and Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

The cost is only $10.00 per person! You can purchase tickets in advance from any SGV Chapter member or you can pay at the door.

The menu will include pizza, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, regular and diet soda, iced tea, bottled water and dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the VFW Bar.

The fundraiser will be held at the VFW Hall, 825 South Magnolia Avenue, Monrovia (located on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Chestnut).

Bring your family and friends! Everyone is welcome!

If you need more information please contact Obbie Schoeman, Fundraising Chair, at (818) 399-6741.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

MUNI Maps

Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.

Funding provided by a New Freedom Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY COMMUNITY FORUM

Wednesday, February 18, 2014 7:00-9:00 PM North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) Multi-Purpose Room

Disabled Placard Parking
Accessible Sidewalks
Pedestrian Safety
Developing Citywide Universal Design Policy
Barriers to Access
Service Animals Welcome program
Accessible website and digital media and its relationship to City programs, services and activities
Disability Services
How can the City government and citizen's work together to help promote access and inclusion for our disabled community?
What is Berkeley doing right?
Where is room for improvement?
What new possibilities are on the horizon?

Audio Describe Theater

Audio Described Performance of: X's & O's (a football love story) written by KJ Sanchez Directed by Tony Taccone at Berkeley Repertory Theater SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 8:00 pm

This is first time Berkeley Rep has offered audio description and it was at the request of legally blind actor Marilee Talkington who is appearing in the show.

One of the cast member is also 2 time Superbowl champ Dwight Hicks who played during with Joe Montana.

This show is getting national attention, including an upcoming piece about it on NPR on Superbowl Sunday.

Be sure to request a headset when you order your tickets
See you at the THEATER!

Pacific ADA Update Conference

From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th

Early Bird registration Deadline: January 30, 2015
Pre-Conference (ADA Basics): Sunday, March 15, 2015: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Conference: Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 17, 2015: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch served both days.
Location: Marriott Oakland City Center 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA 94607

Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

January 23, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 23, and will be updated on January 30. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

From: President Jeff Thom

At this point in time, we do not know either the date or location of the 2015 Conference and Convention, except that the event will still be held in southern California.

Please do not make hotel reservations or any other arrangements to attend the convention. We will let you know as soon as details become available about the date and location of the convention.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Announcement of Services

Here is information for services including the wake, mass, internment, and reception for Mrs. Garcia who was the cook for and member of the East LA chapter.

Friday, January 23rd
wake from 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM Rosary will begin at 07:00 PM
Location: Guerra-Gutierrez Mortuary 5800 East Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90022 323-722-1900 cross street is South Gerhart Ave. across the street from Frank's Market and near Fiesta Car Wash

Saturday, January 24th
The mass will begin at 09:30 AM Our Lady Of Solitude Church 4561 East Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022 323-269-7248 one block east of the 7 10 Freeway

Saturday, January 24th
Internment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery 966 North Potrero Grande Drive Montebello, CA 90640 323-887-2024 the cross street is Arroyo Drive

Reception at Mrs. Garcia's house 1226 South McBride Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022 the cross street is Olympic.

The wishes of Mrs. Garcia are:

no photos or video taping be done at any of these events.
In addition, Mrs. Garcia requested that people attending any of these events must reframe from wearing all black. Black pants or skirts will be fine so long as the tops or coats are a different color Preferably a lighter color.
Most of all, do not bring any alcohol and there will not be any alcohol served at the reception.

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Pizza Fundraiser

from Pam Polagi, President San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Please join us for our 30th annual Pizza and Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

The cost is only $10.00 per person! You can purchase tickets in advance from any SGV Chapter member or you can pay at the door.

The menu will include pizza, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, regular and diet soda, iced tea, bottled water and dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the VFW Bar.

The fundraiser will be held at the VFW Hall, 825 South Magnolia Avenue, Monrovia (located on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Chestnut).

Bring your family and friends! Everyone is welcome!

If you need more information please contact Obbie Schoeman, Fundraising Chair, at (818) 399-6741.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Blind Californian Update

From Judy Wilkinson, Editor
Hopefully you lucky email and print readers have been enjoying the Winter issue of the Blind Californian.
Braille readers: National Braille Press mailed out on Thursday, January 15 so keep checking your mailbox.
Tape readers: the news is not so good. Because they were closed for the holidays and have been moving, RFB&D has not yet sent us the CD master. Once they do, Mike Keithley needs to convert to the tape master, so be patient. We truly regret these unforeseen circumstances further delaying the cassette edition.

And by the way, remember the deadline to submit material for the Spring BC is February 15.

Because the CCB phone system is still not in place, please pass on this information to those who may not have access to the email version of The Connection.

New ACB Affiliate

A new special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind is being organized for people living with cerebral palsy and vision loss.
Meetings will be held by conference call on the last Saturday of the month, starting on January 31, 2015, at 09:59:59 p.m. Eastern time.
To access the conference, dial 1.567.704.1512 and use access code 999999#.

If you are interested in joining the affiliate, contact the following individual by postal mail at
Attention: Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser
52 Meadowbrook Road Brick Township,
Ocean County, New Jersey 08723-7850,
send me email at alexander.scott.kaiser@bluebottle.com and call him at 1.848.205.0208 and on skype at Skype name: Mister.Alexander.Scott.Kaiser.

A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.

Pacific ADA Update Conference

From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th

Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.

Exam Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) announces the following exam information.

The exam bulletin for the Office Technician (General) and Office Technician (Typing) open, non-promotional examination is now posted on the www.jobs.ca.gov web site for testing in Central and Southern California (click on the link below for the bulletin).

Office Technician (General and Typing): https://jobs.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/4PB24.PDF
The bulletin states the following important filing information:
Self-scheduling for this examination is offered on a first-come-first-served basis for each written exam date. Please be aware that, although seating is limited and scheduling will conclude once all seats are filled for a specific written exam date, additional self-scheduling dates and test locations may be posted.

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 23, 2015

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sonoma County; Napa County; Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 24, 2015

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
San Francisco Written Exam Dates: January 26, 2015

Please read the exam bulletin thoroughly for additional information regarding this examination opportunity. Additional self-scheduling and written examination dates will be available.

Test locations for other counties are anticipated soon.
Check this bulletin periodically for updates.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

January 16, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 16, and will be updated on January 23. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

CCB Office Holiday Schedule

The Council office will be closed Monday, January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday and Tuesday, January 20th for administrative purposes.

Blind Californian Update

And by the way, remember the deadline to submit material for the Spring BC is February 15.

Because the CCB phone system is still not in place, please pass on this information to those who may not have access to the email version of The Connection.

CCB Conference and Convention

From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee
The 2015 California Council of the Blind conference and convention will be held at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles (6360 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).
The guest room rate is $85.66 plus tax for a total of $99 all-inclusive per night.
The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/B/BURWCHF-CCB415-20150415/index.jhtml).
When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.

The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.

Please feel free to share this information with others.

New ACB Affiliate

A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.

Pacific ADA Update Conference

From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th

Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.

Exam Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) announces the following exam information.

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 23, 2015

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sonoma County; Napa County; Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 24, 2015

Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
San Francisco Written Exam Dates: January 26, 2015

Please read the exam bulletin thoroughly for additional information regarding this examination opportunity. Additional self-scheduling and written examination dates will be available.

Test locations for other counties are anticipated soon.
Check this bulletin periodically for updates.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

January 9, 2015

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 9, and will be updated on January 16. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to Gabe Griffith directly at (925) 768-8195 or ca.connection@ccbnet.org by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. Also, please make sure your message states in the subject line that it is for the connection or it may be missed.

Memorial Service For Hazel Harmon

On Wednesday, January 14, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Eternal Hills Mortuary at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054 (760-754-6600).
The casket will be open for an hour and half before the service, then closed. Anyone who wishes may give a eulogy.
Roy will invite guests to his home afterwards for refreshments.
There will be a Mass held on March 2. Same place, at 1:00 pm.

East Los Angeles Chapter Meeting

The East Los Angeles chapter will meet on Saturday, January 10 at the CoCo restaurant located at 2105 Via Campo, Montebello, cross street Wilcox, from 11 am to 2 pm.
We will not meet at the Garcia home this Saturday.

New ACB Affiliate

A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.

Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
Gabe Griffith

The California Connection (2015 Editions)

California Connection - Current Eddition December 11, 2015

Council Office Closure

Conference and Convention Preview: Hotel Reservation Information for the 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference andConvention

Audio Archives of the 2015 Conference and Convention:

Sacramento Capital Chapter Christmas Party

From the CCB Hearing and Vision Loss Committee: An Introduction to Hearing Loss:

CCLVI Scholarship Announcement:

December 4, 2015

Conference and Convention preview: Hotel reservation information for the 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention

Chapter Christmas party:

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

Chapter Christmas Party:

From the CCB Hearing and Vision Loss Committee: An Introduction to Hearing Loss:

CCLVI Scholarship Announcement:

November 25, 2015

Editor's Note

From The President

Mutt Strut

San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party

Contra Costa Chapter Christmas Party

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Christmas Holiday Party

The Hunt For Affordable Housing

November 20, 2015

Editor's Note

From The President

Glendale-Burbank Chapter Christmas Party

San Gabriel Valley Chapter Christmas Holiday Party

The Hunt For Affordable Housing

November 12, 2015

Editor's Note

Contract Opportunity

Mutt Strut

Chapter Christmas Party

Becky Griffith - Celebration Of Life

From the Hearing and Vision Impaired Committee

Chapter meeting:

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

Microsoft Job Openings

November 6, 2015

Editor's Note

Contract Opportunity

Mutt Strut

CCB Bay View Chapter Fund Raiser Luncheon

Chapter Christmas Party

Chapter meeting:

New App

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

Job Announcement

October 30, 2015

Birthday Wishes

Contract Opportunity

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

Mutt Strut

CCB Bay View Chapter Fund Raiser Luncheon

Chapter Christmas Party

New App

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY REGARDING STRUCTURED NEGOTIATIONS WITH LYFT

Job Announcement

October 23, 2015

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

Mutt Strut

Memorial Service

Chapter Christmas Party

Applicants Sought For 2016 Braille And Talking Book Library User Advisory Council

Job Announcement From Winston-Salem Industries For The Blind

Accessible Tour

Access Day At The de Young

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2015 DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

October 16, 2015

California Council Of The Blind 2015 Annual Conference And Convention Evaluation Request

Where Is My Blind Californian

Mutt Strut

COVE Vision Fair, Resources And Technology

Public Forum

Accessible Tour

Access Day At The de Young

California Connection - Current Eddition
December 11, 2015