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2002 California Connection
California Connection for December 27, 2002
Notice for CCBNET users: The 2002 Connection information will resume
with fresh announcements for 2003. The 2002 announcements will be archived on this site.
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded on December 27th and will be updated January 3rd, 2003. The CCB executive office in Hayward will be closed for business until January 6th . Staff is working on inventory and all the details that must be com0pleted to transfer from my Presidency to Jeff Thom who takes office January 1st, 2003. You can reach Jeff at 916-995-3967 or leave him a message at our office on the 800-221-6359 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also e-mail him at jsthom@attbi.com.
I will be starting a new year with the California Connection. I believe I first recorded the Connection as chair of the Legislative Committee more than ten years ago. Since I am chair of Governmental Affairs for 2003 I seem to have come full circle. A reminder to all of you to continue to send your information for the Connection to the home office and if you send it by e-mail or snail mail, please "for the California Connection" at the top of your message. Also if you have lengthy information please try to condense it so that we have the relevant information in a short form. As you know, we are limited for telephone time for the Connection. I very much appreciate those of you who are good enough to send information for our news line.
My thanks to Sharleen Ornelas who sent us the good news that the city of San Diego has withdrawn fro the appeal being brought by the city of Sacramento that city is opposing a court case that was won concerning sidewalks in Sacramento and has appealed it to the Supreme Court. Congratulations to Sharleen and other members of CCB who attended a hearing to persuade the city of San Diego to encourage their withdrawal from the appeal.
Urgent: If your chapter of affiliate has not already submitted information about your fund-raisers for the year please get them into us immediately. Our Treasurer needs this information in order that we may submit it to our accountant and be ready to file the many forms that we must file at the years end. Please remember that dues are due and payable for 2003 as soon as possible after January first. We must be able to remit state dues to ACB by March first with a complete roster of our membership. When you submit your membership list with your dues please indicate who your officers are. We need to know who to contact in your various chapters and affiliates.
Here is a job announcement from Sacramento. Project Director, Senior Intensive Retreat. Society for the Blind, Sacramento, CA. Full-time position available immediately. Applications accepted until January 6th, 2003. Interviews and selection of candidate will follow immediately. E-mail resume and cover letter to: Bryan Bashin, Executive Director, Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. (916) 452-8271, extension 304. E-mail: director@societyfortheblind.org
I hope all of you had a happy Christmas for those of you who celebrate that day and a very happy holiday for those of you who celebrate other days. This was a special year for me, my sons all came home and I had a visit with Anna Marie my one and a half year old great granddaughter. Judging by the way she handled the family all day I suspect she will grow up to take on some kind of leadership sooner or later. I am working as President right down to the last minute with a teleconference on December thirtieth. As you all probably may have guessed, I will continue to work for CCB and ACB just as I always have. Jeff is going to be a great President for CCB. It is my hope that all of you will give him enthusiastic support. He is taking on a big job and he has a full time job that already keeps him very busy. So we will all need to get in there and help him as much as we can. If you have not told him what committees you would like to be on let us know.
Mitch Pomerantz will have the phone listing at his house for the Los Angeles Area office. John Lopez has done this for us for several years and deserves our thanks for a job well done. John was able to speak to people in Spanish as well as English which is most helpful in that area of the state. Donna Pomerantz speaks Spanish fluently and so we will be able to offer replies to messages in both languages.
On behalf of Jeff, staff and myself, I wish you a very happy new year. May the best of everything come your way. I am already scheduled for many meetings for 2003 but I am planning to take a little time off now and then. Have a great day or evening and keep in touch with the Connection. Sincerely, Catherine Skivers
California Connection for December 20, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded on December 20th and will be updated December 27th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
The CCB office will be closed from December 24th until January 6th . Staff will be working some of this time on inventory and transition tasks. I will be checking for messages at the office and, of course, will be available at 510-357-1986 for items for the California Connection. If you call the CCB office and get no voicemail response the office has recently experienced some power outages during the stormy weather. Power outages render our telephones and voice messaging equipment inoperable and we apologize for this inconvenience.
Jeff Thom was in the CCB Executive office last Friday and Saturday and met with staff, Peter Pardini and myself. Jeff will use his cell phone for those who need to contact him directly or for immediate assistance. That number is 916-995-3967. His e-mail address is jsthom@attbi.com. The meetings held were very productive and the transition from one Presidency to the other is going quite nicely.
Commencing in 2003, the CCB will be establishing a new committee, entitled the Sports and Recreation Committee. Its goal, although only generally discussed at this point, will be the promotion of sports and similar activities for blind and visually impaired Californians. The committee's co-chairs will be Lisamaria Martinez and Lucia Greco. We can look forward to exciting things from this committee. Anyone interested in becoming a member of this committee can
e-mail Jeff personally or contact the office.
Jeff Thom installed the officers of Bay View Chapter at their Christmas party held at Pier 29 in Oakland, December 15th. Fifty-seven people attended this party and Bay View very much appreciates those who came from the Silicon Valley Council, the Golden Gate and San Francisco Chapters. A great time was had by all.
Dan Kysor and I will be at the state capitol on December 13th. Among the many things we will be doing will be a visit with Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally. Since nothing is really going to be happening for this next few weeks, we do not have anything to report for legislation at this time. We are working to introduce at least two bills immediately which we will tell you about at the first part of the year.
Students have an excellent opportunity to obtain scholarships from the American Council of the Blind. The 2003 - 04 application is available for submission on their web site which is www.acb.org. Approximately 30 blind and visually impaired students will be receiving scholarships for this period. The winners will be honored in Pittsburgh, PA at the national convention to be held July 5 to 12, 2003. Cassette copies for information purposes are also available from the ACB national office upon request. Applications must be submitted and supporting documentation provided by March 1, 2003. For additional information please contact, either Terry Pacheco or Crystal Monk at 1-800-424-8666.
The ACB Legislative Seminar will be held March 23 - 25, 2003. Registration forms for this year's seminar will be available in January. There will be an article in the December - January issue of the Braille Forum. The seminar will be held at the Washington Terrace Hotel, 1550 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, DC. This hotel has been renovated and was formerly the Double Tree Park Terrace Hotel. Rates are $149, plus tax. The telephone number of the hotel is 202-232-7000. The CCB board of directors has voted to send eight people to this seminar. California has fifty-four members in the House of Representatives plus two senators, so our delegates to the seminar will have their work cut out for them.
The California School for the Blind (CSB) will sponsor a traveling exhibit from the Marie and Eugene Callahan Museum. It is a unique collection with extensive research on the Educational history of Blind People. CSB is inviting schools, parents, agencies, corporations and the general public to this special exhibit. This is the first of four traveling exhibitions, Hands-On Reading and Writing. It describes the evolution of tactile writing for blind people from the first experiments in the eighteenth century to the development of Braille and the invention of the Braille Writer. The exhibit uses original artifacts, reproductions, graphics, tactile exhibits and hands-on activities. Braille labels, audio text and descriptions provide accessibility. It is an exhibit that will heighten awareness of the process and development of reading and writing tools for blind individuals. Date: Jan. 13 - Feb. 13, 2003. Time: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Mon. - Fri.). Location: California School for the Blind, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536. Please call James Rudder at 510-794-3800, Extension (208) for an appointment.
The Oakland, CA based Disability Rights Advocate (DRA) is a non-profit legal center dedicated to protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States and the world. Recently it has come to the attention of DRA of access violations in the city of San Rafael which impact persons who are blind or visually impaired. The city has failed to install detectable warnings on curb ramps and blended corners as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Code of Regulations Title 24. Also the city has failed to address the need for accessible pedestrian signals when new signals are installed or when existing signals are upgraded. Melissa Kasnitz, staff attorney at DRA (ph (510)-451-8511 or email
mkasnitz@dralegal.org) would like to speak with any person who is blind or visually impaired regarding any access problems they have experienced while traveling in the city of San Rafael. These individuals do not have to reside within the city of San Rafael to bring up access issues to Ms. Kasnitz.
As many of you are already aware Silvana Rainey, Steven Clark and Chrissy Dodds recently opened business as Adaptive Technology Services and the reception has been fabulous. This company is devoted to providing quality services such as training, scripting, evaluations and technical support to the community. Services and costs:
Work-site computer evaluation @ $600.00
Installation and set-up @ $200.00
On-site training @ $95.00 per hour
On-site technical support @ $95.00 per hour
Scripting @ $125.00 per hour
Consultation
Systems: Windows and Macintosh platforms, network systems
Applications: Word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases, scanning software, email, internet browsers, photo re-touching software, desktop publishing software, music notation software
Assistive technology: All screen readers, screen magnification programs, scanning /reading systems, note-taking devices
The above are the basic prices for the services we provide; for a detailed estimate or any questions please contact Chrissy Dodds at:
866 564 6650 (toll free) or cdodds@adaptivetec.com. Please visit our website at www.adaptivetec.com,
On behalf of the staff, Jeff Thom and myself, I wish you a very happy holiday season and hope that Santa brings you all the things you hope to receive. But remember to be careful what you wish for, you might get it! Have a good day or evening and don't forget to send items for the California Connection. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for December 13, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded on December 13th and will be updated December 20th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
Madeline Devano well known for her work with video description of plays and movies died on November 20th, 2002. She lost a battle with cancer which she had waged for some time. Her friends had a memorial service for her in the San Jose area. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Yesterday, December 12th, I attended a board of directors meeting at the Earle Baum Center followed by a great luncheon and party. At least 80 people were on hand to enjoy turkey, ham and all the trimmings. I had the opportunity to play the piano for some carol singing and to enjoy listening to the drum corps they have at Earle Baum. They are really good. Tony Candela from AFB is also on the board and he and Marilyn Koehler and I left the meeting early and went to visit George Fogarty who resides in Santa Rosa. George was very happy to see us. While he has a terrible time with his hearing his mind is just like always and he remains just as sharp as he can be. He talked with us about his time as a rehabilitation counselor. He explained that the way it should be done is for clients to get good training and for the rehab people to get out and go to the employers and then bring qualified clients to them. He said that he never tried to sell the client to the employer because blind and visually impaired people have to do that themselves. But he did admit that he had a selling job to do with most employers. I saw to it that Santa Claus gave me some things to drop off for George he now has a Christmas decoration on his door of small Christmas tree and some cookies and candy. For me this visit will be the highlight of the holidays. George is not very well. He said yesterday morning he woke up and was going to call Kaiser and then he remembered I was going to visit and thought better of it. He still has his fantastic sense of humor and the Irish blarney. When I told him that yesterday was Marilyn Koehler's 31st wedding anniversary, he told her that he didn't know that they let people get married so young. We enjoyed our visit with him and all the way back to the Bay Area we talked about how amazing he is as he heads for his 92nd year of life.
Jeff Thom arrived in the Bay Area on December 12th I had a chance to meet with him and we talked about committees. A reminder to you all that if you have an interest in being part of a committee and have not contacted Jeff, you ought to do so immediately. Jeff will be in town this weekend. He, staff and I will meet today. Tomorrow Peter Pardini, our Treasurer, will join us. We will have an effective transfer of the Presidency. We are beginning by having Jeff and I switching jobs. He has been an outstanding Chair for the Governmental Affairs Committee. Now he will be President and I am going into the job of being Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee.
Dan is already hard at work in Sacramento. He is looking up sections of laws that we need in order to go forward with proposed legislation. As you all know, what determines the legislative program for CCB is dependent upon the resolutions we pass and motions that are made by the board and membership. It was gratifying to hear on television and have read from the newspapers, that Senator John Burton plans to do what he can to keep the state from trying to balance the budget on the backs of the poor, the blind, the aged and disabled. Although they say that California's state budget is 21.1 billion dollars, they are also now saying it could be 30 billion. Tremendous cuts are proposed to the Department of Education and all other state departments. One way the cuts are being made are when people retire from our public agencies, their positions simply will not be filled. Both the departments ff Rehabilitation and Education have numerable jobs that have already been lost which is going to make it tough for us to keep the programs going that we need in those areas. No doubt the Social Services Department is in the same boat. For the time being, I am going to be handling the California Connection. That is probably a very good thing since, as we develop legislation, I will be able to get information to you quickly, and of course, for those of you who watch the website, Dan will have information immediately available for you there as well.
The Bay View Chapter of CCB will have its holiday party on Sunday and Jeff Thom will be there to install officers for that chapter. We will be proud to have him with us.
Silicon Valley Council of the Blind Annual Holiday Party, Saturday, December 21, 2002, 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Monte Vista Terrace, 1101 Grant Road, Dining Room, Mountain View, CA. Lobby Entrance.
This is a potluck and everyone is urged to bring your favorite dish which can serve 6 people. SVCB will provide ham, turkey, utensils, cups and so forth. However, you are reminded to bring a spoon, knife, fork, or whatever you need, to serve the dish you bring. Pam Row is available to answer any questions you have and is willing to give you some suggestions she has for recipes you might want to use. You can reach Pam at 650-965-0347.
Mervyn Dymally, has returned to Sacramento as an Assemblyman after several years absence. Dan spoke with him yesterday and Assemblyman Dymally remembers me from the old days when I was in Sacramento a lot lobbying, as Dan does now. He talked to Dan in person and said he wanted to see me and talk with me and so Dan and I have an appointment for January 13th with him. I am looking forward to it. I think we have a few good friends at the legislature and with your help, Dan and I will work to have a lot more friends there by the end of the next year.
Keep in touch have a good day or evening. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for December 6, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded on December 6th and will be updated December 13th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
On Dec 5th I attended a meeting of the Community Advisory Committee at the California School for the Blind (CSB) in Fremont. We heard from 5 students who are visiting public schools and telling their students about CSB and what they do at the school. They enjoy what they are doing very much and one young man said that it had helped in his school. He said before the students visited no one spoke to the blind student but since their visits had begun that has changed. Before visiting one class the students got the names of the people who would be there and had them put into Braille in the fortune cookies which the school sells. They explained that Braille is like a code and that people would have to decipher the name in their fortune cookie. The people in the class they were visiting got up and started interacting with the students from CSB. The person who takes them out on these visits thought it was great and the kids got along real well and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
We heard the not so good news that the new superintendent of schools has been advised by the Governor that he will be appointing a secretary of education who will serve on the cabinet and that they will take over most of the duties of the state superintendent of public instruction. Three bills have been introduced SB6, SB7 and AB56. They do part of what the governor is asking. It looks as though the CCB Governmental Affairs Committee and Dan Kysor will have our work cut out for us and we will sure be looking to all of you for help.
If you want to obtain copies of this year's Literacy Proclamation, please contact Dan Kysor at
916-371-1514. If this is difficulty for you to do call our office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and we will pass the message on to Dan.
We had the sad news yesterday that Gussie Morgan's brother had passed away and she has gone to Mississippi to attend his funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gussie and her family. The balance of this connection will concern Christmas and holiday parties since that seems to be what is on everybody minds these days.
A reminder to you all to notify Jeff Thom with your committee interests. You can contact him at
916-429-8201 or you can call our office at 510-537-7877 and we will pass the information on to him.
Silicon Valley Council of the Blind Annual Holiday Party, Saturday, December 21, 2002, 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Monte Vista Terrace, 1101 Grant Road, Dining Room, Mountain View, CA. Lobby Entrance. Come one, come all, to the SVCB Holiday Party! Bring family and friends and a potluck dish for each person (3 guests = 4 dishes). Each dish should serve 6 people. Bring an item that's a tradition in your family. Don't forget to bring a spoon, fork and/or knife for serving your contribution. I have recipes, suggestions and ideas for those who don't cook. Please call me at 650-965-0347 and, if I am not home, leave a message and I will call you back ASAP. SVCB will provide a turkey, ham, plates, utensils and napkins. We are desperate for volunteers so if you have anyone you can bring please do so. There will be entertainment, door prizes and lots of great food so mark your calendar.
The Earl Baum Center will hold its annual holiday party on December 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will be a potluck so you can bring whatever you want. No reservations are required. The address is 4539 Occidental Road in Santa Rosa. If you have any questions call 707-523-3222.
The Glendale-Burbank Chapter is having its Christmas party at Geneo's Restaurant in Burbank on December 14th. The social hour begins at 5 and dinner will be served at 6:30 P.M. We will have three choices for dinner: salmon, steak, or a vegetarian pasta. If you wish you can bring a grab bag gift. If you bring one you can select one to take home with you. The cost is $25.00 and reservations must be made by December 7th. Please call Teddie-Joy Remhild at (818) 848-2475 or Ardis Bazyn at (818) 238-9321.
The Bay View Chapter will hold its annual holiday party on December 15th at the Pier 29 Restaurant located at 300 29th Avenue in Oakland. Three entrees will be available they are Salmon, Chicken Marsala and Roast Beef. Members will pay $15, non-members $20. The party begins at 4:00 p.m. If you wish you may bring a gift which costs no more than $5 for a gift exchange. Only those who wish to participate by bringing a gift will be able to take one home with them. To make reservations call Charlotte Criddell 510-450-1580 by December 7th. You can pay Charlotte or Elizabeth Deeff.
Keep sending your articles to the Connection. We want to make it as interesting as we can for everyone. Thanks you. Cathie Skivers
California Connection for November 29, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been recorded on November 29th and will be updated December 6th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for this year with the passage of SB105, and it looks very much as though the Segway has been banned on San Francisco sidewalks.
It is early, but you may want to start thinking about our spring convention which will be held April 9th through the 13th at the Arden West Hilton Hotel in Sacramento. Once again the cost will be $70 per room night for single or double accommodations. The fall convention is scheduled to be held October 15th through the 19th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. It will be good to get back to two hotels where they know us and usually are able to comfortably handle our needs.
Jeff Thom will be in the Bay Area to work with CCB staff, Peter, and myself on a smooth transition of our office procedures. Dan is already planning to start working on legislation some time in December so we don't have much to report at this time. Please notify Jeff as soon as possible as to the committees on which you would like to serve.
The $10,000 scholarship raffle prize drawing was held in Washington, DC on November 27th. It was won by Sandy Sanderson and Lynn Koral from Anchorage, Alaska. None of the prizes made their way to California although CCB had bought five tickets and several individuals had bought some as well.
The Department of Transportation has a new website for persons with disabilities to make comments about their various services. It is www.fta.dot.gov/reauthorization. For more details check the American Council of the Blind Washington Connection.
For Sale: KURZWEIL 1000, brand new-never opened; includes a CD and cassette tape announcing new features. Sells on the open market for $995; will sell for $500. Call Rhonda King at 916-349-9960 or E-Mail imjoking@earthlink.net.
Pyramid Chapter - CCB is having their 8th annual luncheon fund raiser at the Furana Hotel, 8601 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045, phone 310-670-8111, on December 7th, 2002, 12 Noon to 4 P.M. Tickets are $30 per person for chicken or London Broil. To make reservations contact Ahmad Rahman at 310-327-0463 or Onetta Sally at 310-678-1299, no later than December 5th.
Alameda County Chapter presents a "Day At the Movies 2" featuring the audio described original version of "A Miracle on 34th Street". Showing December 7th, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline Street in Berkeley. Cost per person is $5.00 which includes an initial snack and soda. Additional sodas are 50 cents each. For reservations please call Pam at 510-548-3770 no later than December 4th.
The Lions Center for the Blind in Oakland is having a holiday party December 10th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Their address is 3834 Opal Street, Oakland. There is no charge for the party which is given for clients and other friends. It is necessary to make a reservation if you plan to attend so that enough food can be ordered for everyone. Make reservations with Charlotte Criddell at 510-450-1580 by December 5th.
The Earl Baum Center will hold its annual holiday party on December 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will be a potluck so you can bring whatever you want. No reservations are required. The address is 4539 Occidental Road in Santa Rosa. If you have any questions call 707-523-3222.
The Glendale-Burbank Chapter is having its Christmas party at Geneo's Restaurant in Burbank on December 14th. The social hour begins at 5 and dinner will be served at 6:30 P.M. We will have three choices for dinner: salmon, steak, or a vegetarian pasta. If you wish you can bring a grab bag gift. If you bring one you can select one to take home with you. The cost is $25.00 and reservations must be made by December 7th. Please call Teddie-Joy Remhild at (818) 848-2475 or Ardis Bazyn at (818) 238-9321.
The Bay View Chapter will hold its annual holiday party on December 15th at the Pier 29 Restaurant located at 300 29th Avenue in Oakland. Three entrees will be available they are Salmon, Chicken Marsala and Roast Beef. Members will pay $15, non-members $20. The party begins at 4:00 p.m. If you wish you may bring a gift which costs no more than $5 for a gift exchange. Only those who wish to participate by bringing a gift will be able to take one home with them. To make reservations call Charlotte Criddell 510-450-1580 by December 7th. You can pay Charlotte or Elizabeth Deeff.
From Dan Kysor webmaster, all of the general sessions and the banquet from our fall convention are available on www.ccbnet.org in the form of mp3 streaming.
The recorded Connection may be delayed today due to telephone problems I am having at my home . It is not possible to record the Connection from the office.
Have a nice day or evening. And keep in touch with the Connection. Thanks you.
Sincerely, Catherine Skivers
Special Announcement on Segway Ban Ordinance in San Francisco
Dear Members and Friends: The California Council of the Blind (CCB) was pleased to join the Senior Action Committee and others to testify on behalf of legislation which would ban the Segway in San Francisco. I was delighted to learn the news early this morning that San Francisco Supervisors had voted to ban the Segway from San Francisco streets.
The city of San Francisco moved quickly because unless cities determine that they do not want the Segway to be used on their sidewalks by March 1, 2003, there may be a problem in their being able to do it at all. Enclosed is suggested legislative language should you wish to undertake banning this unsafe device from your city streets. We will be sending a letter of congratulations to San Francisco for their leadership in the matter.
The only two organizations for the blind testifying against the Segway on November 14th were the Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco and the CCB.
In my testimony I pointed out that we have two chapters of CCB in San Francisco.
While we were unsuccessful in stopping passage of SB1918, the banning of the Segway in San Francisco is a source of great encouragement to us. If members and friends take initiative in their own cities, we well may keep this hazardous piece of equipment off of sidewalks in California.
Sincerely, Catherine Skivers, CCB President
Model Ordinance for the Prohibition of the Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device
Be it enacted by the (City Council of the City of ) (Board of Supervisors of the County of ), as follows:
It shall be unlawful to operate an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in Section 313 of the Vehicle Code, on any sidewalk within the jurisdiction of this (city or county).
The term pedestrian" shall not, for any purposes, be deemed to include an electric personnel assistive mobility device, as defined in Section 313 of the Vehicle Code.
California Connection for November 22, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been recorded on November 22nd and will be updated November 29th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. The office will be closed on November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
Jeff Thom will be coming to the office in Hayward in mid-December for a meeting with Peter Pardini, the office staff and myself. We are working on the transition from this President to the new President. Jeff asked that anyone interested in any CCB committee assignments for next year to contact him. He can be reached via e-mail jsthom@attbi.com or by phone (home), (916)-429-8201. In order to encourage increased participation, excluding the Governmental Affairs Committee because of its large size, no person will serve on more than three committees. Although most committee chairs will not be announced until January, it is gratifying to note the Cathie Skivers has agreed assume the chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee. A special note with respect to the Membership Committee, which will be co-chaired by Rhonda King and Ardis Bazyn. This committee will consist of approximately seven individuals, and anyone interested will need to work extremely hard. Each member will serve as a liaison to a small number of affiliates so that a membership plan can be formed for every local chapter and special interest affiliate in CCB. Finally, although its exact role is yet to be determined, a CCB Convention Committee will be established. The other CCB committees include, Advocacy Committee, Awards Committee, California Employment Assistance Committee, Committee on Access and Transportation, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Credentials Committee, Crisis Committee, Devotional Services Committee, Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes Committee, Education Committee, Finance and Budget Committee, Fund Raising Committee, Publications Committee, Public Relations Committee, Rehabilitation Services Committee, Resolutions Committee, Scholarship Committee, Senior Blind Committee, and the Technology Committee.
The Thrift Store, from which CCB will benefit, will open November 21st. They are in the 818 area code but solicitations will be made from the 310 area code. We hope to receive contributions of household and other goods from those living in West Los Angeles for now. CCB has been experiencing a problem because phone calls have been made from people claiming to represent CCB and asking for donations to thrift stores for us. We have not had a thrift store for many years. If you receive a call and are not in the 818 or 310 area codes, try to obtain a telephone number where the solicitor can be reached. We need to put an end to the illegal use of our name.
Mitch and Donna Pomerantz will leave for South Africa November 22nd returning December 7th. They will be making presentations about people with disabilities and talking about services to disabled people.
For Sale: KURZWEIL 1000, brand new-never opened; includes a CD and cassette tape announcing new features. Sells on the open market for $995; will sell for $500. Call Rhonda King at 916-349-9960 or E-Mail imjoking@earthlink.net.
Alameda County Chapter presents a "Day At the Movies 2" featuring the audio described original version of "A Miracle on 34th Street". Showing December 7th, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline Street in Berkeley. Cost per person is $5.00 which includes an initial snack and soda. Additional sodas are 50 cents each. For reservations please call Pam at 510-548-3770 no later than December 4th.
The Lions Center for the Blind in Oakland is having a holiday party December 10th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Their address is 3834 Opal Street, Oakland. There is no charge for the party which is given for clients and other friends. It is necessary to make a reservation if you plan to attend so that enough food can be ordered for everyone. Make reservations with Charlotte Criddell at 510-450-1580 by December 5th.
The Earl Baum Center will hold its annual holiday party on December 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will be a potluck so you can bring whatever you want. No reservations are required. The address is 4539 Occidental Road in Santa Rosa. If you have any questions call 707-523-3222.
The Glendale-Burbank Chapter is having its Christmas party at Geneo's Restaurant in Burbank on December 14th. The social hour begins at 5 and dinner will be served at 6:30 P.M. We will have three choices for dinner: salmon, steak, or a vegetarian pasta. If you wish you can bring a grab bag gift. If you bring one you can select one to take home with you. The cost is $25.00 and reservations must be made by December 7th. Please call Teddie-Joy Remhild at (818) 848-2475 or Ardis Bazyn at (818) 238-9321.
The Bay View Chapter will hold its annual holiday party on December 15th at the Pier 29 Restaurant located at 300 29th Avenue in Oakland. Three entrees will be available they are Salmon, Chicken Marsala and Roast Beef. Members will pay $15, non-members $20. The party begins at 4:00 p.m. If you wish you may bring a gift which costs no more than $5 for a gift exchange. Only those who wish to participate by bringing a gift will be able to take one home with them. To make reservations call Charlotte Criddell 510-450-1580 by December 7th. You can pay Charlotte or Elizabeth Deeff.
From Dan Kysor webmaster, all of the general sessions and the banquet from our fall convention are now available on www.ccbnet.org in the form of mp3 streaming. Our thanks to Paul Merrell for the fine audio production job he did of our fall convention.
I hope you have enjoyed the Connection. Have a happy Thanksgiving. Sincerely,
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for November 15, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been recorded on November 15th and will be updated November 22nd. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday, all day and evening on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
On November 14th I attended a special hearing regarding banning Segway scooters from San Francisco Sidewalks. It was held at City Hall and I was among many whom testified on behalf of the proposed ordinance to keep Segways away from pedestrians. I had listened to "60 Minutes 2" on Wednesday evening, November 13th, where two entire segments of their program were dedicated to Segway. They did, at least, show some opposition to using the Segway on sidewalks because of serious safety issues. The Segway weighs 80 pounds and can travel 12.5 miles per hour or more. One person testified that he rides a bicycle and when he jumps off it stops. In a recent demonstration put on by Segway, the person jumped off and the Segway continued for 20 feet hitting and cracking a marble wall. We will continue to watch what happens in San Francisco and let you know.
From Dan Kysor we have received some information about Social Security. The 2003 social security benefit will increase for blind and visually impaired individuals. The individual rate for the federal portions will increase to $552 while the couple rate will increase to $829. SSI along with the state portion will increase twice during 2003. The first increase will occur on January 1, 2003. The individual rate will be $819 while the couple rate will be $1556. The 2nd increase will be on June 1, 2003. The individual rate will be $842 while the couple rate will be $1602. For further information, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Urgent advocacy is needed.
As many of you may know, the city of Sacramento, in the case of Barden v. City of Sacramento is asking the United States Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a decision holding that sidewalk access falls within the program access requirements of the ADA. The city is asking cities all over the state and nation to join its effort to have the Supreme Court take the case and ultimately to overturn our ADA rights. Please help us by writing immediately to your mayors and city councils in order to urge them not to join Sacramento. Below you will find a message that includes a form letter that you can use, to the extent it meets your needs. Whatever you do, urgent action is necessary, and your help is greatly appreciated.
Jeff Thom
First vice president, California Council of the Blind
Hi folks:
At the bottom of this email, you will find a form letter for distribution to
anyone you think appropriate, asking cities to decline to support the City
of Sacramento in its efforts to overturn the 9th Circuit decision in Barden
v. Sacramento. Please encourage people to write about their own
experiences, or otherwise elaborate to make the letter more persuasive.
However, all efforts are welcome.
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you want any further
information about the case
Melissa W. Kasnitz, Staff Attorney
Disability Rights Advocates
449 Fifteenth Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
510/451-8644
Fax: 510/451-8511
TTY: 510/451-8716
Date
Your name
Your address
Mayor or City Councilmember
Address
Dear Mayor/City Councilmember,
It has come to my attention that the City of [your city] has been asked by
the City of Sacramento, California, to join its appeal of a court decision
requiring that the City make its sidewalks accessible to people with
disabilities. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has already determined
that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires cities to take reasonable
steps over time to remove access barriers on public sidewalks. Rather than
comply with the law, the City of Sacramento has chosen to spend time and
resources appealing the decision to the United States Supreme Court.
As a [person with a disability/friend of people with disabilities/senior
citizen,] I find the City of Sacramento's position unacceptable and strongly
urge the City of [your city] not to support it. People with disabilities
are residents and taxpayers of this city. [We/they] need our sidewalks to
be free of obstacles and barriers so that [we/they] can shop, work, and
enjoy our neighborhoods. As a matter of good public policy, it is in this
city's interest to preserve the safety of its streets and sidewalks, to
guarantee accessibility to its citizens and visitors, and to be in
compliance with the law. Safe and accessible sidewalks benefit not only
people with disabilities but many others as well: seniors, parents with
strollers, delivery people, walkers, joggers, and bicyclists are just a few
that come to mind.
I hope that you and all other city officials will support accessibility for
everyone in our community by declining to join the City of Sacramento's
appeal. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
2002 Election Summary
California Democrats Tuesday withstood a national tide that saw Republicans regain control of the U.S. Senate and increase their majority in the House of Representatives.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Gray Davis defeated Republican challenger Bill Simon by a surprisingly narrow five-point margin.
Pollsters are reporting a majority of voters who cast ballots expressed unfavorable impressions of both candidates, perhaps accounting for what is expected to be a record low turnout of eligible voters in California.
Democrats, who held all but one of the statewide offices prior to Tuesday, completed a sweep of downballot offices as Democrat Jack O'Connell easily defeated his GOP opponent in his bid to become the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Not since 1946 has one party swept all of the statewide offices.
Final results for constitutional offices:
Candidate
Party
Percent
Governor
Gray Davis
*Dem
47.4
Bill Simon
Rep
42.4
Lt. Governor
Cruz Bustamante
*Dem
49.5
Bruce McPherson
Rep
41.7
Secretary of State
Kevin Shelley
Dem
46.3
Keith Olberg
Rep
42.3
Controller
Steve Westley
Dem
45.4
Tom McClintock
Rep
45.0
Treasurer
Phil Angelides
*Dem
49.4
Philip Conlon
Rep
40.5
Attorney General
Bill Lockyer
*Dem
51.4
Dick Ackerman
Rep
40.3
Insurance Commissioner
John Garamendi
Dem
46.6
Gary Mendoza
Rep
41.6
Supt. of Public Instruction
Jack O'Connell
Dem
61.8
Katherine Smith
Rep
38.2
(*)incumbent
In races for the House of Representatives, Democrats solidified their comfortable majority by picking up one seat allocated the state after the most recent census. California's congressional delegation now stands at 33 Democrats and 20 Republicans.
In the state Senate, Democrats maintained a 26-14 advantage over Republicans, while the GOP picked up two seats in the state Assembly but still remain outnumbered in the lower house, 48-32.
This item is from Peter Pardini. Help support the California Council of the Blind by purchasing an Entertainment Book. These books are filled with hundreds of half-off and two-for-one coupons. Save money on dining, shopping, attractions & travel. Entertainment books are available for various areas in California including: East Bay Area, Fresno, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco/San Mateo, San Jose & Sonoma/Marin. Entertainment books range in price from $20 to $45. These books make great gifts and are available for more than 150 cities across North America. For additional information or to purchase a book contact Obbie Schoeman at 818-790-3993 or purchase an Entertainment book online at www.entertainment.com. Be sure to enter account # 570347 so that CCB get credit for the purchase.
From Jessica Lorenz. The Associated Blind Inc. in partnership with The Washington Center invites
all eligible students to apply for an exciting Internship through a program
called "Work in Washington." "Work In Washington" brings blind and visually
impaired college students internship opportunities long offered to their
non-disabled peers. The internship is open to all majors. 1. E-mail a brief letter of inquiry to Mr. Jywanza Maye at jmaye8@hotmail.com about possible internships in Washington D.C. The letter should contain your name, the school that you currently attend, major and current status. Complete Work in Washington Application Form Online at http:///www.esight.org and click on the apply for Work In Washington link. We recommend that students use the list of application questions to prepare their answers off-line and then return and enter their answers on-line. If you require assistance with the application or have any questions, contact Jywanza Maye at (212) 766-6800 ext. 118 or by e-mail at jmaye8@hotmail.com.
Item provided by Lillian Scaife. In compliance with the Federal Communications Commission's new requirement to provide services for the visually impaired community, Lifetime Television will provide video descriptions of on-screen action during selected prime-time programming, beginning April 1. Lifetime will air several programs with video descriptions each week, including most Monday night movies at 9 pm et/pt. You can access Lifetime's video descriptions by tuning in to your regular Lifetime channel and then turning on the SAP audio on your television set. Not all cable and satellite systems in the United States are required to participate in the video description initiative, so if you are having difficulty receiving the audio, you should check with your local cable provider. If the provider is not able to help you, please let Lifetime know and we will follow up with the provider.
The Concord Independent Living Resource is currently taking Paratransit complaints statements. We would like to hear from people who have any access or paratransit service policy problems in Contra Costa County. We are working towards improving Paratransit services. Please contact Roger Acuna at (925) 363-7293.
We have a couple of announcements relating to employment. They will be put on the e-mail and website in their entirety but they are far too lengthy for this connection. Included here are the important details. You can call the office to have them read if you are interested in applying (510-537-7877).
Position: Bicycle/Pedestrian Technical Advisory Committee Member
Final Filing Date: November 20, 2002
Purpose and Duties of Bicycle/Pedestrian Technical Advisory Committee
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Technical Advisory Committee (BPTAC) is an advisory Committee to staff of the City's Development and Environmental Services Department/Traffic Engineering Section on matters pertaining to bicycle and pedestrian issues. Committee member's duties and responsibilities are:
* Propose, select, review and prioritize bicycle/pedestrian projects when necessary.
* Participate in the development and review of a citywide comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan.
* Provide input to staff on a variety of issues such as bicycle/pedestrian safety, education, maintenance, trails, bikeways and walkways.
* Attend meetings with staff as necessary.
Requirements: Interested applicants must live or work in the City of Fremont and be available to attend meeting on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Interest Letter: Interested applicants shall submit a letter to the City of Fremont containing the following information: name, address, telephone (home and work), e-mail address, a brief summary expressing why you want to serve on the Committee and any qualifications, experiences or affiliations you feel would provide positive input to the work of the Committee.
Please mail, fax or e-mail letter of interest to:
Rene Dalton
Associate Transportation Engineer
City of Fremont
Development & Environmental Services Department
39550 Liberty Street
P.O. Box 5006
Fremont, CA. 94537-5006
Phone: (510) 494-4535
Fax: (510) 494-4645
Email rdalton@ci.fremont.ca.us
The Lions Blind Center in Oakland has an opening for a Placement Coordinator. This position is with the Rehabilitation program at the Lions Center and deals with areas of Job Development, Job readiness/Preparation and Vocational Planning.
Description: This position is with the Rehabilitation Program at Lions Center for the Blind working with visually impaired adults in the areas of Job development, job readiness/preparation and vocational planning. The Placement Coordinator is responsible for documentation on all clients and must be familiar with working with employers. Experience providing job seeking skills training; understanding of the implications and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), (Titles I and II) and the Rehabilitation Act (Sections 501 and 504) is desirable.
The successful candidate must be familiar with persons with disabilities, detail oriented, flexible, and have good communications skills. The candidate will be able to work independently, as well as part of the team, and work with a diverse population. Also required is the ability to use a personal computer to produce documents, communicate on a local area network, and retrieve information from online sources.
Education: B.A. in Business, Marketing, Rehabilitation or related field or at least three years experience working in an employment/career center or social service setting.
Salary: $30,000 - $35,000 DOE
Contact Information:
Lions Center for the Blind
3834 Opal St.
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: 510-450-1580
Fax: 510-654-3603
California Church Homes Of Northern California announce that on December 2nd, 2002 they will be opening the waiting list for Bishop Roy C. Nichols Senior Housing in North Oakland. Rents for apartments at this property are going to be from $446 to $585, with most apartments renting for $585 per month. Please note that this property is for Elderly households only. Applications will be available starting November 21, 2002. Interested individuals can have their name added to the interest list. All persons on the interest list will be mailed applications on November 21, 2002. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Leland Foster, Operations Manager at 510-632-6714 extension 131, lfoster@cchnc.org.
VICTORY ON NEXT DAY ADA PARATRANSIT SERVICE
::::- Original Message ::::-
From: "Marilyn Golden" mgolden@dredf.org
To: "Golden, Marilyn" mgolden@dredf.org
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 4:00 PM
Subject: VICTORY ON NEXT DAY ADA PARATRANSIT SERVICE
* * * A.D.A. TRANSPORTATION VICTORY * * *
* DOT STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO
NEXT DAY PARATRANSIT SERVICE *
On October 25, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
and the Solicitor General's office submitted a brief to the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit firmly establishing the right
of ADA eligible paratransit users to next day service. The brief
states unequivocally that DOT's ADA regulation requires transit
agencies to "design, fund, and implement a next-day service to meet
the foreseeable needs of all ADA-eligible individuals." The
pro-consumer content of the brief is a clear victory for disability
advocates.
The disability community expresses our strong thanks to DOT
Secretary Norman Mineta, who has always acted decisively to establish
and protect our civil rights to transportation, both when he was in
Congress and oversaw the development of the ADA in 1990, and today as
the Secretary of DOT. The Department of Justice has also endorsed
these rights in this important brief and gets our thanks. Further,
hundreds of disability advocates called upon DOT to stand up for the
ADA :: thank you to each and every one.
The brief was prompted by a request to DOT from the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to interpret its ADA
regulation in the case Anderson v. Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit
Authority. The brief will hopefully play a good role in the outcome
of that important lawsuit and others as well. Further, the brief
signals to transit agencies that lax ADA compliance is not acceptable
to DOT and DOJ, and it provides another tool to disability advocates.
The brief goes on to state that the DOT ADA regulation
"prescribes the [next day service] obligation in unqualified terms.
The regulation accordingly forecloses any planned non-coverage. A
transit provider cannot, for example, plan to deny next-day service
to some 'insubstantial' number of eligible individuals. The DOT has
consistently advised transit providers that they must design, fund,
and implement their programs to meet 100% of the anticipated demand
for next-day paratransit service from eligible individuals."
Some of you may ask, why didn't we insist on same-day
service? Good question. The ADA law requires paratransit to be
"comparable" to fixed route (bus and rail) service, and DOT's 1991
ADA regulation interpreted "comparable" to mean "next day." This
regulation, which the court asked DOT to interpret (but not change),
was already a compromise of the equal rights of people with
disabilities. The recent victory guards that right against further
compromise.
The brief can be read in full at http://dredf.org/DOTBrief.html or
downloaded as a pdf file at
http://www.apta.com/GOVT/OTHER/civil_rights_div_ltr.pdf.
::
___________________________
Marilyn Golden
mgolden@dredf.org
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
I hope you have enjoyed the Connection and encourage you to stay tuned. Have a good day or evening and keep in touch. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for November 5, 2002
Welcome the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been recorded on November 5th and will be updated November 15th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday, all day on weekends and Holidays and at any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail upon request to ccotb@ccbnet.org.
We begin our Connection with sad news. Phil Hallford died early on the morning of October 30th one day short of his 59th birthday which was the starting date for our convention. He had been looking forward to celebrating with us at the convention. He had a serious stroke which lead to surgery and other complications. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Anyone wishing to remember Phil are asked to send contributions to Guide Dogs in San Rafael or to the San Diego Center of the Bind and Visually Impaired. The address is 5922 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92115. Phil's service was held November 4th in San Diego.
Now to happier news, Our convention was a big and successful one. 160 people attended the banquet and all of our events were well attended. There were at least twice the number of people on hand as those who attended the banquet. 174 had pre-registered and that number went up substantially. There was just too much going on to make the Connection at the time I had hoped to do it. Elections were held with the following results; President, Jeff Thom. He and the Board of Directors will take over January 1, 2003. First Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz. Treasurer Peter Pardini. Directors, Rhonda King, Ahmad Rahman, Barbara Rhodes, and newcomer to the Board of Directors, Frank Welte.
Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation for the Blind, gave a great talk as did M.J. Schmitt, ACB 2nd Vice President and Doctor Ed Bradley, Director from ACB. Information about their presentations and other programs will be presented in the next issue of the Blind Californian. Articles should be sent in to editor Winifred Downing by December 1st. As always, the earlier you can get them in the better. In addition to the Convention report, I have asked Committee Chairs to cover programs they had at the convention. These will include a report on the 14 Resolutions which that Committee, so ably chaired by Ken Metz, presented. Our Treasurer informed us we are probably in the best financial position we have been in for years, if ever before.
I want to thank Jeff Thom, Coletta Davis and everyone that participated in the wonderful banquet which was held in my honor. I got to wear a lei of fresh flowers which Coletta got for me and there was a beautiful cake which said, "Happy Semi-Retirement". The banquet was video taped. The entire convention was audio taped and from time to time parts of it will be heard on ACB Radio. These tapes will be available after a few weeks. Three of my sons were at the banquet and that was a wonderful surprise. A CD was played with messages from many friends and colleagues. I was given a copy of SB105, signed by the Governor, and the pen with which he signed it. I also have a Resolution from Senator John Burton and on it is my birth date. That surprised a lot of people but not me because I already know how old I am. And if that banquet goes on ACB Radio I guess the whole world will know too. I am going to be busy for a while thanking many people who gave me some beautiful gifts. They all helped make the last convention I will conduct an absolutely unforgettable event in my life. John Lopez was on hand to play beautiful music and on Sunday morning at our devotional service there was more great music. There was a poem written for me and I was given and wonderful basket of flowers. There is no way I can adequately thank people for the great things that were done for me at this convention. I just tried to do the job you elected me to do and I am so grateful that so many of you seem to think I have done well. As most of you know, I will now be Past President of CCB and I will keep right on working.
I will be with Silicon Valley Council members to celebrate their 15th anniversary on November 16th. We will meet at their usual meeting place which is located at 1101 Terrace Road in Palo Alto. The meeting begins at 9:30 AM. Hopefully I will see many of you there. I am sure to see a lot of you before the end of the year because I still have many meetings to attend and actually have no free weekends until the third week in December. As time goes by you will be hearing about the convention and further plans for CCB.
I hope you have enjoyed the Connection and encourage you to stay tuned. Have a good day or evening and keep in touch. Catherine Skivers
You have reached the California Connection, a weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. The Connection is available in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday, all day on weekends and Holidays, on our 800-221-6359 line and can also be sent to you by e-mail. Information is also available on our website which is www.ccbnet.org. This news release has been recorded October 25th and I am going to do my best to record again on Saturday, November 2nd to give you election news and other convention coverage. Regrettably the e-mail version of the Connection will not be sent out until after November 6th. The Executive office of the Council will be closed from Tuesday, October 29th through November 6th, 2002. This time will be needed to transport equipment to and from the Convention and to put everything back together again after the Convention.
I regret to have to report that Phil Hallford is not doing to well in the hospital. He has some wonderful friends. Our thanks to Evelyn Drewry and Ethel Kirtley who have been keeping in contact with us letting us know how Phil is doing.
The drawing has been held for the lucky winners of our special meal events. They are:
Welcome to Irvine Party: Michael Williams
California Library Users Luncheon: Sheila Styron
Association for Multicultural Concerns Luncheon: John Ross
Presidents' Dinner: Gerald Konsler
Orientation Center for the Blind ALSO-UMNI Luncheon: Pam Polagi
Guide Dog Users of California Luncheon: Eugene Lozano, Junior
Banquet: Dan Kysor
The following people are seeking a roommate for the Fall Convention, It will make the difference whether or not they can attend. If you can help please call one of these three people:
Bill Sheen, 559-325-0563
Juan Trevino, 559-230-1759
Nancy Unger: 909-369-0303
I thought you might find these statistics interesting. The total number of people that have Pre-registered are 166.
Thursday, October 31st Welcome to Irvine Party 28
Friday, November 1
AMC Pizza Party 22
CLUA Luncheon Total 35 meals
AMC Luncheon Total 17 meals
Presidents' Dinner Total 44 meals
Saturday, November 2
GDUC Luncheon Total 54 meals
OCB Alumni Luncheon Total 22 meals
Banquet Total 130 meals
First Community Housing in San Jose has a housing hotline. Some of the units are for low-income families and seniors. To get more information call 408-291-8650, extension 18. Ask them for their website when you call.
Congratulations to the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and the San Francisco Chapter for holding outstanding fundraisers. I was fortunate to be able to attend the one held by the San Francisco Chapter. They had a wonderful party with bingo, many many prizes, salad pizza homemade deserts and all of the right kind of things to help you wash everything down. There was great turn out and a great time was had by all.
This Connection will be somewhat shorter than usual because time has grown short too. We find ourselves with four days left before we leave Hayward and it seems like two hundred more things to do. I will be looking forward to seeing many of you in Irvine. I hope you have enjoyed the Connection please have a good day or evening and keep in touch.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for October 18, 2002
You have reached the California Connection, the news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded October 18th and will be updated October 25th. The Connection is available in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday, all day on weekends and Holidays, on our 800-221-6359 line and can also be sent to you by e-mail. Information is also available on our website which is www.ccbnet.org.
This has been a bad week for several of our members and their families. The father of Rick Plath, President of our Glendale-Burbank Chapter, died after a serious illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his family. Rick is thankful that his father is no longer suffering and plans to attend the convention. He is wise to keep himself busy. We are looking forward to having him with us. The Funeral for Rick's Dad will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, at the Old North Church, in Hollywood Hills.
Phil Hallford, from San Diego, had a serious stroke on Friday, October 10th . He is in Scripts Hospital in La Jolla. His two sisters are with him and some of our members have visited him. My thanks to them for keeping in touch with our office and letting me know how he is doing. I spoke with Phil Thursday evening and he was telling me about having made his reservations for the convention and how much he was looking forward to being with us there. We will be sure to direct our thoughts and prayers to him and his family and hope he is better soon.
The daughter of Jeff and Leslie Thom was in the hospital this week but she is doing all right and will probably get to come home today. She has been excited about coming to the convention and of course, Disney Land. She is eight years old and is bright and cute as can be. We are hoping that she gets to do all the things she was looking forward to and can be with us in Irvine.
Some members of the Bay View Chapter are also ill. Clinton Johnson is in Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. He is critically ill and we are hoping that he improves soon. Not only are Clint and his wife Ida members of Bay View but they are members of the extended Skivers family.
Helen Berleman who has been a strong supporter of CCB for many years is also in the hospital in South San Francisco. I am happy to say that she seems to be doing much better and may get to go home this weekend. Needless to say, with all this going on we have had prayer time, big time, this week.
October 16th was the last day for us to be able to get our room rate of $70. As you know the President has to project the number of rooms we need to hold for our convention. If we contract for too many we get stuck having to pay for those rooms that are not used. This time we had used all of our rooms by October 8th and the hotel gave us 25 more, which we used by the 10th. It is extremely urgent that people attempt to make their reservations before the last day at which we can receive our rate. It will be necessary to once again reserve rooms at our next convention and we try to do this based on the convention prior to it. On our next connection we will be able to announce the winners from the drawing which is held annually from among the names of those of you who pre-registered. Those people will receive a complimentary ticket to one of our 6 special meal events.
On October 13th I attended the Tenth Anniversary of the San Mateo Council of the Blind. They took in 5 members bringing the total of members in their chapter to 66. This chapter has done a wonderful job in recruiting members. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in this chapter. Frank Welte is President of the chapter and had his parents with him at this event. Jeff Thom, Barbara Rhodes and Dr. Martin Jones, from our Board of Directors, were present. The chapter will have an annual award to be presented to a volunteer. I had the honor of being able to present the first one of these to Shirley Kahn who is the grandmother of Warren Cushman. Warren was the first president of this chapter. Frank Welte surprised me by giving me a certificate from their chapter. I appreciate it very much and Shirley appreciated hers as well. She did a lot of driving, reading and so forth when the chapter was formed.
Dan Kysor has prepared a report on legislation for 2001 and 2002 which will be handed out at the convention. It will also appear in our next Blind Californian. Dan has worked very hard for us and is already working on possible legislation that may be introduced in 2003.
An Evening of Entertainment Celebrating Art & Disability.
November 7, 2002 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco (entrance at Third and Howard Streets). For the first time, the performance will be audio described for blind and visually impaired audience members. Extra wheelchair seating will be available as well as Braille programs and ASL interpreters. The evening will showcase talented performers with disabilities who are either well-known or rising stars in the entertainment world. This event benefits the World Institute on Disability (WID) and the Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication (CDT). WID is honoring Vint Cerf, "the father of the Internet" who will be there to accept the Communications Access Award. Cerf has a hearing impairment and developed the innovation to enhance communication. Ticket prices range from $15-$100. For more information, phone: 510-251-4370, TTY: 510-208-9493, or visit: www.wid.org and print the ticket form.
You are cordially invited to attend the Christmas party of the Glendale-Burbank Chapter. It will be held at Geneo's Restaurant in Burbank on Saturday, December 14 at 5 P.M. Tickets cost $25. Social hour begins at 5 P.M. the dinner will be served at 6 P.M. Their officers for 2003 will be installed. There will be a grab bag gift option available if people want to bring a gift. If you bring one you can pick one from the bag to take with you. For reservations call Rick Plath at 818-843-8747.
Bay View Chapter will hold the annual party for their Deaf-Blind friends on December 7th. We need prizes for this event. If you care to send one contact Catherine Skivers at our office or at 510-357-1986. Bay View will hold its Christmas Party on Sunday, December 15th at Pier 29, the Ark Restaurant. More details will be given on this later.
Thank you for keeping in touch with the Connection. The announcements and articles you submit are very much appreciated. Have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers, CCB President
California Connection for October 4, 2002
You have reached the California Connection. The news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. The news release has been recorded October 4th and will be updated October 11th.
By now you should have all received your Convention Announcement. They were sent out in the format in which you receive your Blind Californian. A reminder that cassette copies and diskette copies have the pre-registration form wrapped around them. You can pre-register with our office using a Visa, Master Card or Discovery card. In order to get the $70 room rate for single or double accommodations with the Atrium Hotel you must make your reservation by October 16th. If rooms are available after that date you might be able to get one, but they can not guarantee it. The address 18700 MacArthur Blvd. Irvine, CA 94402. The telephone numbers are 800-854-3012 and 949-833-2770.
There is a shuttle from the hotel which leaves the airport every half hour. Ask to have airport employees show you where to call. There is no shuttle service to train or bus depots.
Yesterday I visited the California School for the Blind to participate in the Community Advisory Committee meeting. In order to teach children about handling money, learning to meet people, and for a host of other good reasons, a group of youngsters called the "Earth Angels" has been formed. They will sell snacks, water and juice to staff members and others. They formed a little corporation and their stock in $2 per share. I bought home a form to fill out and Darryl, Eric and Catherine Skivers will become stock holders. If you are interested you can send your money to the school for the blind, attention Mary Willows (their teacher) and send $2 per share. Either note on the check or enclose something to say that this is for the "Earth Angels". We all enjoyed the children so much.
Here is a Legislative summary of the results of some of the bills Dan Kysor has been tracking.
SB 105 (Burton) Chapter 1102 Creates Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and requires all California informational technologies to be made
accessible.
AB 3035 (Corbett) Chapter 300 requires all local and state government
meetings provide accessible media.
SB 1918 (Torlakson) Chapter 979 legalizes the Segway Human Transporter as
"pedestrian" March 1, 2003.
SB 1555 (Torlakson) Vetoed. Would have put a $5 fine for auto vs. pedestrian
to be used for pedestrian safety educating violators on pedestrian safety regulations including White Cane Law.
HR 31 (Havice) (signed by Secretary of State - passed) assembly resolution declaring legislative intention that CalTrans study feasibility of Pedestrian Safety Commission.
AB 2369 (Salinas) Failed. Would have established bond act creating $500 million for local transportation projects to make accessibility accommodations.
AB 925 (Aroner) Chapter 1088 coordinates efforts between state agencies to address certain institutional barriers against people with disabilities, while the disabled work towards educational or employment goals. And it establishes goals that will bring adults with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate that is, as close as possible, to that of the general population. It also allows state-funded personal care services to be available in the workplace. This bill requires that Local Workforce Investment Boards that have "one-stop" employment centers ensure access services for people with disabilities and include them on their boards.
AB 2787 (Aroner) Chapter 726 recommends that universal design be used in new construction.
AB 2616 (Lowenthal) Vetoed. Recommended that the CSU and UC systems hire more Special Education instructors and provide funding for distance learning.
AB 2326 (Frommer) Chapter 653 establishes a task force of stake-holders under the superintendent of public instruction to establish Braille reading standards as long as there are no funds involved.
AB 2444 (Dutra) Chapter 1043 urges the State Board of Personnel to "consider" making special salaries equal to that of surrounding general school districts.
AB 2525 (Jackson) Chapter 950 requires accessible voting machines in every polling place where funds are available.
AB 55 (Shelley) Withdrawn. Similar to 2525
AB 2784 (Chavez) Chapter 143 allows optometrists to prescribe telephone adaptive equipment.
SB 1227 Proposition 41 (Burton) Establishes a bond act for housing for low income, disabled and homeless persons.
AB 1950 (Wright) Chapter 236 extends probationary time for disabled state workers to meet reasonable accommodations upon mutual agreement
AB 1800 (Kehoe) Failed. Would have extended disabled parking placard privileges.
AB 1844 (Mountjoy) Failed. Would have doubled the home owners tax credit for blind, senior and disabled people.
AB 2032 (Canciamilla) Failed. Would have doubled penalties towards criminals who commit crimes against people with disabilities.
AB 2416 (Bates) Failed. Required IHSS background check for established back up IHSS workers.
AB 2507 (Pacheco) Vetoed. This bill made changes to advisory groups for Special Schools. We had been successful in having references to the School for the Blind in Fremont eliminated.
AB 1040 (Dutra) Failed. The bill provided for a 90 day legal notice before an ADA claim could be filed.
The telephone number we have before for the Home Choice Program did not reach all of the state. As of October 2nd this number does cover the state and it is 1-888-346-9700.
TecAccess is looking for Accessibility Testers. The positions are part time positions with the possibility for full time positions in the future depending on performance.
We are looking for the following categories of testers:
Visual Impairment
Blind
Mobility Impairment (Upper Body)
Deaf
Hard of Hearing
Requirements: Good working knowledge of PC, Internet, Excel or Word. Additionally, the individual needs to be a user of some type of Assistive Technology Device or Tool. For example, a screen reader for a tester that is blind, or a mouth stick for someone with a mobility impairment. Also HTML would be a real plus, but is not required.
Critical requirements, a self starter, good attitude, independent, a person that wants to learn, and a team player.
These positions telecommute (telework), meaning work from home and the candidate must have access to a PC and the internet. If you know of anyone that may be
interested in a position as a Tester with TecAccess, we would love to talk to them. Please pass to anyone that may be interested. Contact Debra at druh@tecaccess.net.
The Disability Rights organization based in Rochester New York is an advocacy organization which provides supportive services for people with disabilities. They are looking for candidates for multiple positions.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS FOLLOW:
The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) is a Rochester-based disability advocacy organization which also provides supportive services for people with disabilities to assist them in living independently. This rapidly growing disability organization seeks qualified candidates for multiple positions.
Director of Administration (F/T)
Director of Advocacy (F/T)
Service Coordinator (F/T)
Independent Living Skills Instructor/ Residential Habilitator (F/T
and P/T)
Support Staff (F/T and P/T)
Consumer Directed Personal Care Program Staff (F/T)
Independent Living Outreach Worker (F/T)
Attendant Benefits Specialist (F/T)
Secretary (F/T)
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to: CDR, 412 State Street,
Rochester, NY 14608. Fax: 585-546-5643 Email:
JMahon@rochestercdr.org
IHSS PUBLIC AUTHORITY DIRECTOR 1SANTA BARBARA, CA!
This job is being advertised at www.sbcountyjobs.
com. Close date is Oct 14.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy
Richmond, VA
Statewide travel required. SALARY RANGE: $95,000 to
$105,000 commensurate with experience.
Apply to: Search Committee, Virginia Board for Protection and Advocacy at vopaed@aol.com or mail your application to VOPA Job, P.O. Box 4745, Midlothian, Virginia 23112.
Please submit Resumes/Curriculum Vitae by the submission
deadline date of 10/22/02. Late applications will not be considered.
AAEEO/TTY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION UPON REQUEST.
AND in the beautiful Central Valley of California
The following positions are available with DRAIL:
Benefits Specialist (Stockton - Office)
Independent Living Specialist (Modesto - Office)
http://www.drail.org/Employment_TextOnly.htm
DRAIL is our independent living center for San Joaquin County:
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ILRC
Position Title: Independent Living Coordinator for Youth Services
The application deadline is 12:00 noon, Friday, October 11, 2002.
Position Title: Independent Living Specialist
The application deadline is 12:00 noon, Friday, October 11, 2002.
Position Title: Independent Living Specialist
Please send cover letters and resumes to:
Allysoun Gallup
ILRC
2709 Art Museum Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Email: allysoung@cilj.com
Fax: 904/396-0859
I hope you have enjoyed the Connection. Please have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for September 27, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. This news service is provided by the California Council of the Blind. The news release for this week has been recorded September 27th and will be updated October 4th. You can hear the Connection in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays and at any time the office is closed.
Convention Information
Large print, cassette tape, and disk copies of the Convention Announcement are in the mail and should reach most of you this weekend. The cassette and diskette copies have the pre-registration form wrapped around them. You can pre-register by telephone with our office using Master Card, Visa or Discover cards between 10 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The cost of
pre- registration is $10. The Library Users and Association for Multi-Cultural Concerns will have luncheons at Noon on Friday, November 1st. The OCB Alumni and the Guide Dog Users of California will have their luncheons at Noon on November 2nd. The luncheons will cost $15. The Orange County Chapter is the host for this Convention and will have a welcome to Irvine party on Thursday, October 31st. The cost for this event is $5. AMC will have a Pizza and Beer party Friday afternoon. Tickets are $8 each. The Presidents' Dinner will be held at 5:15 PM on Friday, November 1st, cost is $20. Our Banquet, held Saturday, November 2nd , ticket price $25. These prices are available to us because, once again, CCB is assisting various costs throughout the Convention to make things more affordable for our members and friends. Braille copies of the Convention Announcement should be in the mail around September 30th.
Legislation:
Dan reports that there has been some action on legislation we are following from the Governor's office. He signed AB 2787, by Dion Aroner, which would require guidelines be established for universal housing design. The bill, however, was weakened during the legislative process as the mandatory building construction for accessibility was removed from the bill. The bill is Chapter 726.
AB 2616, by Allan Lowenthal, was vetoed. The bill sponsored by the NFBC would have recommended additional university special education teachers and created web based distance learning program.
The Braille reading standards bill, AB 2326, by Dario Frommer, also sponsored by the NFBC was signed into law as Chapter 653. The bill would create a task force which will establish Braille reading standards, K through 12, but in the bill signing message by the Governor, he stated that he is signing this bill with the understanding that the proposed standards will not be implemented on either a mandatory or a voluntary basis until its fiscal implications are fully understood. He also directed the State Board of Education not to act upon any proposed standards arising from this measure until its fiscal implications can be weighed against available educational and state resources.
September 30th is the final date for bills to be signed by Governor Davis before they become law.
The city of Sacramento has decided to appeal the decision that sidewalks must be made accessible under the ADA. This decision was handed down by the Ninth Circuit Court. The city plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. Whether or not to hear an appeal is the decision of the Supreme Court so we will have to wait and see if they decide to hear it.
Governor Davis today announced a pilot program to help disabled Californians Purchase a first home. "Extending the dream of affordable homeownership to more California residents is a priority," Gov. Davis said. "Programs like HomeChoice offer viable assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers." Beginning October 1st, $6 million in affordable mortgage loans will be available through HomeChoice, a new statewide program designed to meet the homeownership needs of low-and moderate-income borrowers who are disabled or have family members with disabilities living with them. The program will offer mortgages with very low down payment requirements, below market interest rates and funds to help pay for down payment and closing costs. Borrowers can obtain a 30-year first home loan with an interest rate as low as 4.50 percent, and a deferred second home loan at 5 percent simple interest that does not exceed 3 percent of the sales price.
This is a cooperative partnership between the California Housing Finance Agency,
Fannie Mae, Guild Mortgage Company, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., and First American Title Company of Los Angeles. HomeChoice will be available to any person defined as disabled by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or any person defined as handicapped by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and whose income is considered low to moderate as Defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For more information on the statewide HomeChoice program, interested applicants can call the California HomeChoice Coalition at (888) 346-9700, or go to www.chfa.ca.gov. California HomeChoice Coalition
The office of the California Secretary of State will provide a copy of the California Voters Information Guide on cassette tape upon request. You can get your copy by calling 916-657-2166 or 800-345-8683. Many jurisdictions have local information available. You can contact the voter registrars office in your area to see if they have information available.
Our Nominating Chair, Frank Welte, reminds us that there will be an election of officers and directors at the Convention on November 1st, 2002. The following individuals have been nominated for statewide positions:
President: Jeff Thom
First Vice-President: Mitch Pomerantz
Treasurer: Peter Pardini
Directors:
Rhonda King, Ahmad Rahman, Barbara Rhodes and Frank Welte.
Frank has been notified that Rhonda King is also running for First Vice- President. As always, nominations can be made from the floor.
From Jill O'Connell, Education Chair: Three students from our student affiliate are going to share their ideas about what was good and not so good in their early educational experience and offer suggestions where they think improvements are needed. There will be plenty of time for questions at the meeting of the Education Committee. This meeting will be followed by the California School for the Blind Alumni (CSB Alumni).
You are cordially invited to attend the Pizza and Bingo party to be held by the San Francisco Chapter of the CCB. It will take place from 12:30 to 5:00 PM on October 19th at the Western Park Apartments, 1280 Laguna, in San Francisco. This location can be reached by bus lines 31, 38 and 22. The cost of tickets is $10. They will be having pizza, salad, desert, wine, beer and soft drinks. They have some great raffle prizes. Make your reservations with Jewel McGinnis by October 12th by calling 415-931-8734. Be sure to let her know if you want vegetarian or meat pizza.
In October I will be attending meetings of the Community Advisory Council at CSB, on the 5th Butte County Council, on the 10th and 11th the Blind Advisory Committee, Department of Rehabilitation, in Oakland, the Bay View chapter on October 12th and on October 13th the Tenth Anniversary of the San Mateo Chapter and the San Francisco Chapter Fundraiser on October 19th.
The Earl Baum Center will celebrate its Third Anniversary on October 12th.
Time: 9 to 4 PM. I deeply regret my inability to attend since they have a fantastic agenda planned for the day. In addition to a tour of the facility, and dedication of a special trail, there will be beep ball and a program by the tap dancers and drum corps. If you plan to attend do call and let them know so that they can be sure to have enough food for everyone. The telephone number there is 707-523-3222. The people of Santa Rosa can be proud of this center and its many programs. They have accomplished an amazing number of things in their very shot life.
I hope you have enjoyed the Connection. Please have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for September 19, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded September 19th and will be updated September 27th. You can listen to the Connection in English or Spanish after 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends and holidays and any time the office is closed. You can also receive the Connection by e-mail. Just send the office your e-mail address at ccotb@ccbnet.org.
It looks as though attendance at the CCB Fall Convention is going to be great. If you have not made your hotel reservations you should make them ASAP. There are two telephone numbers directly to the hotel. They are, 800-854-3012 or
949-833-2770. The address is 18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612. The room rate is $70 for single or double accommodation.
Many CCB members don't have a chance to go to ACB conventions. At this CCB convention you will hear from some speakers that are often heard there. M.J. Schmitt, Second Vice-President of ACB, will be with us for the entire convention and will be speaking at the Banquet. She comes from Illinois. Doctor and Mrs. Ed Bradley, from Houston, Texas, will be here and Ed will be talking to us about how they work with the city of Houston. Houston does very well by the Texas affiliate. He is quite a sports enthusiast and we will hear some about that too. Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation of the Blind (AFB), will be here from New York. He will be attending the Presidents' Dinner and will be speaking at the general session Friday evening. In addition to some fine presentations here in California, we have these people coming from far away places so do come and share these great programs.
I regret to have to announce the death of one of our members. Barbara Helmuth, long time member of the Bay View Chapter, passed away on September 17th after a long illness. Our sympathies and prayers are with her family and Bay View members. No services will be held. Barbara's only son is in the service and resides with his family in Germany.
Legislation
None of the bills we are following at the California legislature have been acted upon since our last report. When we hear about SB105 we will notify the Governmental Affairs Committee, and others, to get the word out and, of course, it will be on the Connection.
The state auditors have released an audit on the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). The number of the audit report is 2002-031. Copies are being Brailled and are expected to be available in about two weeks. It is also available in other formats. To obtain a copy call 916-445-0255.
Earlier this week Dan Kysor attended the second voting modernization board meeting at the Secretary of State's Office. He spoke on behalf of CCB urging more specific regulations for counties to receive Proposition 41 funds with respect to accessibility. He discussed with the board AB2525, of which we are cosponsors, and stated that the bill is on the Governor's desk. Committee members were very interested in this bill. He pointed out our amendment to the bill, which would require one accessible voting machine per poling place. The original bill had called for one voting machine in each precinct. Dan reports that later in the meeting, that one county, who did not turn in the required access plan, was given seven days to come up with their access plan or be left out of the first round of funding.
Obbie Schoeman has Entertainment books for sale. A portion of the cost of these comes to CCB. These books make a great holiday gift and by using them just a few times, generally, makes the book pay for itself. If you are interested call Obbie at 818-790-3993.
The San Francisco Chapter of CCB cordially invites you to its Pizza and Bingo Party Fundraiser. It will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 12:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., at the Western Park Apartments located at 1280 Laguna Street, San Francisco. Jewel has said this venue can be accessed by the number 31, 38 and 22 bus lines. Tickets cost $10 each. To make reservations call Jewel McGinnis at 415-931-8734 by October 12th.
Visually impaired students at the 23-campus California State University system will get a helping hand in their college careers thanks to the generosity of longtime Bay Area resident Dale M. Schoettler. The CSU Foundation has received a $3.4 million distribution from Schoettler's estate to provide scholarships for visually impaired students at all 23 CSU campuses. The gift will expand an existing scholarship program that Schoettler, who himself was visually impaired, established in 1991 for San Francisco State and San Jose State students. The new endowment will provide at least 20 $5,000 scholarships annually for legally blind CSU graduate and undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Students may attend any CSU campus and nominations for the scholarship will be received from financial aid offices throughout the CSU.
Contact: Clara Potes-Fellow, cpotes-fellow@calstate.edu, (562) 951-4806.
The Centerville Lions Club has the following Almond trays for sale.
5 assorted flavors, 2.5 pounds $25
3 assorted flavors, 1.5 pounds $17
(Ask about volume discounts)
Flavors include Hickory Smoked, Honey Orange, Roasted and Salted, Butter Toffee, Garlic Onion and Honey Roasted. To order contact Tom Ford at 510-792-2223 or Ginny Axtell at 510-450-1559.
These trays are packaged by blind and visually impaired workers at the Lions Blind Center in Oakland.
Thank you for contacting the Connection keep in touch and have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for September 13, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind in English, Spanish and by e-mail and on the CCB web page www.ccbnet.org. This news release has been recorded September 13th and will be updated September 19th. I will be in Irvine on September 20th visiting the Atrium Hotel where our Fall Convention will be held October 31st through 12 Noon of November 3rd. Room rates will be $70 per night for single or double accommodation. The address is 18700 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612. Telephone numbers to reach the hotel are 949-833-2770 or 1-800-854-3012. This will be the last time I will be conducting as President of the Convention. And so I hope you will try to come. Elections will be held Friday night and Carl Augusto, President of the AFB will be speaking that evening. MJ Schmitt, Second Vice President of the American Council will be with us for the entire convention and we have a lot more interesting programs for you. Students needing assistance to attend our convention need to let me know by September 28th. We are trying to get convention announcements to you by the last week in Sept\ember. If your Affiliate or Committee has not submitted your convention information by September 20th it will be included in the final agenda to be handed out at the meeting. Those of you who pre-register will be eligible for a prize of a ticket to one of our scheduled luncheons or dinners. We hope that you will be bringing prizes to the convention. Everyone seems to enjoy the drawings that take place throughout the general sessions.
Jessie Lorenz is President of our student affiliate. We congratulate Jessie and the team that went to the Paralympics in Brazil. The U.S. Women's Goalball Team left little doubt about its intention to stand on the top of the podium at the 2004 Paralympic Games after claiming a victory in the largest international competition leading up to Athens. Routing archrival Canada in a 6-2 defeat, the U.S. women claimed the gold medal September 7 at the VII International Blind Sports Association World Goalball Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nice going Jessie we will be looking forward to hearing from her at the convention.
Legislation
Dan reports that no action has occurred on any of the legislation we are following including SB 105. Bills are awaiting action by the Governor and he has until September 30, 2002 to sign or veto bills. Dan reports that the assistive dog allowance checks were sent out on September 10th and guide dog users will receive their July and August checks shortly. End of report.
On September 11th Jim Willows, Immediate Past President of the National Federation of the Blind of California and I were guest speakers at a special education class conducted by Dr. Amanda Leuck at San Francisco State University. Our topic was the History of the Organized Blind. It was well attended and since the class lasted from 4 to 7 P.M. we had plenty of time to speak and to answer the many questions that were asked. Although we had the opportunity to appear before state departments and committees at the legislature, this was the first time, to our knowledge, that both consumer organizations have participated in an event of this kind and it was well received.
The Centerville Lions Club has the following Almond trays for sale.
5 assorted flavors, 2.5 pounds $25
3 assorted flavors, 1.5 pounds $17
(Ask about volume discounts)
Flavors include Hickory Smoked, Honey Orange, Roasted and Salted, Butter Toffee, Garlic Onion and Honey Roasted. To order contact Tom Ford at 510-792-2223 or Ginny Axtell at 510-450-1559.
These trays are packaged by blind and visually impaired workers at the Lions Blind Center in Oakland.
Thank you for contacting the Connection keep in touch and have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for September 6, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded September 6th and will be updated September 13th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The news is available in English, Spanish and by e-mail. If you would like to receive the Connection by E-mail please send your request to ccotb@ccbnet.org
On September 20th I will be going to the Atrium hotel in Irvine to work with people there to get our program planned. I will then immediately prepare the announcement to go out for our upcoming convention which will be held from October 31st through November 3rd. The hotel rate is $70 for single or double room accommodations. You can make your reservations by calling 949-833-2770 or 1-800-854-3012. Committee and affiliates who have special events to be held at the convention need to have their information in to the office by September 15th if their information is to be included in the announcement. Those failing to do so will have to have their information in by October 1st to be included in the agenda. Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation of the Blind, will be speaking to us on Friday evening, November 1st. We are also going to have our elections right after his presentation. It looks as though we are going to have another great convention and I hope many of you will be with us. Remember that on October 31st , immediately following the board meeting there will be a Halloween costume party. Prizes will be given to those with the most interesting costumes. We here that some guide dogs will be dressing up for the occasion so a prize will be available for the best dressed dog. Just so nobody is left out, a prize will be given to the best decorated cane for Halloween.
Here's some news from Dan Kysor in Sacramento. The budget was finally passed and sent to the Governor. A newspaper, the Sacramento Bee, reports that the budget targets state operations and not programs. However, Dan discussed the budget with the Governor's Health and Human Services advisor, who tells us, there will be across the board cuts. It is too early to know what these will be but Dan will keep working to find out more and you will find the news on the Connection.
We are pleased to report that AB3035, by Ellen Corbett, was signed into law last week by the Governor as Chapter 300. The bill will require meetings for state and local governments to provide materials in accessible formats. On August 30th AB925, by Dion Arroner, was reinstated from the inactive list. This bill is a sweeping disability related bill and was adopted, except for increased Medi-Cal work benefits. The bill requires that disabled persons be on local and state WIA boards and allows disabled persons receiving IHSS assistance to have their workers with them in the workplace. Dan reminds us that the Governor must take action on all bills by September 30th or they automatically pass.
Dan recently visited the El Dorado Chapter. He and Ann enjoyed the visit very much and the members asked many questions and there was a good discussion. A reminder to Chapter Presidents that Dan is available and can come to your chapter to discuss legislation. You can talk with Dan about a date that you would like to have him attend your meeting and he will clear his calendar with our office. Keeping members informed as to what legislation is pending and giving Dan an idea of the things you would like to see CCB consider for legislative action should be of interest to your members.
Equal, the sugar substitute company, offers recipes for diabetics in large print and on diskette. They also have a newsletter which has recipes primarily for diabetics and news of interest to them. To obtain either of these call 800-323-5316.
There will be an Arts Access Network Festival, Saturday, October 5th , 12 Noon to 5:00 P.M. at the Martin Luther King, Junior Park, in Berkeley. They invite you to experience interactive art booths. A booth (10 foot by 10 foot) is $500 for Corporate Representatives and $100 for Non-Profit Organizations. For information or application call 510-532-7700.
We have a announcement of some job vacancies available in Texas.
National Training Coordinator - Disability Services $30,000-35,000/year.
Training Specialist - Disability Services $25,000-$32,000.
Criminal Justice Training Specialist - Disability Services (2 positions)
$27,000-$32,000.
Technical Writer $26,000-28,000.
Administrative Assistant $10 per hour
Mail or fax your cover letter, resume and writing sample (for positions
indicating requirement) to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 19454, Austin, Texas 78760
HR Manager Fax: 512-356-1673
The California Hotel and Lodging Association spearheaded a project to improve access to hotels for all assistance animal users as well as for all disabled individuals. This video is done in both English and Spanish. They also produced a video targeting law enforcement personnel. This one is only in English. All three of these videos are now available for viewing at the Guide Dog Users of California web site. Each is approximately 7 to 8 minutes long.
Go to www.gdu-cal.org and look in the California Law or Federal Law pages. It
can be accessed from there.
The Internal Revenue Service plans to introduce some new forms and post them on its website, www.irs.gov, next year. The IRS hopes to have 50 of the most common forms (talking format) for next tax season. It will cost the agency a one-time payment of $2,000 per form for Plexus to convert them. A recent survey by San Francisco State University and Price-Waterhouse-Coopers found that 87 percent of federal Web sites still fail to meet accessibility standards required by law.
The Oakland Public Library presents Brent Gifford, 'The Outta Sight Magician'. His presentation is called 'Mind Over Matter Mysteries'. This is a fully accessible show featuring; bewildering slight of hand magic; marvelous memory and mental miracles; unbelievable demonstrations of super earning; tons of audience participation; fun for the entire family! Whether you are blind or sighted you are invited. This program will take place Saturday, September 28th from 2 to 4 P.M. at the Oakland Public Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th Street, Oakland, CA. Light refreshments will be served. For more information call 510-238-3136. People are asked to refrain from wearing scented products. To request any special accommodations you can call 510-834-7446.
Assistant Professor: Tenure Track Faculty Position
Department of Special Education - Visual Impairments
Position: Tenure Track position, Assistant Professor in area of Visual Impairments
Salary: Commensurate with background and experience.
Closing Date: Screening begins October 15, 2002. Position Opened until filled.
Application: Submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, three letters of reference, copies of two recent publications, and a one-page statement of educational philosophy to: Chair, Search Committee for Visual Impairments, Department of Special Education, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132. (415) 338-2501; FAX (415) 338-0566.
Campus Search Reference No. 22.02
SFSU is an "Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer". Ethnic minorities
and individuals with disability are especially urged to apply.
California State University Fullerton was given 3.4 million to provide scholarships for visually impaired students at all 23 campuses beginning in the 2003-2004 academic year. $5,000 annual grants will go to legally blind California State University undergrad and grad students. Information is available on website www.calstate.edu.
Thank you for contacting the California Connection. We welcome your input for this program.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for August 30, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded August 30th and will be updated September 6th. You can listen to the Connection after
4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The news is available in English, Spanish and by e-mail. The CCB Executive Office will be closed Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day.
Marilyn Koehler expects to return to work on September 3rd. We are looking forward to having her with us again. She is happy to be able to come back to work and hoping that all of the many tests that she has had are over.
Congratulations to the Rose Resnick Lighthouse in San Francisco. They celebrated their 100th year of service August 24th.
A demonstration for protesting the delay in passing the budget will be held on Friday, September 6th at the State Building, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland. This is one block from the 12th Street BART station. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 12 Noon and the area disabled residents are urged to come and be counted.
Our legislative director, Dan Kysor, reports that the budget deficit of $26 billion dollars has caused cutbacks of 20% to all state governmental departments. This is creating hardships for those expecting services from these departments.
SB105, authored by Senator Burton, will be heard on the Senate floor and may already be on its way to the Governor. This is our Division bill and it is urgent that everyone immediately send letters of support on SB105 to the Office of the Governor, State of California, First Floor, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814.
The Assembly has not passed the budget as of this date. This is creating serious problems for California's agencies serving the blind and visually impaired, employees and students. People who rely on the assistive dog allowance and those who rely on certain Medi-Cal benefits are also being adversely affected. Please contact your Assembly member and let him/her know that this budget needs to be passed because it is creating great hardship to many. You can obtain the name of your Assembly member from your local library if you do not know them. We are doing all we can to urge the legislature to fund our many vital programs. Dan has met with minority leader in the Assembly and expressed CCB's concern.
Regrettably, SB1918 by Tom Torlakson, (the Segway bill) passed the Assembly floor and moves to the Governor's office. Once again we need to contact the Governor and let him know that SB1918 is opposed because it is not safe for pedestrians. These electronic devices will be allowed on the sidewalks and move at 12.5 miles per hour. A special thanks goes to Gene Lozano and the Committee on Access and Transportation for all of their hard work opposing SB1918.
SB1555, by Tom Torlakson, requires that drivers with two or more points on their driving record, be given a pamphlet on pedestrian safety laws, including the California White Cane Regulations. We have thanked Senator Torlakson for taking our White Cane amendment. This bill is also on its way to the Governor.
AB2616, by Alan Lowenthal, is going to the Governor. This bill intends that the legislature shall recommend to the California State University System and the University of California System, that they hire additional Special Education Instructors and Distance Learning staff for the blind. This bill was sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of California and the California State University System.
AB3035, by Ellen Corbett, which amends the Brown-Bagley-Keen Act, requires accessible materials to be provided at all state and local meetings. This bill was
co-sponsored by CCB and is on its way to the Governor.
AB2326, by Dario Frommer, (Braille Reading Standards) would create a task force within the Department of Education to establish criteria for the teaching of Braille reading. This bill is on its way to the Governor.
SB2444, by John Dutra, would require the State Personnel Administration to consider making salaries for teachers, specialists and administrators of the State Special School and Diagnostic Centers, competitive with the salaries commensurate with others in the same profession in surrounding school districts.
AB2525, by Hannah Beth Jackson, voting access, has gone to the Senate floor.
AB1950, by Rodrick Wright, would provide that upon written agreement between an appointing power and an employee with a disability, subject to the approval of the agreement by the State Personnel Board, the employee's probationary period may be extended for a period not to exceed six months. This is to allow the employer time to make reasonable accommodations for the employee and for the employee to demonstrate the ability to perform satisfactorily the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations. This bill was signed into law this week by the Governor and is Chapter 236.
Equal, the sugar substitute company, offers recipes for diabetics in large print and on diskette. They also have a newsletter which has recipes primarily for diabetics and news of interest to them. To obtain either of these call 800-323-5316.
If you have a disability and travel, should you encounter disability air service problems you can now call a hotline established by the Department of Transportation. The number to call is 866-266-1368.
You can now access information about 10 million businesses in the United States by dialing 888-654-1236 and enter pass code 4544. The Access Communications has introduced this Audio Yellow Page service for the blind and visually impaired. I have tried this and you need to know your zip code, the category of the company you are looking for and the area where it is located.
Keep in touch with the Connection and forward items you may want to have included on it no later than Thursday of each week. I hope you have enjoyed the California Connection. Have a good day or evening. Catherine Skivers
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded August 23rd and will be updated August 30th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The news is available in English, Spanish and by e-mail.
September 1st is the last date to have articles you want included in the next issue of the Blind Californian to reach our editor Winifred Downing. Her address is 1587 38th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122. Her phone number is 415-564-5798.
We have some great news from Sacramento. On August 22nd Dan Kysor, Ed Branch and I attended the Assembly Appropriations Committee meeting. It began at 9:00 A.M. and at about 12:14 P.M., SB105 passed out of Committee and now goes to the Assembly floor. From the Assembly floor, the bill goes to the Senate floor for ratification of amendments made in the Assembly. At the request of Senator John Burton, Assemblyman Rod Pacheco will carry our bill on the Assembly floor. Immediately following the Appropriations hearing we went to Assemblyman Pacheco's office and had the good fortune of meeting with him in person. We had the opportunity to thank him for assisting us with amendments Dan brought to him with regard to continuation of the Community Advisory Committee at the California School for the Blind. Assemblyman Pacheco assured us that he will do all he can to get SB105 passed on the Assembly floor.
AB2616 by Allen Lowenthal is on its way to the Governor. After being amended several times, the bill now says that the Legislature recommends to the California State University system, and the University of California system, that they hire additional Special Education instructors and distance learning staff for the blind. This bill was sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of California and the California Department of Education.
AB2035 by Ellen Corbett, which mandates accessible materials be provided at all local and state government meetings, is on its way to the Governor.
SB1555 by Tom Torlakson, is going to the Assembly floor. This bill provides funds for a brochure which is to be given to persons who have two points or more on their traffic record. This pamphlet contains information about pedestrian safety laws including California's White Cane Law. The amendment, to include the White Cane law, was initiated by Dan Kysor.
End of Legislation
On August 22nd Gene Lozano Chair, Committee on Access and Transportation and Sharlene Ornelas attended a meeting in San Diego concerning pedestrian safety Gene said that Sharlene did a great job. We are hopeful that a task force may be formed in San Diego to work on pedestrian safety issues. Regrettably, some engineers in San Diego do not understand the importance of audible traffic signals. They seem to feel that it is not necessary to have methods by which blind and visually impaired people can travel safely, which we know are essential.
Washington Mutual Bank has introduced ATMs in the state of Washington which talk in both English and Spanish. By the year 2005 they plan to have 1,500 in eight states which will speak in both English and Spanish. At the present time there are approximately 4,000 talking ATMs throughout the country. CCB can be proud of its work in this area.
Jessie Lorenz, who is President of our CCB student group, is going to compete in the Goalball worlds in Brazil this coming week. We were so proud of her and her team who made third place when they went to Sweden in the spring.
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has launched a national research project that will provide information about the "livability" of cities and towns in the United States from the point of view of people who are blind or visually impaired. The criteria and an initial list of the most highly rated communities will be announced in February 2003 at "Vision Loss in the 21st Century," an international symposium co-sponsored by AFB and the Foundation for the Junior Blind. For more information, or to participate, visit:
www.afb.org/livability.asp or e-mail livability@afb.net or call (800) 232-5463.
Here is an invitation from Frank Welte, President of the San Mateo County Council of the Blind. The San Mateo County Council of the Blind will hold its tenth anniversary banquet
on Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Villa hotel in San Mateo.
In its first ten years, SMCCB has grown into a vibrant, supportive, and growing community dedicated to improving the quality of life for blind residents of San Mateo County.
Please RSVP by contacting Philip Kutner, SMCCB Treasurer at your earliest convenience at the following address.
Philip Kutner
1128 Tanglewood Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
phone: (650) 349-6946
e-mail: fishl@smccb.org
Job Vacancy at the State of Missouri for Deputy Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Annual Salary Range $65,000.00 - $75,000.00. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2002. To apply for this position, submit your resume and cover letter to:
Denise Cross, Director
Division of Family Services
Post Office Box 88
Jefferson City, Missouri 65103
or submit via e-mail as an attachment in Microsoft Word format:
jkleff01@mail.state.mo.us
World Institute on Disability and Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunications announce their 4th Annual fundraiser "Ever Widening Circle: An Evening of Entertainment Celebrating Art and Disability" on November 7th at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater at 700 Mission Street at Howard, San Francisco. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Ticket prices: $15 Balcony and Boxes; $25 for Side or rear orchestra and orchestra pit; $50 for Center orchestra and $100 for Center orchestra and reception. For more information call 510-251-4370; TTY 510-208-9493 or visit www.wid.org.
Our Fall convention will be held October 31st through Noon on November 3rd at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine. Their correct telephone numbers are 1-800-854-3012 or 949-833-2770. We are expecting to have a great program. We have invited Carl Augusto, President of the American Foundation for the Blind, to be one of our speakers. You will be hearing more about the program soon. Those of you who have committee or affiliate programs need to get your information to us immediately so that it can be included in our convention announcement. Keep up with the California Connection and the latest news and check with us again on August 30th.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for August 16, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection the weekly news service provided by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded and posted August 16th and is scheduled to be updated August 23rd. It may be updated on the 22nd if we have information about our Division bill, SB105, which is scheduled to be heard August 21st.
Convention plans are well under way and information from Committees and Affiliates regarding plans for events to be held at our convention should be forwarded to the CCB office as soon as possible. We want to make a real effort to get announcements out early.
After the CCB board meeting on October 31st there is going to be a Halloween costume party sponsored by the Public Relations Committee. Here is your chance to look like someone, or something, else.
Marilyn Koehler, an administrative assistant in our office, came through her surgery very well but is having to have many tests. The results on these tests are not in yet, but Marilyn needs our good wishes and prayers.
Our sympathies and prayers go to the members of the Los Angeles Chapter and to the family of Ms. Bonnie Schafer who passed away August 10th . Bonnie joined the Greater Los Angeles Chapter at the beginning of this year and was employed at the Foundation for the Junior Blind for three years. Ken Metz, President of the L.A. chapter was with her when Bonnie died.
Legislative information from Dan Kysor in Sacramento. SB105, by Senator John Burton will be taken up in the Assembly Suspense Committee on August 21st, 2002 at 9:00 A.M. in room 4202 at the State Capital. Senator Burton expects the bill to clear this committee and move to the Assembly floor. BARC members will be present. Having blind and visually impaired people attend all the hearings has been most helpful to SB105.
Most of the other bills that we have been following are in the Budget Committee so we will report on these in the next week or two.
We have good news and bad news. The good news is AB1950 by Roderick Wright, which would extend probationary hiring time for state disabled employees to meet reasonable accommodations requirements, has gone to the Governor. AB3035 by Ellen Corbett, will soon move to the Governor's desk. The bill amends the Brown-Bagley-Keen Acts to require accessible media for all local and state government meetings.
Now the bad news. CCB has led a statewide campaign to oppose SB1918 by Tom
Torlakson.
The bill passed Assembly Appropriations and moves to the floor.
The bill classes the motorized electronic scooter, known as the Segway,
as a pedestrian. the bill allows this vehicle on our sidewalks.
The three members who voted no on the bill were Roy Ashburn, Manolo Diaz and Elaine Alquist.
Action Alert!
There is an ADA Para-Transit crisis at the Department of Transportation (DOT). Your phone calls and e-mails are urgently needed immediately insisting that DOT not compromise the ADA requirement that transit agencies must provide eligible Para-Transit riders with next day service. DOT has been formally requested by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, to interpret its ADA regulations in the case of Anderson v. Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit Authority. This issue deals with whether the ADA requires transit agencies to plan to provide all next day service requests. DOT's response will have nationwide implications and will either make or break the requirement for next day service. We must insist that DOT stand behind its next day service and not give transit agencies legal interpretations or loopholes to undermine this mandate. The ADA law requires para-transit to be "comparable" to fixed-route bus and rail service. In 1991 ADA regulation interpreted comparable to mean next day. This regulation, which the court has asked DOT to interpret (but not change), is already a compromise in the equal rights of people with disabilities. We don't need any further compromise. DOT's response is due to the court shortly. So it is imperative that you contact two people within the next few days, no later than a week. Next day para-transit service is our civil right. No one should be required to make longer than the next day to get service. This mandate does not need to be undermined.
You are urgently requested to call or e-mail if you can't call these two people.
1. Secretary Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation
Phone: (202) 366-1103
E-mail: norman.mineta@ost.dot.gov
2. Jenna Dorn, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
Phone: (202) 366-4040
E-mail: jennifer.dorn@fta.dot.gov
This is a time for those of us with concerns to forward our stories of what happens with us in para-transit to these two people.
Here is an invitation from Frank Welte, President of the San Mateo County Council of the Blind. The San Mateo County Council of the Blind will hold its tenth anniversary banquet
on Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Villa hotel in San Mateo.
In its first ten years, SMCCB has grown into a vibrant, supportive, and growing community dedicated to improving the quality of life for blind residents of San Mateo County.
Please RSVP by contacting Philip Kutner, SMCCB Treasurer at your earliest convenience at the following address.
Philip Kutner
1128 Tanglewood Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
phone: (650) 349-6946
e-mail: fishl@smccb.org
Now available from author Ardis Bazyn:
BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS Does the Image of Your Church Attract Members?
BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS Does the Image of Your Organization Attract Members? Both books discuss the following topics: examining your opportunities, evaluating your attitudes, building membership, planning publicity, having a variety of activities, internal support mechanisms, setting realistic goals, and communicating through brochures, newsletters, websites, and list-serves. Both books are available in print at $18.95 or 3 audio cassettes at $22.95 per set. Inquire about them by calling Ardis at (866) 476-8538 or emailing: abazyn@earthlink.net.
Disability Rights Advocates of Oakland are very interested in any problems or complaints that people in the blindness community have had regarding the East Bay Regional Park System. If you need a list of what parks are in this system or have a complaint, please contact Michele Friedner, Outreach Coordinator, Disability Rights Advocates at 510-451-8644.
Position Available for a "Resident Assistant Senior Intensive Retreat" Society for the Blind, Sacramento. One full-time opening available immediately. Salary will be in the range of $30,000 per annum, depending upon experience. A generous benefits package including full medical, dental, 401k and life insurance is also provided. The Resident Assistant will also live in a private room, rent-free at the Retreat site, with utilities included. Position closing date for the first round is August 26th however, if the position is not filled in this round the announcement will remain open until filled. To apply and for more information please contact: Bryan Bashin, Executive Director, Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. (916) 452-8271, extension 304 E-mail: director@societyfortheblind.org
We hope you have enjoyed the California Connection. Please keep in touch for the latest news.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for August 9, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded August 9th and will be updated August 16th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The office will be closed from time to time between now and August 19th. The news is available in English, Spanish and by e-mail.
We have received a communication from Charlie Crawford, Executive Director ACB. There is a new department of transportation aviation consumer disability toll free hotline. Disabled people are encouraged to call this line to obtain information and assistance if they should experience disability-related air service problems. The voice number is 1-866-266-1368. The TTY number is 1-866-754-4368.
You must know by now what is happening with the budget in California. We all know that the budget still has not passed which is causing a great deal of difficulty for many people. delayed payments to students going to school, people who are scheduled to enter the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and others who rely on DOR for funding are being adversely affected. Joe Smith long time manager of the BEP has been transferred to the ADA Department. There is a temporary acting manager in his old position at this time.
SB105, Burton, the Division bill is in Suspense in Assembly Appropriations Committee and will be brought up on August 21st in that committee. Dan Kysor testified before the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 7th in opposition to SB1918 by Torlakson, the Segway Scooter bill. Gene Lozano was contacted to see if CCB would be willing to enter into discussions with Segway to see if ways could be found to make their product safer. ACB is also in opposition to Segway, so I spoke with Charlie Crawford about this proposal. Gene Lozano was advised by me that CCB would not be involved in such a meeting unless federal and state legislation on Segway was suspended. CCB will not withdraw our opposition and get involved in meetings while every effort is being made to put these motorized conveyances on the sidewalk. Keep in touch to hear the latest on legislation.
When was the last time you attended a Halloween costume party or have you ever attended one? Don t miss the chance to participate in such a party being sponsored by the CCB Public Relations Committee right after the CCB Board of Directors meeting on October 31st. Our Fall Convention begins that day. We will meet at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine. The rate is $70 per night for single or double accommodations. The address is 18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612. The phone numbers are 949-833-2870 or 800-854-1012.
The US Office of Personnel Management has a new web site designed to provide information on Federal employment for people with Disabilities. You can check it out at www.opm.gov/disability.
It looks like August 17th is picnic day for much of CCB.
Greater Long Beach Chapter California Council of the Blind, Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind Fundraiser Picnic
When: August 17TH 2002
Time: 12:00 P.M. Until 5:00 P.M.
Location: Bolivar Park
Address: 3300 East Del Almo Blvd.. Lakewood, CA. 90814
Cross Streets: Del Almo and Downey
2nd Shelter: The Long Beach Chapter, California Council of the Blind will be hosting its annual Fundraising Picnic. There will be Raffle(s), Door Prizes, and lots of fun and games. So please come out and join us for a delicious barbeque dinner, fresh fruit(s) soft drink(s) and dessert with lots of fun and music.
Special guest appearance by Outta Sight
Cost of Admission: $10; R.S.V.P. by August 10th
$12 if paid on the day of the picnic. Contact Michele Burnett, Secretary at (562) 728-1960 for more information First Come; First Served!
Orange County Chapter CCB, Annual Picnic, Saturday, August 17th, 2002. 2 P.M. until 6 P.M.
The Whittier Area Chapter of the California Council of the Blind (WACCCB) will hold its annual picnic at Palm Park in Whittier (5706 El Rancho Drive - not too far from Norwalk Boulevard - Picnic Side; 5703 Palm Avenue - Pool Side if your Access Driver can't find the picnic tables!) on Saturday, August 17, 2003 from 11 a.m. 'til 3 p.m. $5 per person - Gerry at 562-945-8771 or gerry@blindcenter.com.
As previously announced the Silicon Valley will also have its picnic on August 17th at the home of Ken Carey.
A reminder to residents of Alameda County that there will be an open house to demonstrate new voting equipment to be held on Wednesday, August 21st , 2002 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. This will be held at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office, Superior Court House, 1225 Fallon St., Room G-1 , Oakland , CA. (near the Lake Merritt BART station). Enter via the 12th Street accessible entrance and take the elevator down to the Registrar of Voters office in Room G-1. If you plan to attend please call 510-272-6933 and let them know you are coming. Hopefully, many voting citizens of Alameda County will be there to demonstrate their interest.
I hope you have enjoyed the California Connection Have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
California Connection for August 2, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been recorded August 2nd and will be updated August 9th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day and evenings on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The office will be closed from time to time between now and August 19th. The news is available in English, Spanish and by e-mail.
Tatsuo Morita is Japanese and has lived in California for many years. He has been living in Castro Valley for the last 14 years but the rising cost of rent ahs caused him to have to leave there. He is currently living in a shelter in Berkeley which will only be available to him until the end of September. This is not a good situation for him and he is anxious to rent a room in Berkeley, Albany or El Cerrito. He is able to pay between $500 and $600 per month but no apartment is available at that price as we all know. Tatsuo has good command of English and gets around by himself very well. If you can have or know some one who could help please call him at 510-843-6800, extension 880. He has encountered the same problem many of us have. When a potential landlord finds out he is blind their rental is suddenly quite "unsuitable for him". Please do what you can to help.
Dan Kysor will be at the Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing on August 7th to present CCB's opposition to SB1918. The bill authored by Torlakson would allow the motorized Segway scooters to be used on sidewalks. We are waiting to hear when SB105, our Division bill, will be brought before Assembly Appropriations. AB3035 which would provide that materials for public meetings be put into accessible formats, and AB1150 extending time for disabled people to qualify for their jobs are scheduled to be heard before Senate Appropriations August 5th.
The Dragonboat Regatta will be held at Jack London Square in Oakland on August 10th and 11th. This is of special interest to us since the first boat team in this country to compete equally with 80 other teams is made up of blind and visually impaired people. They call themselves "Blind Ambition". The Oregon Council of the Blind and the California Council, both affiliates of the American Council, are helping to sponsor this team in this unique event. We were contacted by Ayla Montgomery for assistance for their project. The team is hoping that some of us will come to Jack London Square to cheer them on. I plan to try to be there September 11th.
American Printing House for the Blind has a program which is headed up by Burt Boyer well known to blind Californians. It is called " Babies Count" and is designed to develop a registry of blind babies form birth to three years of age. It is hoped that this will lead to better services for blind babies and their families. Burt will be a t the Braille Institute from August 25th to 29th sharing information and training on this program. Ahmad Rahman will be attending as a representative of CCB.
General Electric has overlays for some of their products which makes them more accessible for blind and visually impaired people . If you have a washer, dryer, range or microwave, you can call and see if they have something to correspond with the model number of your appliance. They do not have overlays for everything. Call 1-800-626-2000 and press prompt number three. We found out this information while researching for one of our members.
Many publications concerning ADA are available in accessible formats. From the Department of Justice call them at 1-800-514-0301. They are on Eastern Standard Time.
Greater Long Beach Chapter California Council of the Blind, Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind Fundraiser Picnic
When: August 17TH 2002
Time: 12:00 P.M. Until 5:00 P.M.
Location: Bolivar Park
Address: 3300 East Del Almo Blvd.. Lakewood, CA. 90814
Cross Streets: Del Almo and Downey
2nd Shelter: The Long Beach Chapter, California Council of the Blind will be hosting its annual Fundraising Picnic. There will be Raffle(s), Door Prizes, and lots of fun and games. So please come out and join us for a delicious barbeque dinner, fresh fruit(s) soft drink(s) and dessert with lots of fun and music.
Special guest appearance by Outta Sight
Cost of Admission: $10; R.S.V.P. by August 10th
$12 if paid on the day of the picnic. Contact Michele Burnett, Secretary at (562) 728-1960 for more information First Come; First Served!
Orange County Chapter - CCB, Annual Picnic, Saturday, August 17th, 2002. 2 P.M. until 6 P.M. Cost: $4.00 per person. Location: 29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, in the city of Modjeska Canyon, CA. Meal served at 2 P.M. There will be a one hour tour of Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary begins at 4 P.M. Features bird watching with our ears. Contact: Julie Cantrell 714-290-0367 for details.
The Whittier Area Chapter of the California Council of the Blind (WACCCB) will hold its annual picnic at Palm Park in Whittier (5706 El Rancho Drive - not too far from Norwalk Boulevard - Picnic Side; 5703 Palm Avenue - Pool Side if your Access Driver can't find the picnic tables!) on Saturday, August 17, 2003 from 11 a.m. 'til 3 p.m. No special trips or anything - just good times and great hamburgers! $5 per person - Gerry at 562-945-8771 or gerry@blindcenter.com.
You can enjoy today's best selling books in easy to read large print (18 point) at a great low price. Reader's Digest Partners for sight foundation publishes select editions large type a popular condensed reading series that delivers 6 volumes of great reading right to your door step one every other month.
This exciting reading series offers you the best in current fiction, romance, mystery, biography and adventure. All by top authors you know and enjoy. Each volume contains up to two best selling books. These expertly edited selections are presented in large clear, easy to read type. Soft cover volumes are lightweight and easy to handle.
A one year subscription costs $14.95. A $5.00 donation will be sent to blind Skills Inc. publishers of Dialogue for each subscriber who mentions the code Dial02 in his, her order. Contact Select Editions Large Type, PO Box 262, Mount Morris, IL 61054. 800-877-5293.
Alameda County Registrar of Voters Notice regarding Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting and Open House to demonstrate new voting equipment. To be held Wednesday, August 21, 2002 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters Office, Superior Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1, Oakland, CA (near the Lake Merritt BART Station). Enter via the 12th street accessible entrance and take the elevator down to the registrar of Voters Office in Room G - 1. The meeting is open to all interested persons. Call 510-272-6933 to RSVP.
I hope you have enjoyed the California Connection have a good day or evening. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for July 26, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the
California Council of the Blind. This new release has been recorded July 26th and will be updated
August 2nd. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day on
weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed. The news is available in English,
Spanish and by e-mail.
Although Marilyn Koehler's health is improving she is not expected to be back in the office until
August 19th. From time to time our office will be closed because Ed is out on Council business.
Just leave a message at the office or call Catherine Skivers at 510-357-1986.
If you want to submit an article for the next Blind Californian please have it to Winifred Downing,
Editor, no later than September 1st. Send it as early as possible so that our editor has time to work
on the magazine. Items to be included on the California Connection should always be sent no later
that Thursday since we always try to update them early on Friday.
SB 33 by Nell Soto was signed into law recently and will provide funding for teachers and
teacher para-professionals to spend time with teacher/parent involvement programs for the
California School for the Blind. Both the schools for the deaf and blind were added to this general
teacher funding bill in the bills final stages. The bill is chapter 25.
The California Elections Reform Board has ruled on accessibility standards for counties to
receive proposition 41 funds for voting machine modernization. CCB Governmental Affairs
Director Dan Kysor testified at the hearing and the standards and Dan's testimony may be found on
the Secretary of State's website or ccbnet.org. The next meeting of the elections board will be held
on September 16th.
Senator John Burton has waved presentation of SB 105, our Division for the Blind bill on
August 7 and instead, will put the bill over to late august. Burton expects the bill then to move out
of budget and on to the assembly floor. If you have not sent or phoned in your comments to the
Assembly Appropriations Chair, Darrell Steinberg, you still have time. You may phone in your
support to his office at 916-319-2009.
Dan Kysor asks all who receive job announcements to email them to him so he may place
them on the ccb website under the "ccb job bank".
The second annual San Mateo County Council of the Blind Twin Pines Picnic in the Park will be on
Saturday, August 3 from noon to 4:00 PM at Twin Pines Park on Ralston Avenue in Belmont, just a
block west of El Camino Real and the Belmont Caltrain station. Bring your family, your friends, and
a healthy appetite. We request a donation of $5 per person to defray a part of our costs. Also, we
are gathering items to be given away as prizes during the Bingo games at the picnic. So let us
know if you have an item to donate. There will be large print and Braille Bingo cards. RSVP and
direct other picnic inquiries to Phil Kutner at (650) 349-6946.
Orange County Chapter – CCB, Annual Picnic, Saturday, August 17th, 2002. 2 P.M. until 6 P.M.
Cost: $4.00 per person. Location: 29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, in the city of Modjeska Canyon,
CA. Meal served at 2 P.M. There will be a one hour tour of Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary begins at 4
P.M. Features bird watching with our ears. Contact: Julie Cantrell 714-290-0367 for details.
The Whittier Area Chapter of the California Council of the Blind (WACCCB) will hold its annual
picnic at Palm Park in Whittier (5706 El Rancho Drive - not too far from Norwalk Boulevard - Picnic
Side; 5703 Palm Avenue - Pool Side if your Access Driver can't find the picnic tables!) on Saturday,
August 17, 2003 from 11 a.m. 'til 3 p.m. No special trips or anything - just good times and great
hamburgers! $5 per person - Gerry at 562/945-8771 or gerry@blindcenter.com.
San Jose Garden Apartments subsidized housing is open now. For details call 408-248-0800.
Mid Peninsula Housing interest list is opening in October in Redwood City call 650-299-8000. They
will be opening an interest list for Santa Clara. Applications will be sent out in October. If you
return them with a $10 check you will be entered into a lottery. You could be picked to get either an
apartment or be placed on a waiting list.
HUD housing in Santa Clara is closed for possibly up to 5 years. However, you can get on a list in
Santa Cruz or some less populated areas. The contact number is 415-436-6550.
If you would like to get your name off of telephone and mailing lists call 888-567-8688.
The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles offers an audio described performance of the comedy "The
Allergist's Wife" on Saturday August 3rd at 2:00 PM. Production notes are read at 1:30 PM prior to
the show. Live audio describers from the Los Angles Radio Reading Service for the Blind describe
the characters & the set as well as action integral to the production. For ticket information, call
213/628-2772. Ask about specially priced tickets for this audio described performance.
Our Fall CCB Convention will be held at the Atrium Hotel, October 31st through November 3rd, 2002,
in Irvine, CA. It is across the street from the John Wayne Airport. The address is 18700 MacArthur
Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612. Telephone numbers to reach the hotel are 949-833-2770 or 1-800-854-3012.
The room rate is $70 per night for single or double accommodations. Plans are underway for this
convention and suggestions for speakers should be sent immediately. You also need to contact us
about meetings that you want scheduled as to time and date. We are pleased to hear so many of
you are enjoying receiving the connection by e-mail.
It is a bit early but the Centerville Lions Club has a project which is giving some blind people some
assembly work and they have asked us to give you the following information. Holiday Almond
Trays
5 Assorted Flavors, 2.5 pounds $25. 3 assorted flavors, 1.5 pounds, $17. Ask about volume
discounts. Flavors include Hickory Smoked, Honey Orange, Roasted and Salted, Butter Toffee,
Garlic Onion and Honey Roasted. Contact Tom Ford 510-792-2223 or Ginny Axtell 510-450-1559
Thank you for accessing the California Connection. Have a good day or evening. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for July 19, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been release has been recorded July 19th and will be updated July 26th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed.
Orange County Chapter CCB, Annual Picnic, Saturday, August 17th, 2002. 2 P.M. until 6 P.M. Cost: $4.00 per person. Location: 29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, in the city of Modjeska Canyon, CA. Meal served at 2 P.M. There will be a one hour tour of Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary begins at 4 P.M. Features bird watching with our ears. Contact: Julie Cantrell 714-290-0367 for details.
Redwood City based ARCAL Corporation, the new supplier of audio cassette
tapes for CCB's Blind Californian Audio edition, is happy to announce a
special offer. Blank Audio Cassette tapes sent to you at $.45 each or
$45.00 for 100 per box of 90 minute length.tapes. Call ARCAL at 1800-272-2591 to place your order. Other audio
recording supplies also available. Please talk to either Steve or Linda
Viola.
The following information has been submitted by Dan Kysor: SB105 by Senator Burton, the Division Bill will be heard in Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 7th in room 4202. The Chair of the committee is Darrell Steinberg,
916-319-2009. Hearings before this committee begin at 9:00 A.M. Many bills will be heard on that date so we cannot be certain when our bill will come up.
SB1227 by Senator Burton, was a bill on housing and homeless. The measure has been signed into law and is chapter 26. It provides for a ballot proposition which will be on the ballot in November and is number 41.
AB1800 by Kehoe, was a bill concerning placards but has been amended so that now it is an entirely different bill.
AB2326 by Fromer, is a Braille reading standards bill which creates a task force to establish Braille reading standards K through 12. The bill is on suspense in Senate Appropriations but could be heard on August 7th.
AB1950 by Roderick Wright, deals with state workers with disabilities probationary extension time to meet reasonable accommodations, will be heard on the Senate floor the week of July 22nd.
SB1918 by Tom Torlakson, the Segway Scooter bill, scheduled to be heard in Assembly Appropriations on August 7th after 9:00 A.M. in room 4202. CCB is in opposition to this bill for obvious safety reasons. As currently amended, the Segway Scooter, which travels at 12.5 miles per hour, will be allowed on pedestrian sidewalks, which is hazardous for people.
AB2616 by Lowenthal, a bill about distance learning, is on suspense in Senate Appropriations and its future is uncertain.
AB3035 by Ellen Corbett, would make materials for public meetings for state and local governments accessible to people with disabilities, is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor the week of July 22nd.
AB2416 by Bates, was withdrawn by the author. It would have created a pool of emergency workers who had passed background checks.
AB2784 by Chavez, allowing optometrists to prescribe specialized phone equipment for people with disabilities, has been signed and is chapter 141.
SB1555 by Torlakson, about Pedestrian safety education program, includes the white cane law, is also scheduled for Assembly Appropriations on August 7th.
AB2507 by Pacheco, is currently on suspense in the Senate.
AB2444 by Senator Dutra, concerns the equity for salaries for teachers in special schools. The bill is currently on suspense but if it is heard is will be on August 5th.
AB1844 by Mountjoy, was a tax credit bill which has been killed in Senate Appropriations. It would have doubled the property income tax credit.
AB2787 by Arroner, public housing building standard education measure will be heard in the Senate Appropriations on August 5th.
AB2032 by Canciamilla, concerning hate crimes, died in Senate Public Safety Committee. This bill would have tripled penalties against disabled and senior people.
The second annual San Mateo County Council of the Blind Twin Pines Picnic in the Park will be on Saturday, August 3 from noon to 4:00 PM at Twin Pines Park on Ralston Avenue in Belmont, just a block west of El Camino Real and the Belmont Caltrain station. Bring your family, your friends, and a healthy
appetite. We request a donation of $5 per person to defray a part of our
costs. Also, we are gathering items to be given away as prizes during
the Bingo games at the picnic. So let us know if you have an item to
donate. There will be large print and Braille Bingo cards. RSVP and
direct other picnic inquiries to Phil Kutner at (650) 349-6946.
Guidepost is a non-denominational magazine which many of us enjoy reading in Braille. We have just learned the sad news that this magazine will no longer be published in Braille but will be made available on audio Cassette tape. A letter is being written suggesting places where the magazine might be produced with less expense, because cost is the apparent cause of this change. If you want to call about your subscription the number is 1-800-431-2344.
Thanks to Diana Nguyen for letting us know that a new company called Magic Walk
will be opening in San Jose on August 5th. They will carry shoes for those who have trouble with their feet because of diabetes or other reasons. They are cheaper than many special shoes and, it is believed, MediCal will pay for them. The phone number will be 408-435-7380.
Our Fall CCB Convention will be held at the Atrium Hotel, October 31st through November 3rd, 2002, in Irvine, CA.
CSU Scholarship for Blind Students
http://www.calstate.edu/PA/news/blind.shtml
Expanded Scholarship Program for Visually Impaired Students Launched
(July 10, 2002) Visually impaired students at the 23-campus California
State University system will get a helping hand in their college careers
thanks to
the generosity of longtime Bay Area resident Dale M. Schoettler.
The CSU Foundation has received a $3.4 million distribution from
Schoettler's estate to provide scholarships for visually impaired
students
at all 23 CSU
campuses. The gift will expand an existing scholarship program that
Schoettler, who himself was visually impaired, established in 1991 for
San
Francisco
State and San Jose State students.
The new endowment will provide at least 20 $5,000 scholarships annually
for
legally blind CSU graduate and undergraduate students who have a minimum
cumulative
GPA of 2.8. Students may attend any CSU campus and nominations for the
scholarship will be received from financial aid offices throughout the
CSU. The
current 2002-03 Schoettler scholars are Peggy Washington at San
Francisco
State University and Sergio Mejia at San Jose State University. The
Schoettler
Scholars Program will begin its expanded outreach during the 2003-04
academic year.
Louis Caldera, president of the CSU Foundation and vice chancellor of
University Advancement, said, "The CSU is gratified that Mr. Schoettler
recognized
the value of the services that the CSU provides all Californians. This
scholarship program for visually impaired students, coupled with the
array
of programs
and counseling that every CSU campus provides, will encourage
prospective
and current CSU students to follow their dreams and continue their
education."
The California State University is the largest system of senior higher
education in the country, with 23 campuses, nearly 400,000 students and
42,000 faculty
and staff. Since the system was created in 1961, it has awarded about 2
million degrees. The CSU is renowned for the quality of its teaching and
for the
job-ready graduates it produces. Its mission is to provide high-quality,
affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of the people of
California.
With its commitment to excellence, diversity and innovation, the CSU is
the
university system that is working for California. See www.calstate.edu
for
more information.
Contact: Clara Potes-Fellow, cpotes-fellow@calstate.edu, (562) 951-4806
Content Contact:
Public Affairs
publicaffairs@calstate.edu
Technical Contact:
webmaster@calstate.edu
Last Updated: 10 July 2002
Have a good day or evening. Catherine Skivers
California Connection for July 15, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been release has been recorded July 14th and will be updated July 19th. You can listen to the Connection after 4 P.M. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends and holidays or at any time the CCB office is closed.
This last weekend was a busy one for CCB. Ken Metz, Second V.P., visited the Bakersfield Chapter. Jeff Thom, First V.P., attended the memorial services held in memory of Allen Jenkins at the Orientation Center for the Blind. Jeff Thom represented the Council and me. Rhonda King and I were in Fresno. We have great news. The Greater Central Valley Chapter of CCB has been formed, officers have been elected and they are working on their Constitution and By-Laws. Their President is Annette Carter. She is very capable and enthusiastic. We are looking forward to presenting them with their charter at our convention in Irvine beginning October 31st through November 3rd. Their membership is made up of members from a chapter we had in Fresno some years ago and many new people. We are delighted to welcome them. I am sure Allen Jenkins would have been pleased to have a new chapter established on the same day a meeting was held to honor and remember him.
Our thoughts and prayers were with Dan Kysor and his family who had a private service for his mother, also held on July 13th.
On Friday, July 12th Dan Kysor, Gil Johnson and I met with representatives from DOR, the Department of Finance and Diane Cummins from Senator Burton s office. We discussed SB105 which will be heard on August 7th before the Assembly Appropriations Committee in room 4202 at 9 A.M. but we are not certain the when the bill will be heard. The Chair of the Committee is Darrell Steinberg. You can address him at State Capitol Bldg, Sacramento, CA 95814. Assemblyman Steinberg s phone number is 916-319-2009. Senator Burton s phone number is 916-445-1412. Please urge Assemblyman Steinberg and his committee to pass SB105 and thank Senator Burton for helping to improve Rehab Services in California. We are encouraged about passage of SB105 and you need to be heard from now.
Marilyn Koehler continues to improve but it will be some time before she will be able to return to the office. We are keeping in close touch with her.
Our Fall Convention will be held at the Atrium Hotel, October 31st through November 3rd 2002 in Irvine, CA. The hotel is across the street from the John Wayne Airport. The address is 18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612. Telephone numbers are 949-833-2770 or 800-854-3012. Both these numbers go directly to the Atrium Hotel. The rate is $70 per night for single and double occupancy. I hope that all of you can come. The Scholarship Committee will have a meeting in Oakland on August 10th . We will meet at the Park Plaza Hotel which has the space we need for our meeting.
The Public Relations Committee will have a teleconference within the next 2 weeks.
This news release is a bit shorter than usual, but as you can tell, we have been pretty busy. The office will be closed part of the day on Monday, July 15th , while we are out on CCB business.
Thanks to those of you who have let us know that you like receiving the California Connection by e-mail.
Catherine Skivers, President
California Connection for July 10, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection. The weekly news service provided for its members by the California Council of the Blind. This new release has been released July 10th and will be updated July 14th. That release will contain any news coming during the week. Most of us are back from a very successful A.C.B. Convention. Before I report some of the highlights form Houston let me give you some good news that reached us while we were there. Marilyn Koehler, one of our administrative assistants had her surgery July 1 and is doing very well. She has no cancer. This is wonderful news. She is recovering and sounds great. Her address is 252 Tonopah Drive, Fremont, CA 94539.
Our other administrative assistant accompanied me to the convention and did an outstanding job getting me to the many, many activities I had to attend. We got home the evening of July 6th. Ed was especially happy to get home because his wife Michiko had been visiting her mother in Japan and had arrived home July 5th. We are glad to know that her mother is feeling better and glad to have Michiko back in the U.S.
This convention was well attended and for me quite an occasion. At the general session on June 30th I was presented with an A.C.B. Life Membership purchased for me by the C.C.B. I was very surprised especially since I had not heard a word about this and the Board had been working on it for months. I am honored and grateful for such a generous gesture. Receiving this membership from C.C.B. is definitely one of the high points in my life and always will be. I was also elected President of the A.C.B. Government Employees affiliate. In reading the nominations Mitch Pomerantz said I would be retiring as C.C.B. President this year and he did not want me to get out of practice. Teddie-Joy Remhild was elected as Vice President of A.C.B.G.E. and Andy Borracco was elected Secretary. Skip Hayes from Virginia is Treasurer. I am looking forward to working with them.
The C.C.B. office will be closed Friday, July 12th while I join other BARC members, people from D.O.R. and an analyst from the Department of Finance, Health and Human Services Division to discuss SB105. Our bill SB105 by Senator Burton will be heard on August 7th, 2002 before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Their meeting begins at 9:00 A.M. in room 4202. Darrell Steinberg is Chair of this committee and a co-author of our bill. His telephone number is 916-319-2009. Senator Burton s number is 916-445-1412. Please immediately write or call Assemblyman Steinberg and urge his committee to pass SB105. Also contact Senator Burton and thank him for carrying our bill and urge him to help us to get it through Appropriations.
C.C.B. has received a response from A.A.R.P. on our Resolution asking that their materials be put into accessible formats. We have been advised that their magazine Modern Maturity is available on cassette tape from Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. They say that if this is not available in your area that you should contact the National Library Service. You will hear more about this later.
More news from the Houston Convention. Eight people were elected for office. For the A.C.B. Board of Directors, Alan Beatty from Colorado, Carla Ruscival from Kentucky, Patrick Sheehan, from Maryland, Brian Charleson, from Massachusetts and Billie Jean Keith, from Virginia were elected.
Charles Hodge, was appointed Chair of the A.C.B. Board of Publications. Our own Winifred Downing was elected by acclimation, as was Mike Duke from Mississippi. Linda Braithwaite, was recommended by the nominating committee and is from Utah. Ken Stewart from New York won by a very large majority. Ken does a lot of writing and should do very well in this spot. Linda was a member of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir for about twenty years. She gave an inspirational talk and sang beautifully at the first general session. Not only is she a great singer but she is an excellent role model for blind and V.I. people.
Chris Gray did an outstanding job in conducting the business of the convention. Publicity was the very best we have had in many years. Much of the Convention was broadcast world wide on A.C.B. Radio under the direction of Jonathon Mosen. This is available on the A.C.B. website. We had coverage on C.N.N., A.P. News service and local newspaper, radio and TV as well. Chris Gray did several interviews. Marvelena Quesada and Charlie Crawford made a presentation on one of the stations devoted exclusively to the Hispanic population in that area. Marvelena speaks Spanish fluently and did a great job. The Texas MacHatter Tea Party was successful and Jeff Thom won the first prize of $250. Upon reaching the convention we learned that Texas does not allow raffles. As a result, the Scholarship Sweepstakes will be drawn at the A.C.B. national office in about two weeks. Tickets could not be sold in Texas so any of you who are interested in purchasing them can call the A.C.B. office at 800-424-8666. Between the hours of 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. Pacific time, you can call this number toll free. If you purchase a $100 ticket it can be put on a credit card and remember the first prize is $10,000.
Another highlight of the Convention was when Rhonda King received the Floyd Qualls scholarship. You will be hearing more about the convention in the next B.C. and in future connections. Have a good day or evening.
Catherine Skivers
June 27, 2002
Welcome to the California Connection the weekly news service provided for its members by the CCB. This news release has been recorded June 27th and will be updated July 10th. The Connection can be heard in English and Spanish after 4 PM Monday through Friday and all day and evening on weekends, holidays and any time the CCB office is closed. The CCB office will be closed from July 1st to July 10th. Two thirds of our CCB Board of Directors will be attending the ACB Convention in Houston, Texas. If you have urgent business that requires help from the CCB office call our Second Vice President, Ken Metz at 323-295-4555, extension 255 or at his home number 310-787-0021. I expect to be back in California late on July 6th. I regret to have to announce the death of Dan Kysor s mother on Sunday June 23rd. She had been seriously ill and was in the hospital in Davis. Dan, his two sisters and one brother were with her when she died. Another brother had returned to Bakersfield but spoke to his mother by phone. CCB sent flowers to Dan and Ann since no formal services will be held. Dan has been hearing from friends by phone and mail and he appreciates this very much. His phone number is 916-371-1514. His address is 225 15th Street, West Sacramento, CA 95691. Dan is keeping busy watching the legislation we are following and contacting Assembly legislative Appropriations Committee members about SB105 introduced for BARC by Senator John Burton.
I am listing the members, their districts and Sacramento phone numbers. You can obtain their local numbers from information. Chairperson, Darrell Steinberg, Sacramento, 916-319-2009; Vice Chairperson, Patricia Bates, Carlsbad, 916-319-2973; Elaine Alquist, Santa Clara, 916-319-2022; Dion Arroner, Berkeley, 916-319-2014; Roy Ashburn, Bakersfield, 916-319-2032; Gill Cedillo, Los Angeles, 916-319-2046; Ellen Corbett, San Leandro, 916-319-2018; Lynn Daucher, Fullerton, 916-319-2072; Jackie Goldberg, Los Angeles, 916-319-2045; Abel Maldinado, San Luis Obispo, 916-319-2033; Robert Pacheco, Van Nuys, 916-319-2040; Lou Papen, Millbrae, 916-319-2019; George Runner, Santa Clarita, 916-319-2036; Kevin Shelley, San Francisco, 916-319-2012; Joe Simitian, Palo Alto, 916-319-2021; Helen Thompson, Davis, 916-319-2008; Pat Wiggins, Santa Rosa, 916-319-2007; Roderick Wright, Los Angeles, 916-319-2048; Charles Zettel, Poway, 916-319-2075.
As previously announced, Marilyn Koehler, one of our Admin Assistants will have surgery on July 1st in San Francisco. If you want to send a note or card here is her address; Marilyn Koehler, 252 Tonopah Drive, Fremont, CA 94539. E-mail address: mjkelvis@attbi.com.
A meeting to help organize a CCB chapter will be held in Fresno July 13th at 10:00 AM at Bob s Big Boy restaurant, 5610 North Blackstone in Fresno. Rhonda King, Membership Chair, and I hope to see many of you from that area at our meeting.
Kenth.
Jeff Thom, 1st V.P., CCB, will represent the Council and me at the memorial service for Allen Jenkins to be held at the Orientation Center for the Blind July 13th at 2:00 PM. The address is 400 Adams Street, Albany, CA 94706. Refreshments will be served following the service so you are asked to call Diane Smith at 510-559-1222 if you plan to attend. Many people who cannot attend are sending letters and messages to the center. They should be send Attention: Diane Smith . Allen meant a great deal to the hundreds of blind people he helped through the years. This is a good time to let his family know how much he was appreciated.
On July 3rd at 9:00 AM a conference on taxicab problems in Oakland will take place. Larry Carol from the City Managers office will be officiating. The first half hour will be devoted to hearing from disabled people on problems they are experiencing with taxicabs in Oakland. The location of the meeting is 666 Belleview. That is the Garden Center in Lake Merritt Park.
On July 1st the State Franchise Tax Board will open its homeowners and renters program. If your income is less than $35, 251, you are a citizen or qualified registered alien, paid property taxes, paid $50 or more in rent per month in 2001, are blind, disabled or 62 years of age on December 31, 2000, you may be eligible for a refund which could be up to 96% of what you paid. To learn more about this program call 800-852-5711. This is worthwhile looking into.
Mark Oswald is selling cassette tapes, with or without case, for $.50 each. He will also erase tapes for you so they can be reused if you request it. You can write to him in Braille and checks should be made out to Mark Oswald, and sent to 1701 Laguna Street, Apt# 103, Concord, CA 94520. His phone number is 925-674-1264.
Thank you for calling the California Connection.
June 21, 2002
Congradulations to President Catherine Skivers for producing her renown "California
Connection" in electronic format. The connection has been around now since 1992 and is in spanish and english via voice
at 1-800-221-6359.
This will replace the "From Sacramento" electronic versions formally on the CCB website and
on our ccb listservs. Again, congradulations to Ms. Skivers for this
innovative step.
Welcome to the California Connection the news service provided
in English and Spanish for its members by the California Council
of the Blind. This news release has been taped on June 21st. It
will be updated June 27th. After that the Connection will not be
updated again until July 10th because of the American Council
of the Bind s convention and other meetings with which I will be
involved immediately after the convention. Tickets for the
Durward K. McDaniel First Timers Fund should be received in
the CCB office by Tuesday, June 25th. Otherwise, bring them to
me at the ACB convention. As of June 20th 112 people have
signed up for the Mac Hatter Party. I hope Californians will sign
up for this important event.
Marilyn Koehler has had to change her plans and instead of
going to the convention will have surgery on July 1st at the
University of California Hospital in San Francisco. Some of you
have asked for information so that you can contact her. Her
home address is Marilyn Koehler, 252 Tonopah Drive, Fremont,
CA 94539. Her e-mail address is
mailto:mjkelvis@attbi.commjkelvis@attbi.com.
Legislation:
By a vote of 6 to zero SB105, Burton, passed the Human
Services Committee on Tuesday, June 18th. The bill will now go
to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. BARC has done a
fine job with your help of getting this bill this far. Now we need
your letters and phone calls. This is urgent. Appropriations
committee members are;
Darrell Steinberg, from Sacramento, local phone number
916-319-2009; Patricia Bates, Vice Chair, from Carlsbad, local
phone number 949-495-0730, Sacramento number
916-319-2973; Elaine Alquist, from Santa Clara, local number
408-296-1616, Sacramento number 916-319-2022; Dion
Arroner, from Berkeley, local number 510-540-3660,
Sacramento number 916-319-2014; Roy Ashburn from
Bakersfield, local number 661-395-2995, Sacramento number
916-319-2032; Gil Cedillo from Los Angeles, local number
213-833-2900, Sacramento number 916-319-2046; Ellen
Corrbett from San Leandro, local number 510-614-0180,
Sacramento number 916-319-2018; Lynn Daucher from
Fullerton, local number 714-525-0175, Sacramento number
916-319-2072; Jackie Goldberg, from Los Angeles, local
number 313-258-0450, Sacramento number 916-319-2045;
Abel Maldonado, from San Luis Obispo, local number
805-549-3381, Sacramento number 916-319-2033; Robert
Pacheco, from Van Nuys, local number 818-904-3840,
Sacramento number 916-319-2040; Lou Pappan, from Milbrae,
local number 650-866-3940, Sacramento number
916-319-2019; Gloria Romero, from Monterey Park, local
number 323-981-3426, Sacramento number 916-319-2049;
George Runner, from Santa Clarita, local number 661-723-3368,
Sacramento number 916-319-2036; Kevin Shelley, from San
Francisco, local number 415-557-2312, Sacramento number
916-319-2012; Joe Simitian, from Palo Alto, local number
650-856-2181, Sacramento number 916-319-2021; Helen
Thompson, from Davis, local number 707-455-8025,
Sacramento number 916-319-2008; Pat Wiggins, from Santa
Rosa, local number 707-546-4500, Sacramento number
916-319-2007; Roderick Wright, from Los Angeles, local
number 213-745-6656, Sacramento number 916-319-2048;
Charlene Zettle, from Poway, local number 858-385-7700,
Sacramento number 916-319-2075.
AB2525, by Hannabeth Jackson from Santa Barbara, the
accessible voting machines bill passed Senate elections 5 to
zero and moved to Senate Appropriations.
AB2616, by Alan Lowenthal from Long Beach, the CSU Special
Education bill was amended to include 5 new teaching positions
and 5 support members and incentive stipends for students
seeking their teaching credential. The bill is on suspense in the
Policy Committee. If you want to write letters on any of these
bills, and you need to especially on SB105, address your letters
to the Honorable name of Assemblyperson State Capitol
Building, Sacramento, CA 95814.
On Wednesday, June 19th , Dan Kysor testified before the
Secretary of State s voting modernization board where he urged
the board to adopt a policy of having one accessible voting
machine per polling place.
A new CCB chapter is being formed in Fresno and is expected to
be chartered at our Fall convention. We will meet at 10AM,
July 13th at Bob Big Boys Restaurant located at 5610 North
Blackstone in Fresno. We urge all of you in this area who are
interested to attend.
On June 25th I will be attending the Blindness Advisory
Committee meeting in Sacramento. On June 27th I will be back
in Sacramento attending a meeting of all the managers in the
Social Service Department. This meeting was called by Tom Lee,
Chief of the Division of Specialized Services in this agency to
give managers the opportunity to learn more about the blindness
community. We are glad to be taking part in this program.
The state Franchise Tax Board has a program for homeowner
and renter assistance. For homeowners this is a once a year
payment from the State of California based on part of the
property taxes assessed and paid on your home. If eligible you
could receive up to 96% of the property taxes you paid in the
prior year. In 2001 you would have qualified if you were one of
the following on December 31st, 2000; you must be 62 years of
age or older, blind or disabled, and own your home and have
lived in it on December 31st, 2000, had total house income of
$35, 251 or less and are a U.S. citizen designated alien or
qualified alien when you file your claim. If your 62nd birthday is
on January 1, 2001 you are considered to be 62 on December
31st, 2000.
Renters assistance is a once in a year payment from the state
based on part of the property taxes that you pay indirectly when
you pay your rent. In 2001 you would have qualified for this
assistance if you were 62 years of age or older. You would have
qualified for this assistance if you were one of the following on
December 31st, 2000, 62 years of age or older, blind or
disabled, and paid $50 or more rent per month in the prior year,
had total household income of $35, 251 or less, and meet the
same requirements as stated before. A reminder that if your
62nd birthday on January 1st ,2001 you are considered to be
age 62 on December 31st of 2000. The 2002 filing season for
these programs begins July 1st, 2002. For more information call
800-852-5711.
The Ahmanson theater in Los Angeles offers an audio described
performance of the comedy The Tale of the Allergist s Wife on
Saturday, August 3rd at 2PM production notes are read at
1:30PM prior to the show. Live audio describers from the Los
Angeles radio reading service for the blind describe the
characters and the set as well as action integral to the
production. For ticket information call 213-628-2772 and ask
about specially priced tickets for this audio described
performance.
June 7, 2002
1. AB 2444 by Assemblyman John Dutra has gone out of the
assembly unanomously and now
moves to the Senate Education Committee sometime in July.
The bill would equalize wages between the school for the blind
and two schools for the deaf to that of their
respective school districts.
A proposed amendment would give these schools equal access
to other programs offered by the governor and legislature to
other schools.
2. From Charlie Crawford, executive director of the American
Council of the Blind,
Major Medicare decision issued
This is a major news flash! ACB has been given the following
text
of a CMMS announcement decision to have Medicare cover
vision services
that appear to include home teaching and mobility.
That is the good news. Perhaps equipment is next?
The bad news is that O.T's and P.T's are the only folks
recognized to do the services. So O&M instructors don't seem
to be
covered.
ACB will have to study this more and there are avenues
that we
can follow to improve this. So the news is basically good, but
we need to make sure folks providing us with services know
what they
are doing and there is little to support the folks they want to
pay
for what we need to learn.
:: Charlie Crawford.
Text of document.
Program Memorandum Department of Health & Human
Services (DHHS)
Intermediaries/Carriers Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS)
Transmittal AB-02-078 Date: MAY 29, 2002
CHANGE REQUEST 2083 SUBJECT: Provider Education
Article: Medicare
Coverage of Rehabilitation Services for Beneficiaries With Vision
Impairment This Program Memorandum (PM) alerts the physician
and provider
community that Medicare beneficiaries who are blind or visually
impaired
are eligible for physician- prescribed rehabilitation services from
approved
health care professionals on the same basis as beneficiaries
with other
medical conditions that result in reduced physical functioning.
We are
issuing this PM in response to the language in the committee
report
accompanying the FY 2002 Labor/Health and Human
Services/Education
appropriations bill. It states: "Medicare beneficiaries who are
blind or
visually impaired are eligible for physician-prescribed
rehabilitation
services from approved health care professionals on the same
basis as
beneficiaries with other medical conditions that result in reduced
physical
functioning. The Committee urges CMS to direct its carriers to
inform
physicians and other providers about the availability of medically
necessary
rehabilitation services for these beneficiaries." The attached
article is
for publication in your next regularly scheduled bulletin. For your
information, the applicable manual sections pertaining to
rehabilitation
services are as follows: Medicare Intermediary Manual, Part 3,
Chapter I,
3030, Medicare Intermediary Manual, Part 3, Chapter II, 3147
and
3148, and in the Medicare Carriers Manual, Part 3, Chapter II,
2020,
2050, 2210 and 2217. Publish this article in your next regularly
scheduled
bulletin and post it, within two weeks after receipt of this PM,
on any
Internet sites or bulletin boards you maintain. Within 30 days of
publication of the article, forward a copy of the bulletin article to
central office at this address: Mary K. Loane
CMS/CMM/PBEG/DPET C4-10-07
7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 The
effective date
for this PM is May 29, 2002. The implementation date for this
PM is May 29,
2002. These instructions should be implemented within your
current operating
budget. This PM may be discarded after May 31, 2003. If you
have any
questions, contact Mary Loane at (410) 786-1405. Attachment
CMS-Pub.
60AB Attachment Medicare Coverage of Rehabilitation Services
for
Beneficiaries With Vision Impairment Background A Medicare
beneficiary with
vision loss may be eligible for rehabilitation services designed to
improve
functioning, by therapy, to improve performance of activities of
daily
living, including self-care and home management skills.
Evaluation of the
patient's level of functioning in activities of daily living,
followed by
implementation of a therapeutic plan of care aimed at safe and
independent
living, is critical and should be performed by an occupational or physical
therapist. (Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
assistants cannot
perform such evaluations.) Vision impairment ranging from low
vision to
total blindness may result from a primary eye diagnosis, such as
macular
degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa or glaucoma, or as a
condition secondary
to another primary diagnosis, such as diabetes mellitus or
acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Coverage and Limitations In
accordance with
established conditions, all rehabilitation services to beneficiaries
with a
primary vision impairment diagnosis must be provided pursuant
to a written
treatment plan established by a Medicare physician, and
implemented by
approved Medicare providers (occupational or physical
therapists) or
incident to physician services. Some of the following
rehabilitation
programs/services for beneficiaries with vision impairment may
include
Medicare covered therapeutic services: oMobility; o
Activities
of Daily Living; and oOther rehabilitation goals that are
medically
necessary. The patient must have a potential for restoration or
improvement
of lost functions, and must be expected to improve significantly
within a
reasonable and generally predictable amount of time.
Rehabilitation
services are not covered if the patient is unable to cooperate in
the
treatment program or if clear goals are not definable. Most
rehabilitation
is short-term and intensive, and maintenance therapy - services
required to
maintain a level of functioning - are not covered. For example, a
person
with an ICD-9 diagnosis 369.08 (profound impairment in both
eyes, i.e.,
best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/400 or visual field is
10
degrees or less) would generally be eligible for, and may be
provided,
rehabilitation services under HCPCS code 97535, (self
care/home management
training, i.e., activities of daily living, compensatory training,
meal
preparation, safety procedures, and instruction in the use of
adaptive
equipment). Services may be provided by a physician as defined
in
1861(r)(1) and (4) of the Social Security Act, a qualified
occupational
therapist, or a qualified physical therapist. Services furnished by
an
employee of the physician may only be provided incident to the
physician's
professional services, must be furnished under the physician's
direct
personal supervision, and must meet other incident to
requirements provided
in 2050 of the Medicare Carriers Manual. Certified occupational
therapy
and physical therapy assistants must perform under the
appropriate level of
supervision as other therapy services. Applicable HCPCS
Therapeutic
Procedures The following list contains examples which are not
meant to limit
the provision of other medically necessary services: 97110
Therapeutic
procedure, one or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic
exercises to
develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and
flexibility; 97116
Gait training (includes stair climbing); 2 97532 Development of
cognitive
skills to improve attention, memory, problem solving, (includes
compensatory training), direct (one-on-one) patient contact by
the
provider, each 15 minutes; 97533 Sensory integrative
techniques to enhance
sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to
environmental
demands, direct (one-on-one) patient contact by the provider,
each 15
minutes; 97535 Self-care/home management training, e.g.,
activities of daily
living, compensatory training, meal preparation, safety
procedures, and
instruction in use of adaptive equipment, direct one-on-one
contact by
provider, each 15 minutes; and 97537 Community/work
reintegration (e.g.,
shopping, transportation, money management, avocational
activities and/or
work environment modification analysis, work task analysis,
direct one on
one contact by provider, each 15 minutes. ICD-9 Codes for
Vision
Impairment that Support Medical Necessity The following are
appropriate
diagnoses to use for the therapeutic procedures specified
above: BE =
Better Eye LE = Lesser Eye 368.41 Scotoma central area
369.12 BE - severe
impairment LE - total impairment 368.45 Generalized
contraction or
constriction 369.13 BE - severe impairment LE - near-total
impairment
368.46 Homonymous bilateral field defects 369.14 BE -
severe impairment
LE - profound impairment 368.47 Heteronymous bilateral field
defects
369.16 BE - moderate impairment LE - total impairment 369.01
BE - total
impairment LE - total impairment 369.17 BE - moderate
impairment LE -
near-total impairment 369.03 BE - near-total impairment LE -
total
impairment 369.18 BE - moderate impairment LE - profound
impairment 369.04
BE - near-total impairment LE - near-total impairment 369.22
BE - severe
impairment LE - severe impairment 369.06 BE - profound
impairment LE - total
impairment 369.24 BE - moderate impairment LE - severe
impairment 369.07
BE - profound impairment LE - near-total impairment 369.25 BE
- moderate
impairment LE - moderate impairment 369.08 BE - profound
impairment LE -
profound impairment Definition of Levels of Vision
Impairment:
moderate = best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/60
severe = best
corrected visual acuity is less than 20/160, or (legal blindness)
visual
field is 20 degrees or less profound = best corrected visual
acuity is less
than 20/400, or (moderate blindness) visual field is 10 degrees
or less
near-total = best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/1000,
or (severe
blindness) visual field is 5 degrees or less total = no light
perception
(total blindness)
3. GOVERNOR DAVIS NAMES MEMBERS TO THE CALIFORNIA
STATE BOARD OF GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND)
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gray Davis today announced the
appointments of Dr. Jane L. Brackman, Berlinda
Fontenot-Jarnerson, and Henry Negrete as members of the
California State Board of Guide Dogs fbr the Blind -
Brackman, 53, of Altadena, is a self-employed cultural
anthropologist, writer and consultant whose. meta-topic of
study is the domestic dog, From 1991 to 1994, she served as
Executive Director of Guide Dogs of America, and from 1985 to
1991 as Director of Development, Dr. Brackman is a member of
the Guido Dog Users, the Pasadena Historical Society, the
Altadena Historical Society, and the American Council of the
Blind. She earned a Doctor of Philoiaphy degree from Claremont
College.
Ms. Fontenot-Jamerson, 54, of Los Angeles, serves a& the
director of Corporate Diversity Affairs for Sempra Energy, where
she has worked since 1969. She is a member of the American
Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and was recently
elected as Secretary of AABE's National Board of Directors. W
Fontenot-Jamerson also serves as President of the Museum of
African American Art Board Baldwin lEll s, and as a member of
the Southern California Employment Roundtable, the NAACP,
and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. She earned a bachelor of
arts degree from California State University, W Angeles, and a
master's degree in business administration from Pepperdine.
Mr. Negrete, 70, of Sacramento, was a food service
owner/operator for 37 years including 25 years as operator of
the Employment Development Department cafeteria in
Sacramento. He is a member of the California Council of the
Blind and Guide Dog Users, Mr. Negrete earned a bachelor of
arts degree from UCLA.
The board has the exclusive authority in California to issue
licenses for the instruction of blind persons in the use of guide
dogs and for the training of guide dogs for use by blind persons.
Members do not receive a salary. These positions do not require
Senate confirmation.
4. SB 105 update: finally, all sides seem to be coming together
in agreement on moving the division for the blind forward! The
bill would keep services for the blind and visually impaired in the
department of rehabilitation but add services for the deaf and
hard of hearing to this division. however, the blind would get
the much needed "line authority" over all blind services staff
ensuring staff accountability. The bill will be heard in assembly
human services on June 18th at 1 pm in room 437 of the old
wing of the state capitol.
Please be there if you can to show your support.
5. AB 3035 by the assembly judiciary committee seeks to
mandate title 2 of the americans with disabilities act in California
law. The bill would require accessible formats for local and
state government meetings thus modifying the
brown/bagley/keen acts.
The bill will be heard in the senate judiciary committee Tuesday
June 11 in room 3191 at 1:30 pm. This bill is sponsored by the
department of rehabilitation.
6. Finally, memorial services will be held for Al Jenkins at the
Orientation Center for the Blind, O.C.B. on July 13, 2002.
Those wishing to make brief comments or be served food
contact rsvp Soccorro Queen at (510) 559-1211.
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