by Vivian Younger and Sharlene Ornelas

[Editor's Note: For this year's conference/convention report, we're going to the dogs! We thank the delegates from The Gide Dog Users of California.]

Due to an accident on the freeway, I was not able to attend very much of the Board meeting. As a result of Charles Nabarrete disclosing the San Gabriel
Chapter's roster, the Board determined that consequences resulting from this action should be presented to the CCB membership.

Women's Breakfast: Susan Glass and Judy Wilkinson were presenters. Participants were provided with guidance and tools for creating personal stories. Each
participant shared which aspects of writing that have worked for them. As a result of this workshop, everyone seemed to know that their writing may be
perceived as a gift to the reader.

Technology: The following electronic devices were presented: The Braille Note Touch (KeySoft with Android operating system): This device is the first Braille
tablet. The Braille Note Touch supports contracted, UEB and uncontracted Braille. The Humanware New Explore Hand-Held Magnifier comes in 3, 5, and 7 levels
of magnification. Prodigy Connect 12 is a portable electronic magnifier that greatly improves a student's ability to see what is written on the blackboard.
The internal memory, WIFI connectivity, and the ability to take pictures, scan, and create videos make this product a great device for those who have limited
vision.

Transportation (CAT) and California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV) joint session: Attendees were informed about building code changes/updates.
A building standard consists of many details in order to help builders comply with ADA requirements. Many changes in the building code are a direct result
of public comment and public submissions for code changes. Request forms are on line. California building codes change every 3 years. You can view code
statuses on line. Elements that assist in wayfinding are: tactile warnings/truncated domes, wall signage/Braille and letters, color contrast stair stripes
denoting play structure elevation, pool stairs, and bathrooms simple signage, etc. Signage must be within 18 inches of doors. ATM machines must be speech
enabled, come with connector for phone handset, and speech must be able to be interrupted, repeated and/or stopped. Wherever a receipt is provided, a speech
output device must describe what is printed on the receipt. Tactile buttons must be raised. Button colors must be contrasted against the background of
ATM machines.

Committee on Access and Transportation: Katrina Barso and Teresa Gabriel discussed the CalTrans ADA Program updates. CalTrans headquarters is in Sacramento.
Elizabeth Dower is the headquarters ADA manager. This office provides financial support and provides policy guidance for the development of local district
projects. Districts must work in partnership with CalTrans headquarters. CalTrans has agreed to spend 1.1 billion dollars over the next 30 years in order
to remove access barriers (installing curb ramps, repairing broken/uneven pavement on pedestrian facilities, correcting noncompliant cross slopes, protruding
overhangs or obstructions, and installing Accessible Pedestrian Signal Devices.

The Grievance Process includes doing the following: Call headquarters at 866-810-634; be sure to provide your contact information. You can go on line at
dot.ca.gov in order to fill out an ADA Access Service Request form. CalTrans headquarters will determine whether it is their responsibility or whether
the local district is responsible for the request. The district will ultimately provide headquarters with a proposed resolution. Within 180 days, the
grievant is informed about the proposed resolution status.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: There are many variables to consider prior to determining when and where they should be installed. Traffic patterns, physical
placement of the Pedestrian Accessible Signal equipment and decibel regulation specifications are examples of factors that affect where Accessible Pedestrian
Signals will ultimately be installed. Wherever the pedestrian is going to need a detector, the new installation must include the Accessible Pedestrian
Signal System. It should be located between 1 and a half feet from the edge of the curb up to a maximum of five feet. The height of an Accessible Pedestrian
signal should be between three and a half to four feet. The decibel level must be five decibels above the traffic noise and/or ambient environment. If
there are two APS's placed together, they must be 10 feet apart. For someone who is mobility impaired, timing adjustments can be made. Examples of locations
where Accessible Pedestrian Signals are typically installed are: blind centers, T intersections, senior centers, transit terminals, wide intersections
etc. Once the APS has been installed, it must be activated (used). Disuse of an Accessible Pedestrian Signal will result in it being removed.

General Session I: In the Indian culture, the elderly are greatly respected. Ral Christman, Viejas Band of Mission Indians tribal member guest speaker,
informed us that his grandfather was the Google of the family. His wisdom, foresight and insight were revered. Although his grandfather was blind, he saw
visions around his surroundings.

There are 120 students who are bused to public schools. The Southern Indian Counsel provides outreach to neighboring reservations. If a disabled Native
American attends public school, the school will receive three times the funding as compared to an average student who attends the same school.

National Highway Traffic Administration: Christopher Murphy informed the audience about Automated Vehicle research activities. Ninety percent of crashes
are caused by human error (driver distractions and fatigue). The ultimate goal of this agency is to ensure that automated vehicle technology will play
a primary part in saving lives. A NHTA public meeting is planned to take place in California soon.

Self Advocacy: Abigayil Tamara along with her attorney, Celia McGuiness successfully fought for Abigayil's right to have her service dog be with her during
two hospital stays. Although Abby tried to educate hospital staff about the ADA Law and advocate for her rights, she ended up seeking legal counsel. Abigayil's
attorney informed the audience that Abigayil's documentation, organization and communication skills help her law suit move along. Abigayil stated that
her attorney's patience and willingness to learn about the world of the disabled kept communication flowing. Celia McGuinness touched upon the framework
of a lawsuit. The audience seemed impressed about Abigayil's advocacy success.

Victims of Crime: Linda Pena and Desmond Townsend informed the audience about the Victim Assistance Program. A victim is anyone that is emotionally, physically
or financially affected by crime. Examples of services provided to victims are: food, clothing, shelter, financial aid, other resources and agency referrals.
The Victim Assistance Program helps victims keep track of the progress of their case; the victim is able to track whether restitution has been paid or
not. Elder abuse and child abuse are handled by designated staff. Victims can be compensated as well.

Second General Session: Remembrances of those who have passed were shared. The Credentials, Legislation, ACB, and the CCB President's reports were presented.
Sharlene Ornelas, Paul Patchi, Rob Turner and Gale Croissen were elected to the CCB Board. Judy Wilkinson was elected CCB president, Frank Welte was elected
1st vice president and Gabe Griffith was elected 2nd vice president.

Future convention goals were discussed. Since there is an interest in conducting conventions online and since CCB agreed that after three years conventions
concerns would be revisited, many suggestions about upcoming conventions were shared. Based on those who were present in the audience, it seemed that most
of the CCB members would like to continue to have face-to-face conventions. I along with several other people think that there should be a blend of telephonic,
online and in-person conventions. A task force will be formed to investigate this topic further.

GDUC: During the business meeting, Pam Metz and Maile George were elected to board of directors. Alice McGrath was elected vice-president, Vita Zavoli
was elected treasurer and Vivian Younger was elected secretary.

GDUC Program: Debbie Sands spoke about what challenges businesses face with respect to fake service dogs. She discussed how business and guide handlers
can recognize and proactively approach those with fake service dogs. I agree with Debbie about not allowing the public to pet my guide. By not doing so,
Debbie indicated that this sets service dogs apart from fake service dogs. I was so impressed by Debbie Sands' presentation; I plan on embossing it for
future reference.

Canine Companion for Independence: Pete, a CCI graduate, informed us about the types of service this school trains. There are four categories of dogs that
are trained. They include service, hearing, companion and therapy dogs. Service dogs learn about forty commands; these include retrieving and carrying
commands. Pete enjoys educating the public about service dogs.

Track Sessions: Since I wanted to report what occurred in all three breakout Sessions, I spent equal proportional time at each session. Leadership Track:
The purpose of this breakout session was to provide chapter leaders an opportunity to review the types of documents required by CCB and when they should
be submitted. Representatives from chapters discussed the challenges associated with personality conflicts and motivating people to complete tasks.

In order for chapters to be on the same page, Frank Welte is planning on providing CCB chapters with a toolbox containing information regarding forms,
membership rosters, treasury reports and when said reports are due. Anyone who is thinking about running for office or taking part in a leadership role
would benefit from attending this breakout track session.

Employment Breakout Track: During the employment breakout session, Catherine Schmitt Whitaker and Vita Zavoli discussed the ideas about how to prepare
for job growth. Networking, participating on Serve Lists, informing coworkers about your new goals and/or positions you are seeking within your company,
and signing up for professional advancement courses can lead to job growth opportunities. Participants were encouraged to look into other employment resources
as well.

Self Esteem Track: During the third breakout session, Lynda Johnson discussed how to improve self esteem. Tips were provided in order to help participants
learn how to recognize and avoid potentially negative self talk behavior. Examples of Self Talk Traps were presented.

Third General Session: A constitutional amendment concerning delegate credential requirements, paid membership status and submittal of documents to the
CCB office by February 15, was passed. The CCB membership voted to remove Charles Nabarrete from the CCB Board. By acclamation, Vivian Younger was elected
to fill this position.

Respectfully Submitted Vivian Younger

Thursday afternoon was the Board Meeting. There was a concern about breach of confidentiality by a Board member and there was a discussion on this matter.
The treasurer gave his report. There was a report about the L.A. Mutt Strut which is planned for November.

Thursday evening things got off to a great start by having handlers, along with other women get pampered at the Viegas Spa. Some of the dogs got to have
play time with Frank and friends. The women ate sub sandwiches, fruit and fresh vegetables. We dogs just got to lay there and smell the fragrances. The
women also had wine and champagne, but didn't get too high because they still had to follow our lead. We returned to the hotel and resort area for Credentials
and Nominating Committee. Off to bed because tomorrow will be a late night.

Friday I went to the CAT (Committee on Access and Transportation) and CCCLV California Committee of Citizens with Low Vision) joint Committee meeting.
There were presentations on Title 24 code changes and APS (Audible Pedestrian Signals) guidelines.

[Editor's Note: Simultaneously with the CAT/CCCLV session, the Braille Revival League of California and California Chapter of the Library Users of America
met separately and then held a joint meeting where they discussed the possible merger of the two statewide affiliates. A committee was established to report
back to the members later this year.]

I was at the GDUC table during lunch and the first part of the First General Session. I heard the presentation on Service Dog Denial. This might be a subject
for a discussion as I have mixed feelings about "Go Everywhere" for service dogs. I also heard the presentation of services for victims of crimes in San
Diego County including having an advocate accompany you to court.

Friday night I went to the Presidents' Dinner where candidates were put on the hot seat, with questions and answers for the various offices. The second
session of the Convention started with remembrances of members we have lost during the time between conventions. Among them were Tom Karnes, Richard Harmon,
Robert Greenwald, and Winifred Downing. Many gave touching remembrances of that special pillar of the CCB. As conferences and conventions are getting so
expensive, a discussion was started on what can be done to increase attendance and participation and keep the personal connections and networking that
occurs during an onsite event. There will be conference calls in the future and other attempts to get input from members.

Credentials, Legislation, ACB representative John McCann and Jeff Thom's President's ACB reports were given. We ended the night with elections.

Saturday started bright and early with the Membership Breakfast followed by the GDUC business meeting which Vivian discussed. We had an excellent presentation
on handling access and dealing with fake service dogs. Our luncheon speaker was from Canine Companions for Independence and talked about the training they
and their dogs go through. I was not able to attend any tracks because I was needed at the GDUC table in the exhibit hall.

The banquet was fantastic, if I have to say so myself. We were entertained by Laurie Beebe Lewis singing and playing the keyboard, her husband Chuck on
guitar and a friend on base, Jim. Laurie told stories about her career and some of the many groups she has played with. I may be prejudice about Laurie.
She was my idea and happens to be a good friend.

[Editor's Note: At the banquet, chapters made donations to the CCB and awards were given. The membership growth award went to Guide Dog Users of California
for the largest percentage of growth and to the Greater L.A. chapter for the greatest number of new members. The Publications Committee gave writing awards
for their BC contributions throughout the years to Bonnie Rennie and Jeff Thom who contributed the greatest number of articles over the past decade.]

Sunday was the business part of the convention with low attendance. There was a notice given on Friday about a motion regarding a member of the board being
presented on Sunday; a motion to remove Charles Nabarrete from his board seat was presented and seconded. There was a discussion with several members pointing
out that Charles should have known better than to post a chapter roster in an email. The roster contained names, addresses, phone numbers and birthdates.
Charles rebutted to comments and the question was called for. The vote was overwhelming in favor of removing Charles from his board seat immediately. The
vote was taken by secret ballot from members, roll call of chapter and affiliates and each board member was called and gave a voice vote. Vivian Younger
was nominated and elected by acclamation for the now vacant board seat.

Respectfully Sharlene Ornelas, Alternate Delegate.