If you have any contributions for the next weeks "From Sacramento" for our CCB mailing list
and for the website, please email the
announcement to dan@kysor.net
Keep in mind the date before all announcements in
this announcements area, the item may be outdated.
December 7, 2001
1. AB 841 by Sally Havice has been dropped due to the recent
budget constraints arising from September 11th.
Instead, Assemblywoman Havice has agreed to introduce a
pedestrian safety resolution recognizing the plight and poor
conditions for california's pedestrians.
In saying this however, we are seeking our co-author, Kevin
Shelley's introduction of a similar bill.
2. AFB Seeks Advocate for their Governmental Relations Office
The American Foundation for the Blind, a national nonprofit whose
mission
is to eliminate the inequities facing the ten million Americans who
are blind
or visually impaired, is seeking an advocate in its Governmental
Relations
office in Washington. The successful candidate will develop
ongoing
relationships with Congressional and agency staff and work with
coalitions
to promote and implement AFB's public policy agenda. Will serve
as
national expert and monitor selected legislative, regulatory and
other
policy-related issues; draft proposed legislation and supporting
materials; write
articles and alerts. Will prepare testimony or comments on
legislation or
regulations and serve as a key presence for AFB in Washington.
Will facilitate action by AFB's constituents and train members of
the blindness community in the
legislative/regulatory process and in self-advocacy. Qualified
applicants
will possess a graduate degree in political science, public
administration, law, or equivalent experience with a thorough
knowledge and understanding of legislative and regulatory
processes, superior written and oral
communication skills, excellent computer skills, and advanced
knowledge of
legislative research tools. AFB is an EEO employer and offers
competitive
salary and excellent benefits. Submit resume, cover letter and
brief
writing sample to AFB; email afbgov@afb.net, or fax
202-289-7880. No phone
inquiries please.
3. Congratulations to Anita Baldwin and Tony Candella for being
selected to be on the
state independent council, silc. Also, congratulations to Ken Metz
who just took the position of program manager at the Foundation
for the Junior Blind.
October 18, 2001
1. The special schools "teacher compensation equity" legislation, AB 855 by
John Dutra was vetoed by Governor Davis. The bill would have established wage
parodies between the school for the blind, schools for the deaf and their
local surrounding school districts. The governor in an attached veto statement,
cited the removal of state controls exercised by the legislature and governor with regards to state salaries and current union and dpa negotians through
collective bargaining. He understood the need to increase csb and csd salaries and
stated he has ordered the Department of Personnel Administration to look into this.
2. The disabled placard bill, AB 677 by Darrell Steinberg was signed into law this week. The bill
sponsored by the Californians for Disability Rights, CDR, and requires the placards be in a certain
shape and have color contrast. More importantly, the DMV cannot charge disabilities for these placards.
3. AB 925 by Dion Aroner, a bill to allow disabled individuals to
work and keep their medi-cal benefits passed both houses and was going to head to
the Governor but was put over to a two year bill to avoid a gubernatorial veto.
The bill will also require the workforce investment boards to put disabled persons on them as well
as require the one-stops to be accessible to disabilities. We will continue to track
this legislation.
4. Finally, AB 55 by Kevin Shelley, voting reform has also become a two year bill.
CCB has actively given input on a right to a secret and varifyable
ballot through accessible voting machines and voting materials.
We will also watch this measure closely through the months.
5. We will be giving the entire 2001 legislative session details in the
upcoming "Blind Californian" as well as affiliate and chapter
presidents will be receiving a complete report. Dan Kysor will be presenting his legislative report
at the upcoming fall convention in los angeles on friday afternoon.
October 12, 2001
1. Great news this week as yet two more bills relating to the blind
and visually impaired get approved by the Governor.
The "Telephonic Reader" bill, AB 1723 by Roderick Wright, was finally signed into law as chapter 654. This bill will fund the 7 existing reading services in
California. The newsline component is likely to be funded entirely by
a federal grant and will likely have its own nationwide 800 number.
The NFBC "Braille bill", AB 306 by Dario Frommer was also signed into law this week. This bill recommends
that braille be considered by the i e p team and allows teacher's aids to be used
in teaching braille as supervised by credentialed instructors of the blind and visually impaired.
2. From the Association of Multi-Cultural Concerns
Dear Friends:
Blind and visually impaired people in Peru need your help!
JULIO WILFREDO GUZMAN President of the National Confederation Of The Disabled of Peru, a leading institution that represents 119
organizations of and for the disabled throughout Peru, recently commented on the urgent need for blindness-related products for the thousands of Peruvians with varying visual impairments.
The Association for Multicultural Concerns (AMC), a Special Interest affiliate of the California Council of the Blind (CCB)heard the cry and are responding to it as part of its Project Unity. Each year, the AMC membership selects a country with an under-served Blind population and collects and distributes needed items to these individuals.
You can assist us in this effort by generously donating any of the following items:
1. Folding, telescopic, or rigid canes for children and adults.
2. Talking or braille compasses
3. Braille or talking wrist watches for male or female
4. Talking table clocks; large print, braille, or talking
5. Slates and Styluses: Plastic or Aluminum
6. Abacus for math
7. Tools for raised line drawings.
8. Braille or raised line rulers and other measuring devices.
9. Braille paper for brailling, and raised line drawings
10. Scales and other weighing devices especially adapted for the blind.
11. Perkins Braillers
12. Calculators: pocket, talking, table, large print, solar or battery
operated.
13. Scientific Calculators: Electric, or battery operated, pocket sized,
table, talking, large print, or solar.
14. Tape Recorders/Radios electric, battery operated, solar. Can be
portable or desktop.
15. Pens, pencils, or other writing aids for low vision.Computer software
for Windows, spreadsheet, word processing, electronic reading, the internet,
ETC.
16. Optacons
17. Electronic Book reading devices such as scanners.
18. Adaptive Computers
19. Braille Printers
20. Brailling Labeling Tape
21. Anything to help label clothing
22. Card or board games in Braille or Large Print
23. Footballs and balls for Goal Ball
24. Dark clothing for specialized games
25. Blood Pressure meters: Large print, or talking.
26. Talking, Large Print, or Braille thermometers
You can donate in one of two ways. Items can be mailed ôfree matterö to:
Don Brown
1816 San Benito Street
Richmond, Ca 94804
Dlb123@mindspring.com
510-528-1744
Or
Lillian Scaife
1620 Molino Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90804
lmscaife@earthlink.net
562-494-4306
If you plan to attend the Fall convention of the California Council of the Blind, you may place donated items in the receptacle near the Registration table.
Thank you in advance for your charitable contribution.
Sincerely,
Don Brown
Chair, Project Unity
3. Job Announcement:
Position announcement.
Employer: The American Council of the Blind
Position title: Office Manager
Functional group: Office support staff
Closing date for applications: October 31, 2001
About the employer:
The American Council of the Blind is a not for profit
national membership organization of persons who are blind seeking
to improve the quality of life and general well being of our
national blindness community. The organization accomplishes this
goal by enlisting the aid of our members in state and special
interest affiliates and through the activities of our national
office staff which includes a small mix of professionals, para-
professionals, support staff and volunteers.
Job duties:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the
successful candidate for this position will:
* Meet and assist visitors to our national office,
* Send, receive and distribute mail for the office,
* Maintain an operational knowledge of and inventory of office
equipment and supplies and support and replenish them as
appropriate with a view to the best quality at the most
reasonable price,
* Negotiate purchases and leasing of office equipment and
supplies in coordination with the organizational finance office,
* Create and maintain files of office business documents
including quotes, invoices, certified mail, organizational
affiliate documents such as membership lists, updates to
incorporation filings and the like,* Answer phones and assist
other support staff with information provision to members and
other callers,
* Maintain office petty cash and end of the month
reconciliations.
* Maintain the office time calendar output from our computer
system,
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate for this position is expected to
have an operating knowledge of office software including
Microsoft Office, an ability to work in a positive and
cooperative fashion, have a commitment to the social change
agenda of the organization, and be able to demonstrate the
competencies necessary to perform the duties listed above.
Salary and benefits:
ACB will pay a starting salary of $25,000 per year and will
provide compensated health, vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
In addition, ACB will extend flexible time consideration to those
who may require such accommodation as long as the necessary 40
hours of work are done in the course of a week. It should be
noted that our offices are also located within convenient walking
distance from both the Washington Metro subway Red and
Orange/Blue lines and buses.
Additional information:
ACB conducts an annual convention usually in the first week
of July of each year. It is likely that the successful candidate
for this position will be required to attend the convention at
the expense of ACB and will perform compensated overtime during
that event. There will be other occasions where the individual
will be expected to work overtime, but these are not frequent.
How to apply:
ACB will accept applications for this position up until 5:00
PM eastern time on October 31, 2001. Resumes and cover letters
may be sent to The American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th
Street, NW, Suite 1004, Washington DC 20005. All applications
should be sent to the attention of Charles Crawford. Applicants
may also submit resumes and letters of introduction by electronic
mail to ccrawford@acb.org dated no later than the aforementioned
time.
Interviews:
ACB will communicate with those we wish to interview shortly
after the closing date to arrange to meet and discuss the
position.
Starting date:
We anticipate starting the position towards the end of
November depending upon how long it takes to perform the
interviews, conduct the reference checks, and schedule hiring.
For more information about the American Council of the
Blind, please visit our web site at www.acb.org or call us at the
National Office at (202)467-5081 between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern
time.
Approved for distribution October 9, 2001:
Charles H. Crawford
Executive Director
October 4, 2001
1. Bank of America announces plans to install more than 7,000 Talking ATMs
nationwide by 2005
Initiative demonstrates continued leadership; applauded by the Vision
Impaired Community
CHARLOTTE: Bank of America today reconfirmed its commitment to the
visually impaired community by announcing plans to install more than 7,000
Talking ATMs coast to coast. With a total of more than 3,000 talking ATMs
planned by the end of 2002, the rollout is expected to be complete by the
end of 2005. The bank currently has 500 Talking ATMs installed in Florida
and California. The aggressive plan reinforces Bank of America's objective
of continuing to lead the industry in pioneering Talking ATMs nationwide.
Furthering its long-standing commitment to the Talking ATM deployment
effort, Bank of America is implementing technological innovations not found
in earlier generations of machines. These features, which will make Bank of
America Talking ATMs among the most advanced in the industry, include
efforts in volume control, spoken balance and voice synthesis.
"Bank of America continues to take a leadership role in the development and
installation of Talking ATMs and we congratulate them on today's
announcement," said Christopher Gray, national president of the American
Council of the Blind. "This unparalleled action solidifies and magnifies
Bank of America's reputation in serving the blind community."
Talking ATMs are part of a broader initiative at Bank of America to make
banking work in ways it has never before. Accessible banking services for
customers with vision impairments include account statements available in
Braille and large print and raised line checks. The bank is also taking
further steps to ensure that its Web site and online banking services are
W3-C compliant, making them accessible to visually impaired persons whose
personal computers use screen readers to audibly read text on a computer
screen.
"Bank of America continues to set the standard in the industry with
innovative programs that aim to better serve our customers who are visually
impaired," said Bill Raymond, manager, ATM Channel Strategies and
Development at Bank of America. "Talking ATMs along with compliant web
pages, specialized statements and other initiatives further demonstrate our
commitment to serving our customers and how we are embracing ingenuity to
make their lives easier."
Talking ATMs provide audible instructions to persons who cannot view
information on an ATM screen. These machines make it easier for
vision-impaired users to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other ATM
transactions. The ATMs have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions
through standard headsets to protect the security of users who are blind or
have low-vision.
Those wishing to obtain additional information about Talking ATMs can call
1.800.299.BANK. California customers can contact Bank of America at
1.800.ENABLEU for assistance. To locate a Bank of America talking ATM
visit www.bankofamerica.com.
About Bank of America
One of the world's leading financial services companies, Bank of America is
committed to making banking work for customers like it never has before.
Through innovative technologies and the ingenuity of its people, Bank of
America provides individuals, small businesses and commercial, corporate
and institutional clients across the United States and around the world new
and better ways to manage their financial lives. The company enables
customers to do their banking and investing whenever, wherever and however
they choose through the nation's largest financial services network,
including approximately 4,400 domestic offices and 13,000 ATMs, as well as
38 international offices serving clients in 190 countries, and an Internet
Web site that provides online access for more than 3 million customers,
more than any other bank.
Bank of America stock (ticker:
BAC) is listed on the New York, Pacific and
London stock exchanges. The company's Web site is
www.bankofamerica.com.
News, speeches and other corporate information may be found at
www.bankofamerica.com/newsroom
About the American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national membership
organization of people who are blind and visually impaired. ACB
has 51
state and regional affiliates and 20 national special interest and
professional affiliates across the United States. ACB advocates for
the
well being of blind persons in areas including accessible ATMs,
pedestrian
safety, quality work skills training, accessible computer
environments and
more. ACB can be reached at WWW.ACB.org.
Reporters May Contact:
For Bank of America:
Brad Russell
Bank of America
704.388.6806
brad.russell@bankofamerica.com
For the Blindness Community:
Lainey Feingold
1.510.548.5062
lfeingold@california.net
Linda Dardarian
Saperstein, Goldstein, Demchak & Baller
1.510.763.9800
ldar@sgdblaw.com
Lainey Feingold
Law Office of Elaine B. Feingold
1524 Scenic Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 548-5062
lfeingold@california.net
2. The second of two CCB bills were signed this week by Governor
Gray Davis. SB 1190 by the Senate Committee on Human
Services increases the assistive dog benefit for
ssdi recipients from $35 to $50 per month. Thanks for
all of you who worked hard for passage of this bill. The bill was chaptered as 654
3. It will be even more difficult to now get legislation passed with
any fiscal impact. A budget analyist is reporting that California is
one billion dollars short of even the earlier short fall. All
government agencies are being asked to cut back on programs.
September 27, 2001
The only new item to report this week is Senate Bill 87 by Nell Soto, our bep revolving loan
account bill was signed into law by Governor Davis as chapter 327. Thanks to all for your help!
As of this report, no other disability related bill has been signed or vetoed, we'll have more hopefully next week.
SB 87, Soto. Blind Vendor Revolving Loan Fund.
Chaptered 327
Existing state and federal laws provide for the establishment of vending facilities to be operated by blind vendors on state and federal property. The program is administered by the Director of Rehabilitation, and requires the director to establish the Business Enterprises Program for the Blind, and to encourage and establish these vending facilities.
This bill would create the Blind Vendor Revolving Loan Fund in the State Treasury and would continuously appropriate moneys in the fund to the Department of Rehabilitation, for the purpose of providing loans for the purchase of inventory and equipment by existing blind vendors, in accordance with specified criteria. The bill also would appropriate $100,000 from the Rehabilitation-Huelsman Trust Special Deposit Fund to the department for deposit in the Blind Vendor Revolving Loan Fund.
September 13, 2001
1. AB 855 by John Dutra has moved to the governor's office.
This bill would give the special schools teachers a much needed
salary increase to meet that of the surrounding school districts.
Please contact the governor's office and let him know you
support
this measure. we will have this contact information at the end
of
the legislative update.
2. AB 306, the nfbc braille bill passed the senate floor and
moves
back to the assembly floor where it is expected to head to the
governor. Amendments to the bill include removing the mandate
for braille instruction for functionally blind pupils by the iep team
but keeps the language around the instructional aids
3. AB 1723 by Rod Wright has moved off the senate floor and
moves to the assembly floor where it too is expected to head to
the governor. The bill was amended to include less funding than
expected, $830000.
4. AB 925 by Dion Aroner is headed to the governor. This bill
requires disabilities be represented on wia (workforce investment
act) boards and accessibility being built into the one-stops as
well
as allows medi-cal recipients to keep these benefits while they
work.
there is a possibility that this measure may be withdrawn
and made a two year bill due to the threat of a veto.
Finally don't forget to let the Governor know you support our
two
CCB bills which are waiting for his signature on his desk, SB 87,
Soto, the BEP revolving loan fund and SB 1190, Health and
Human
Services Committee the assistive dog ssdi benefit increase.
Please let Governor Davis know you support these bills. His
office
may be reached by phone at 916-445-2841 or you may send
your
support letters to:
Governor Davis
First Floor
Capitol Building
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
September 6, 2001
1. sb 1190 by the health and human services committee, the ccb
assistive dog ssdi benefit's bill, is headed to governor gray davis's
office. please contact the governor and urge him to sign this bill
into law.
Also, you may do the same for our bep revolving loan fund, SB 87
by Nell Soto which is also enrolled to the governor.
contact governor gray davis either by phoning his office and urging
him to sign the bill at 916-445-2841 or address your comments to:
governor gray davis
1st floor
capitol building
sacramento, ca. 95814
2. Assembly Bill 855 by John Dutra, salary parody for csb teachers
passed out of senate appropriations and moves to the senate floor.
Dutra's office is urging you to let the governor's office know you
want his support of the bill.
3. DISABILITY MENTORING DAY!
October 24, 2001
Students with disabilities in high school, college, and law school
are invited to participate in Disability Mentoring Day.
Mentors come from the Attorney General's Office, City
Attorney's Office, Los Angeles County, and other businesses,
government agencies, and law firms.
This is a great opportunity to meet and form relationships with
leaders in business, law, and government.
* See what your dream job is really like.
* Find out how to prepare yourself for your chosen job.
* Make the connections that can help you land that job.
* Discover a new career opportunity.
* Enjoy the day with a great person and fun events.
The Western Law Center for Disability Rights is hosting
Disability Mentoring Day-LA. We will match students with
disabilities in high school, college, and law school with mentors
at area businesses, law firms, and government agencies. The
day will begin with a continental breakfast, where students will
be introduced to their mentors. After a day of working closely
together, mentors and students will gather again for a discussion
and celebration.
To more information, call the Western Law Center for Disability
Rights at (213) 736-1031. Fax your completed application to
Staff Attorney Ollie Cantos at (213) 736-1428 by October 1,
2001.
National Host: American Association of People with
Disabilities.
National Public Sponsors: U.S. Department of Labor Office
on Disability Employment Policy; Presidential Task Force on
Employment of Adults with Disabilities
National Corporate Sponsors: AOL Time Warner, Booz;
Allen & Hamilton; Cingular Wireless; Citigroup Corporate &
Investment Bank; Darden Restaurants and its operating
companies; Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, and
Smokey Bones; Hewlett-Packard; Independence Technology, a
Johnson & Johnson company; Microsoft Corporation;
Monster.com; Pitney Bowes; SmartForce; and Verizon.
We look forward to meeting you!
Student Application for Disability Mentoring Day
Name
Address
Telephone
Fax
Age
Type of disability
Accommodation(s) required (e.g., wheelchair accessible space,
Braille or taped documents, sign language interpretation...)
School
Current employment (if any)
Type of work desired (see attached list for help)
Hobbies and other interests
Return application by fax to Ollie Cantos at (213) 736-1428 by
October 1, 2001.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO?
To help you brainstorm, here are some possibilities:
* Accounting
* Administration/Clerical
* Animal Care/Zoology
* Animation/Character Art
* Business Planning
* Computer
* Animation/Digital Art
* Creative
* Distribution
* Engineering/Architecture
* Facilities/Operations
* Film/TV Production
* Finance/Accounting
* Food and Beverage/Hospitality
* General Management
* Human Resources
* Information Services/Technology
* Internet Technologies
* Journalism/Communications
* Law Enforcement
* Legal
* Licensing
* Product Development and Merchandising
* Public Relations/Publicity
* Publishing
* Purchasing/Logistics/ Inventory
* Real Estate/Development
* Retail/Store Operations
* Sales/Marketing
* Travel
* Web Design/Web Production
* Writing/Editing
4. Alameda County residents who would like to receive a tape discription of ballot propositions, please contact the registrar of voters at 510-272-6973
We will have more on legislation next week for there is much currently pending
August 31, 2001
1. The bureau of state audits has released yet another negative report on the Department's of Rehabilitation's performance with respect to the business enterprise program. We are looking at the audit and will have more details soon.
2. For the first time in many years, two of our CCB bills are skipping the usual floor hearings and are going directly to the governor. This happens when both democrats and republicans support a bill. SB 87, our bep revolving loan account bill by
Nell Soto and our assistive dog ssdi benefits bill by the senate committee on health and human services and moves straight to the Governor.
3. The nfbc "braille" bill, ab 306 by Darrio Frommer and the salary equity bill for special schools teachers, ab 855 are both running into some trouble. Both of these bills are stuck in the assembly appropriations committee on suspence.
Also on suspence is the telephonic reader bill, ab 1723.
4. finally, sb 136 by Liz Figeuroa is moving to the assembly floor and on to the governor. This bill extends the sunset of the state guide board for another 4 years.
5. the ccb website is up and running. the new url is www.ccbnet.org
August 23, 2001
1. SB 87 by Nell Soto, the BEP Revolving Loan Account bill passed
on consent the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week and
heads to the Assembly floor. The governor has stated he will sign
this bill.
SB 1190 by the Health and Human Services Committee brings the
SSDI levels to that of SSI for the Assistive Dog Benefit and will be
heard in assembly appropriations on August 29th at 9 am in room
4202.
AB 855 by John Dutra of Fremont is currently in suspense and it
is unclear what the prospects of the bill's future will be. The bill,
increases the salaries of special school's teachers to that of the
surrounding public school districts. The bill has also added many
other types of teacher in special facilities such as prisons and
youth centers and even the Orientation Center. The cost has
greatly risen due to these additions to this bill and the governor
feels that the Department of Personnel Administration, DPA, and
the unions will come to an agreement through collective
bargaining.
Please register your support of this bill by contacting the governor
either via phone at 916-445-2841 or write to:
Governor Gray Davis
First Floor
Capitol Building
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
Assembly Joint Resolution 1 by Sally Havice has been signed into
law by Governor Davis. This bill informs the Federal Government
that California will not endorse any weakening of the Americans
with Disability Act.
Resolution Chapter 82
AB 77 also by Assemblywoman Havice was also signed into law,
Chapter 62. This bill protects victims of crimes with disability in
the court room.
AB 1723 by Rod Wright, the "telephonic reader" bill is also in
suspense and the Department of Finance has tacked on an
additional 3 million dollar expense to this bill, and we feel this is an
erroneous assessment by "finance" and we are working to
convince the Davis Administration that the bill only specifies a
"one time" 2 million dollar expenditure from an already existing
account of the public utilities commission.
Please contact the governor to show your support on this bill as
well.
AB 306 by Darrio Frommer, the NFBC Braille bill also has an
erroneous fiscal tacked on to it by the Department of Finance.
Instead of the 1.6 million dollar costs which would be absorbed by
the $1000 million new yearly special education appropriation, the
Department of Finance estimates a $6.5 million
cost. We are also working to convince the Davis administration of
this error. The bill establishes the I.E.P team the requirement of
assessing functionally blind pupils in the use of braille.
The bill is currently on suspense in its final committee, assembly
appropriations.
AB 925 by Dion Aroner is a disability work related bill. The bill
seeks to allow disabled people who work to keep their medi-cal
benefits. The bill also makes accessible one-stops for all
disabilities. The bill has run into problems with the governor's and
may be killed by the author.
SB 136 by Liz Figeuroa has cleared assembly appropriations and
moves to the assembly floor. The measure extends the sunset of
the guide dog board for 4 more years.
The CCB website is currently under construction and will be up
very soon. The address is www.ccbnet.org
August 15, 2001
1. We are pleased to report that the over 40 year battle to obtain
needed federal funds promised to California's special education is
being partially met. The federal government has announced the
release of $500 million dollars plus an additional $100 million per
year. Although this does not bring the federal government up to
the promised 40 percent funding, it vastly increases funding over
what we have now.
This funding is a result of a long standing law suit.
2. Thanks to all of the ccb-l members who assisted the secretary
of state's webmaster in making their website accessible. Their
webmaster informs us that he is creating a text only link for his
site including voting registration.
3. Unfortunately, the acb website has been experiencing technical
difficulties and many features of the site including the acb affiliates
page have disappeared and it is unclear when these pages will
return. We assure all chapters, affiliates of CCB who have their
homepage on our page that Dan is working on the problem and we
will have news on this situation in a week or so.
4. CCB members Jeff Thom and Dan Kysor have been appointed
to the Secretary of State's Voting Accessibility task force. They
will review new and existing voting systems for accessibility and
help to formulate regulations.
5. We are also pleased to report that CCB member Ann Kysor has
been appointed to the Attorney General's "Disabled Victims of
Crime" statewide taskforce. Ann currently serves on the CCB
committee on Hate Crime and Domestic Violence and also serves
on the California Coalition on Victims of Crime with Disability.
6. AB 855 by John Dutra, Special Schools Salary Parody will be
heard in Assembly Appropriations Monday, August 20 at 9 am.
California School for the Blind and Deaf teachers are facing lower
pay than public school teachers in the surrounding school districts.
We need your help to put equity in teacher's pay. Contact
members of the Appropriations Committee and let them know you
support this bill.
Committee members are:
Carole Migden, Chair 916-319-2013; or call the committee number
at 916-319-319-2081
7. Our assistive dog legislation, SB 1190 by Deborah Ortiz will be
heard in Assembly Appropriations on August 22 as well as our BEP
Loan account bill, SB 87 by Nell Soto.
in room 4202 at 9 am.
8. We are please to announce that Assembly Joint Resolution 1
was signed by Governor Davis. This resolution affirms California's
commitment to the ada and tells the Federal government California
will not support attempts to weaken the ada.
9. AB 77 was also signed into law. This measure protects disabled
victims of crime in the courtroom.
10. AB 306 by Darrio Frommer will be heard in Senate
Appropriations on August 20 at 11 am in room 4203. This is the
NFBC Braille bill.
Contact the Senate Appropriations Committee and let them know
you support the bill Call 916-445-3284, Chair, Dede Alpert
11. AB 1723, Rod Wright, the state-wide toll free telephonic
reading system will be heard in Senate appropriations Room 4203
at 11 am. For support- call them at 916-445-3284.
12. AB 925 by Dion Aroner allows disabled people to work and
keep their medi-cal will be heard in assembly appropriations on
August 20th at 11 am in room 4203.
13. SB 136 by Liz Figeuroa is scheduled to be heard in assembly
appropriations on August 22 in room 4202 at 9: am.
14. Finally, several CCB and ACB members are attending the first
annual national "Pedestrian Safety Congress" held in Oakland this
week ending Saturday, August 18th.
Workshops and walking tours on a variety of topics including a
workshop by gene lozano on Pedestrian Safety from the Blind and
Visually Impaired Perspective and a workshop by Debbi Grub of
Guide Dog Users Inc.
July 17, 2001
1. Great news for all S.S.I. recipients, this years cost of living adjustment will be higher then
usual. Beginning January 1, 2002, the total grant for ssp/ssi will be 5.3% (5.3 percent)
Again, this is taking into consideration the entire grant.
2. Senate Bill 1190, our s.s.d.i. assistive dog allowance benefit increase legislation has passed
the senate and the policy committee of the Assembly and moves to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee probably around the 3rd week of August.
3. Our legislation regarding the re-establishment of the B.E.P. Revolving Loan Account has also
passed the Senate and its first policy hearing in the Assembly and also moves to Assembly
Appropriations where its expected to be heard also around
the 3rd week of August.
4. The N.F.B.C. Braille Bill has passed the Assembly and passed the Senate Education
Committee unanomously.
There is no opposition to this measure. The bill moves to Senate Appropriations.
5. AB 925 by Dion Aroner will keep medi-cal benefits available for employed disabled persons
has cleared the assembly and the senate health and human services committee.
It will move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The CCB has at least one resolution on this matter.
6. Assembly Joint Resolution 1 by Sally Havice urges the Federal Government to remain
committed to the Americans with Disability Act, A.D.A.This bill has cleared both houses and
goes to the Governor.
7. AB 89 by Patricia Bates, the I.H.S.S. Criminal Background and Fingerprinting measure is a
two-year bill.
8. The extension of the guide dog board, SB 136 by Liz Figueroa moves to its final committee
in the legislature, the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
9. SB 622 by Deborah Ortiz has stalled in committee and has become a two year bill. This bill
would expand denti-cal services.
10. Two bills on voting reform by Kevin Shelley hopefully will include voting machine
accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, AB 55 and AB 1520.
Assemblyman Shelley has asked the CCB to provide oral and written testimony on this issue. I
submitted a written letter and both the CCB resolution 00b-6 and the a.c.b. resolution 2000-42.
I provided testimony before the
Senate Elections and Reapportionment Committee where both bills were moved. They will be
heard in their final committee, senate appropriations.
The bill, AB 55 creates a voting reform commission.
11. AB 1723 by Rod Wright has passed the Senate Utilities and Energy Committee and moves
to Senate Appropriations.
The bill creates a toll free statewide number for a telephonic reading system.
June 27, 2001
1. Both our active bills, SB 1190 by the senate health and human services committee and our
bep revolving fund legislation, SB 87 will be heard in the assembly Human services committee
on Tuesday, July 10 at 1:30 pm in room 437. SB 1190 will increase the SSDI portion of the
assistive dog allowance to that of SSP beneficiaries.
2. AB 1723 by Roderick Wright, the toll free statewide telephonic reading system legislation
will be heard on Tuesday afternoon JJuly 3 in the Senate Energy & Utilities committee, room
112 in the state capitol.
3. SB 622 by Deborah Ortiz has stalled in Assembly Appropriations and is now a two year bill.
This bill increases the benefits within the denti-cal program.
4. SB 136, the guide Dog Board extension of sunset bill will be heard in the assembly business
and professions committee on tuesday, july 10th at 9 am in room 447 of the state capitol.
5. The nfbc braille bill, AB 306 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday
July 11th at 9 am in room 3191.
May 17, 2001
1. We are working on the assembly appropriations committee to remove AB 855 by John
Dutrafrom the suspence file. The bill would increase the salaries for special schools teachers in
the school for the blind and deaf to that of surrounding general education teachers. PHowever,
we need your help. Please let assembly appropriations know that this is a priority and that
disabled children have the same right to a quality education as non disabled children and that
we're tired of loosing good special schools teachers to these other districts. Contact the
appropriations committee at 916-319-2081
Suspence indicates that a bill has a financial impact and will either force the bill to die or it will
become a priority and move on to the other house.
Many of the bills we are tracking are between houses and will most likely be heard in policy
committees next month.
2. The Blind Students of California have put up their own website which may be accessed
through the ccb or acb website at www.acb.org/ccb
3. The Sensory Access Foundation, SAF is hiring for some new positions.
1. Low Vision adaptive technology specialist- pay 40 to 45 thousand
2. two adaptive technology trainers 35 to 38 thousand
please send resumes to Kenneth Frasse
1142 W. Evelyn Ave, Sunnyvale Fax 408-245-2762 or email kenneth at
kfrasse@sensoryaccessfoundation.com
3. Finally, they are looking for a "job developer" also paying 35 to 38 thousand. These positions
are at the new S A F center at the Earl Baum Center for the Blind 4539 Oxydental Rd in Santa
Rosa. Contact Diana Drews at the Sensory Access Foundation 408-245-7330 or fax at the
number mentioned above.
3. The deadline for articles submitted for the summer issue of the Blind Californian is June 1,
2001. Send your articles by this date to the editor, Winifred Downing
you can email her these articles at wmdowning@mindspring.com
4. A townhall meeting to discuss a commission for the blind will be held in San Diego at the San
Diego Center for the Blindon June 16.
We will have more information on this meeting as this date draws nearer.
5. The blind advisory council, bac, will be meeting at the Department of Rehabilitation to
discuss several rehab related issues.
Public comment is welcome. The meeting will be held on May 31 at 2000 Evergreen cross
Royal Oaks Blvd. The meeting will be from 9:30 to 3 p.m.
6. You may now request a sample of proposed braille changes to the braille code by emailing the
National Braille Press ecuran@nbp.org
May 10, 2001
1. Our BEP Revolving Loan legislation, SB 87 by Nell Soto passed unanomously this week on
the senate floor and moves to the Assembly.
2. AB 855 by John Dutra, the special schools "teacher parity salary" legislation has been put on
suspence until the senate can priortize this measure. All members should contact the Assembly
Appropriations Committee and let them know you feel that teachers for the blind at the school
for the blind are in need of better salaries and that we are loosing these good specially trained
teachers to surrounding school districts.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee may be reached via phone at 916-319-2081.
3. AB 1723, the telephone reader bill by Roderick Wright is on suspence but will probably come
off of suspence because the Department of Finance is favorable to the measure.
May 3, 2001
1. SB 87, our bep revolving loan fund legislation by nell soto passed senate appropriations
where it now moves to the senate floor.
2. SB 1190, our assistive dog allowance bill by the senate health committee also passed senate
appropriations and also passed the senate floor where it moves to the assembly human services
committee next month.
3. SB 622, by Deborah Ortiz, the expansion of dental services through medi-cal is on the
suspence list but has a favorable reception by the senate.
4. AB 1723 by the energy and commerce passed its first policy hearing and moves to
appropriations. This bill establishes a state wide toll free 800 number for a telephonic reading
system for blind and print impaired.
The bill now moves to assembly appropriations.
5. SB 136 by Liz Figueroa lifting the sunset of the board of guide dogs passed the business and
professions committee and moves to appropriations. The board will now continue 4 more years
until july 1, 2006.
6. sb 144 by kevin murray, sovereign imunity passed judiciary and moves to appropriations. The
bill would give permission to the federal government for the state to wave its imunity status on
being sued.
7. AB 306, the nfbc braille bill was put on suspence
April 26, 2001
1. Our pedestrian safety bill, AB 841 by Sally Havice has become a two year
bill due to language changes in the bill and the fact that we're seeking more
support.
2. AB 18 by Jerome Horton passed the assembly human services committee
and moves to appropriations. The bill would double the ssp allocation for
blind, aged and disabled who need to reside in non medical residential care
facilities.
3. AB 89 by Patricia Bates has become a two year bill due to widespread
opposition. The ccb is actively supporting this bill which would make
mandatory all criminal background checks for ihss workers and for the first
time, would require finger printing.
4. The NFBC braille bill, AB 306 by Darrio Frommer has passed the assembly
education committee on consent, meaning there is bi-partisan support and no
opposition. The bill would require blind and low vision pupils be assessed in
the use of braille and would require publishers to provide schools with text in
accessible formats within 30 days of the adoption of text.
5. SB 87 by Nell Soto will be heard on May 2nd in Senate appropriations.
The bill enjoys bi-partisan support. SB 87 would re-establish the revolving
loan fund for existing blind vendors in the bep.
6. The hate crime and racial profiling bill, SB 144 by Kevin Murray died in
committee. This bill would have created an 800 toll free number where
victims of hate crimes and racial profiling could report these acts.
7. SB 136, the legislative sunset review committee heard recomendations to utilize the bureau of
post secondary education for inspections of the guide dog schools and also utilizing the attorney
general's office for audits. According to the sunset review consultant, these are not mandates.
The bill will be heard in the business and professions committee. room 3191 on monday, april
330 after the rules committee meeting.
8. The Foundation for the Junior Blind in Los Angeles is looking for a person to direct their
program on independent living. For more information, call Bob Rals at 323-295-4555.
April 12, 2001
1. The Legislative Day is just around the corner so don't forget to contact Dan Kysor and let
him know if you will be there for either April 18 or 19th.
Folks who will be attending on wednesday the 18th will meet in room 447 at 9:30 am to
organize into groups to canvice your legislative members on the commission and other
important issues to us.
On Thursday the 19th, people will be meeting in the lobby of the hotel and Peter Pardini will be
providing talking point sheets on our issues for handouts to your state representitives.
Dan's office is 916-648-3936.
2. Legislation- Dan reports that the guide dog special allowance equity bill, SB 1190 is on
consent and will probably remain there as it goes through both houses.
3. A large turn out from guide dog users to the Legislative Sunset Review Committee was quite
impressive.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has reccomended changes to the guide dog board that
ccb, gduc and the schools have objected to which include:
additional board oversight, dropping of the instructor license and having the bureau of post
secondary education conduct the onsight inspections of the schools.
We submitted our testimony in writing to the committee and we hope the department will allow
the board to keep its current operating practices.
4. AB 855, the school for the blind & deaf sallary parody bill by Assemblyman Dutra passed the
Education Committee unanomously. Thanks to CCB members who attended this hearing.
The bill enjoys overwelming support from the community, Delaine Easton and the legislature. It
now moves on to the Appropriations Committee.
5. SB 622 by Deborah Ortiz was heard this week in Senate Health and Human Services. The
measure would expand dental coverage on medi-cal to now include dentures and orthodontic
treatment. The bill passed this committee and moves to Senate Appropriations.
6. The NFBC and the CCB both spent part of the week working members of the Senate
Government Organizations Committee for SB 105. Dan Kysor and Don Burns both spent two
days together visiting these committee members. This is the first time in many years that both
consumer organizations have lobbied together and some government officials commented on
this including a representitive from the governor's office.
7. Assembly Joint Resolution 1 has passed the assembly and now moves on to the senate.
This is a joint resolution affirming California's commitment to the ada and to overturn adverse
court decid\sions relating to this act.
8. Please register your support for AB 841 with members of the assembly transportation
committee.
AB 841, by Assemblywoman Sally Havice and co-authored by Kevin Shelley will be heard on
April 16th in the Assembly transportation committee at 1:30 pm in room 4202 in the state
capitol.
This is our pedestrian safety access commission legislation. The 17 member commission will
oversee such access concerns such as sidewalk barriers, unsafe streets, unsafe intersections, and
will identify unsafe areas and aid cities and counties in fixing these problem areas.
Please register your support with the transportation committee chair, john dutra either via phone
at 916-319-2020. Other committee members are:
Rod Pacheco, Patricia Bates, Marco Firebaugh, Dean Florez, Dennis Hollingsworth, Jay
LaSuer, Tim Leslie, Carol Liu, John Longville, Dennis Mountjoy, George Nakano Jenny
Oropeza, Joe Simitian, Virginia Strom-martin and Juan Vargas.
March 28, 2001
2. SB 87 by Nell Soto, our bep revolving loan fund legislation is scheduledalso on april 16th but
in the morning in senate appropriations in room 4203 at 9:30 a.m.
3. SB 1190 by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed out of their committee
on concent and moves to appropriations.
The bill brings the ssdi levels to that of the ssi level for the assistive dog allowance.
4. AB 306 by Dario Frommer, the nfbc braille bill will be heard in the Assembly education
committee the afternoon of april 18th during our legislative day.
The hearing will take place at 1:30 in room 4202. Please register your support of this bill by
contacting the committee chair, Virginia Strom-Martin at 916-319-2001. This bill was vetoed
last year but the sponsors have been working with the governor's office and have made some
changes to the bill in order to secure its passage.
5. AB 855 by john dutra the "teacher Parody" special schools bill will be heard in a special 1 pm
session on april 4 in room 4202. This bill brings the special schools salaries into par with that of
teachers in surrounding school districts. you may also contact virginia strom-martin to register
your support at 916-319-2001.
6. SB 622 by Senator Deborah Ortiz will add two medi-cal benefits to their "denti-cal" program.
The bill proposes to add medically necessary dentures and orthodontic services to the benefit.
The hearing is scheduled for the senate health and human services committee at 1:30 on april 4
in room 4203.
Register your support via phone to this committee by calling 916-445-5965.
Week of March 1, 2001
1. Our "pedestrian safety access" legislation has been authored by Assemblywoman Sally Havice
and co-authored by Assemblyman Kevin Shelley. The bill, AB 841 addresses access concerns
for all disabled and senior pedestrians and the general public.
Sidewalk barriers as well as safe streets . CCB is garnering a large coilition of pedestrian safety
organizations to push passage of this bill. For further information on this bill, contact dan kysor
or gene lozano.
The bill is expected to first be heard in the Assembly transportation committee next month.
2. SB 87, our BEP Revolving Loan Account legislation authored by Senator Nell Soto will be
heard in Senate Health and Human Services on Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 1:30 in room
4203 of the Capitol.
3. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has agreed to take our assistive dog ssdi
legislation as a committee bill. The bill would bring ssdi benefits for the assistive dog allowance
to the same level as ssi beneficiaries, $50. As of this writing, a bill number has not been
assigned.
4. The Commission bill SB 105 authored by Senator John Burton is expected to be heard in
Governmental Organizations, Don Perata Chair. Members of this committee include:
Ross Johnson, Jim Brulty, Joseph Dunn, Wes Chesbro, Maurice Johannessen, Betty Karnette,
Pete Knight, Mike Machado,Bill Morrow, Jack O'connel, Nell Soto and Edward Vincent.
Please let your legislators know you support all of one or all of these bills.
5. Amtrack Travel Special! if you plan to travel between now and june 15th you must make
reservations by may 11th to take advantage of a 1 2 free promotion amtrack has available.
the purson buying the first ticket pays current fair, the 2nd person pays 50% and the third
person goes free. This might be a real help for those going to the sacramento spring convention
or who are planning to take a vacation during this period.
To make reservations or get more info call 800-872-7245.
Week of January 26, 2001
1. We are pleased to report we now have a bill number for the california commission for the
blind legislation: SB 105. As you know, the bill seeks to transfer all services currently offered by
the department of rehabilitation to a new "commission for the blind and visually impaired". the
measure is expected to be heard in its first hearing mid march in the senate health and human
services committee.
2. as we reported last week, a town hall meeting of the blind alliance for rehabilitation change,
barc is being held saturday january 27th at the oakland lions blind center 3834 opal st. oakland.
the meeting is from 10 am to 3 pm and features discussions on improvement of services, the
legislative process and questions and answer sessions. if you are listening this on thursday or
friday, let charlotte cridell at the center know you are attending and if you are staying for lunch.
the lunch will be free. call her at 510-450-1580.
3. we will be announcing many other regional town hall meetings sponsored by barc throughout
the next few months.
The sacramento area will be holding a town hall meeting on february 10th from 11 to 4 p.m. at
the sacramento society for the blind, details to be announced while a barc town hall meeting will
be held in the san jose area on march 10th. please stay tuned to the connection for more details.
4. dan reports he is working the legislative cassette which will be sent to all chapter presidents,
board members and interested persons. he says that he will be including his presentation at the
last convention as well as an update on what he's doing in sacramento. if you are interested in
receiving a copy of this cassette, contact him at 916-648-3936 or email him at dan@kysor.net.
Monday January 22, 2001
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
Senator Burton has introduced the Commission for the Blind legislation. The bill number is SB
105
The first of several town hall meetings will be held in Oakland, the information follows:
Oakland Townh Hall Meeting- Employment and Training for California's Blind
and Visually Impaired
January 27, 2001
10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Lions Blind Center 3834 Opal St. Oakland Ca.
510-450-1580
Sponsored by the Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change, B.A.R.C.
--Agenda--
10:00 - 10:15 Opening Remarks- Cathie Skivers, President, California Council
of the Blind
10:15 - 11:00 "Why a commission for the Blind" Gil Johnson, Director,
American Foundation for the Blind- West and Al Gil, President, Tri Visual
Services for the Blind, Sacramento
11:00 - 11:30 "How can you help?" Jeff Thom, First Vice President, California
COuncil of the Blind
11:30 - 12:00 Public comment and qna Bert Boyer, Director, Lions Blind
Center, Oakland
12:00 - 1:00 lunch
1:00 - 1:30 "what is the commission and how it becomes law" dan kysor,
Director, Governmental Affairs, California Council of the Blind
1-30 - 1:40 break
1:40 - 3:00 public comment and qna Anita Aaron, Director, Rose Resnick
Lighthouse for the Blind, San Francisco
Friday January 19, 2001
1. Dan reports that we now have an author and bill number for our establishment of a revolving
loan account for blind vendors. Senator Nell Soto, district 32, pomona san bernadino and
fontana area has introduced this legislation, sb 87 on behalf of a couple of our members.
please contact any vendor friends you may have and urge them to support this bill.
2. The commission for the blind legislation authored by senator john burton still does not have
an assigned bill number yet but we will let you know as soon as we know what it is.
3. A seminar on improvement of employment and training services will be held in Oakland at the
Lion's Blind Center, 3834 Opal St. from 10 to 3 p.m.
This event will have members of the Blind Alliance for Rehabilitation Change, BARC and we
will discuss how you can make a difference in these most important services here in California.
For reservations, please contact Charlotte Cridell at 510-450-1580. The town meeting and lunch
will be free.
Please indicate wether you are staying for lunch.
4. The ccb web site has been recently updated and we will now be including audio archives of
important hearings using the broadband winamp mp3 format.
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