Table of Contents
- Summary of 1991 Resolutions
- Resolution 1991-01 - Urges the American Heart Association to Provide Materials in Accessible Form
- Resolution 1991-02 - Verbal Announcement of On-Screen Information
- Resolution 1991-03 - Support for Civil Rights and Endorsement of a Holiday in Arizona to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Resolution 1991-04 - Support for Comprehensive Health Care Reform Legislation
- Resolution 1991-05 - Increase Federal Funding Levels for Public Transportation
- Resolution 1991-06 - Support for Comprehensive Amendments to the Civil Rights Act
- Resolution 1991-07 - Urging Revisions in School Curricula to Incorporate Accurate Information Regarding Disability and Disabled Persons
- Resolution 1991-08 - Calling for Governmental and other Entities to Provide Information in Accessible Form When Requested
- Resolution 1991-09 - Urges Producers of Assistive Technology to Provide Relevant Documentation in Accessible Form and Publicize Its Availability
- Resolution 1991-10 - Requesting the Hadley School to Reconsider Its Decision to Discontinue Modern Foreign Language Instruction
- Resolution 1991-11 - Separate Funding for Residential Schools for the Blind
- Resolution 1991-12 - Develop Uniform Standards for Audible Traffic Signals
- Resolution 1991-13 - Dissemination of Disability-Related Tax Credit Information to Small Businesses
- Resolution 1991-14 - Direct Hotel Registration for Future ACB Conventions
- Resolution 1991-15 - Communication of Relevant ADA Access Standards to State Affiliates
- Resolution 1991-16 - Opposing Centralized Distribution of Books and Equipment by NLS
- Resolution 1991-17 - Opposition to Expenditure of NLS Funds on the Centralization Study
- Resolution 1991-18 - Expressing the Position that Consumer Demand take Precedence Over NLS' Opposition to Publishing "Vanity" Press Books
- Resolution 1991-19 - Education of Motorists Concerning Stopping Before Turning Right on Red
- Resolution 1991-20 - Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act
- Resolution 1991-21 - Support for Qualified Braille Instruction
- Resolution 1991-22 - Establishment of High Standards for Assistance Dogs
- Resolution 1991-23 - Provision of Accessible Material by ACB to Its Members
- Resolution 1991-24 - The Department of Veterans' Affairs Refusal to Contract with Blind Vendors in Its Facilities
- Resolution 1991-25 - Development of Appropriate Sound Emitting Equipment for Electrically Powered Vehicles
- Resolution 1991-26 - Expressing Concern Over Comments Made by RSA Commissioner Carney
- Resolution 1991-27 - Encouraging NLS to Add an Employment-Related Publication to Its List of Periodicals
- Resolution 1991-28 - Urges National Youth Organizations to Provide More Accessible Materials
- Resolution 1991-29 - Appreciation to Rep. Edward Roybal for Introducing HR 2437
- Resolution 1991-30 - Appreciation to Rep. Tom Campbell for Introducing HR 1289 and Support for Changes to the SSDI Program
Summary of 1991 ACB Resolutions
91-01: Urges the American Heart Association to provide informational materials in media accessible to the blind and visually impaired including braille, large print, and audiocassette.
91-02: Urges all major cable and over-the-air television networks, locally owned broadcast stations, and local cable companies to announce all telephone numbers and emergency information which appear on screen. Copies are to be mailed to the major networks, cable operators, the Federal Communications Commission, and to the presidents of state affiliates for dissemination to local broadcasters.
91-03: Endorses a statewide day of observance in Arizona to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Copies of the resolution are to be mailed to the governor and heads of the Arizona state legislature. Phoenix is the site for the 1992 ACB 31st Annual National Convention.
91-04: Encourages ACB's officers, board, affiliates, and national staff to take all necessary steps to reform our current health care financing and delivery structures in order to guarantee access to high-quality, comprehensive health care for all Americans, including catastrophic and long-term health care without regard to ability to pay, employment status, or disabling condition, pay for various medical supplies and services, and health care cost containment measures.
91-05: Authorizes ACB leaders and staff to work with a public transit coalition known as "Transit Now" to increase federal funding for public transportation and reduce the disparity between the federal match for highways and public transportation.
91-06: Affirms ACB's support for comprehensive amendments to the Civil Rights Act such as those included in HR 1; it authorizes ACB staff members to work with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights toward passage of comprehensive amendments in the 102nd Congress, and expresses support for strengthening the remedies and enforcement available under Title VII which apply to individuals alleging employment discrimination on the basis of disability.
91-07: Calls for the prompt revision of elementary, secondary school, and college curricula to incorporate accurate information about disabilities and to emphasize the capabilities of disabled persons, as well as the kinds of reasonable accommodation needed to enable them to achieve full participation in society. Copies of the resolution are to be mailed to various teachers unions, textbook publishers, and state affiliates for local dissemination.
91-08: Supports the provision of printed material by government agencies and business entities in a variety of accessible formats for the benefit of individuals unable to read braille.
91-09: Urges companies producing and/or distributing computer products intended for use by blind individuals to provide complete and thorough instructional material in accessible media. It further calls upon those companies to extensively publicize the existence of accessible documentation both by direct mail and through announcements in publications targeted to blind and partially sighted readers. The resolution is to be mailed to the major producers and distributors of access technology.
91-10: Calls upon the Board of Directors of the Hadley School for the Blind to reconsider its decision to discontinue offering modern foreign language courses. The resolution is to be mailed to Hadley's president and board of directors.
91-11: Affirms ACB's support for both residential school funding and the broader, less specialized funding of education for disabled children under PL 94-142. It urges that both programs be funded and kept structurally and economically separate.
91-12: Calls upon the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board and other appropriate federal agencies to develop and disseminate standards regarding the design, placement, operation, and maintenance of audible traffic signals. It encourages ACB's Environmental Access Committee to work with the Access Board to and others to develop such standards as soon as possible. Copies of the resolution are to be mailed to the Access Board and other appropriate agencies.
91-13: Requests that the Internal Revenue Service include information about both the disabled access and targeted jobs tax credits and other appropriate provisions of the tax code as part of its small business workshop package. It also requests that the IRS print information about the tax credits in its Tax Guide for Small Businesses. Copies of the resolution are to be mailed to IRS, Department of Justice, and Small Business Administration officials.
91-14: Instructs the ACB Convention Coordinator, convention committee, and Board of Directors to make all reasonable efforts to have hotel registration handled directly by the convention hotels.
91-15: Directs the ACB National Office staff to communicate to ACB state and local affiliates the ADA access standards relevant to blind and visually impaired people.
91-16: States that ACB strongly opposes the centralized distribution of braille books and playback equipment provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Copies of the resolution are to be mailed to the Librarian of Congress and appropriate U.S. House and Senate committees, and NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke.
91-17: States that ACB opposes the expenditure of funds by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for the purpose of studying a plan to centralize the distribution of braille materials and playback equipment. It is to be mailed to the Librarian of Congress, NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke, and appropriate House and Senate committees.
91-18: Adopts the position that consumer demand should take precedence over established category of excluded publishers with reference to recorded, braille, and large print book collection development at NLS. NLS currently excludes books published by vanity presses from its collection.
91-19: Authorizes ACB's elected officials and staff to work with appropriate federal and state agencies and others to develop a public awareness campaign to alert motorists of the importance of stopping before turning right at red lights. The resolution will be distributed to state affiliate leaders for dissemination to motor vehicle departments.
91-20: Authorizes President LeRoy Saunders to appoint an advisory committee of at least three members to work with the president, board of directors, and ACB staff members on positions to be taken during the reauthorization of the rehabilitation act.
91-21: Reaffirms ACB's support for qualified braille instruction for blind and visually impaired students for whom it is appropriate. It urges state and local ACB affiliates to seek administrative and statutory changes designed to foster braille instruction. It names the ACB National Office to serve as a clearinghouse to disseminate state braille bills and other background information. Copies are to be mailed to state affiliate leaders.
91-22: Authorizes ACB's special-interest affiliate, Guide Dog Users, Inc., to work jointly with other ACB representatives to establish a liaison relationship with the Assistance Dogs International to promote quality services and joint legislation where appropriate. Assistance Dogs International deals with service dogs used to aid people who are deaf or who have mobility impairments.
91-23: Commends ACB's board of directors for their efforts in approving the purchase and use of technology that results in accessible material being made available by the national office to ACB members and others. It instructs the board and staff to continue to acquire and use suitable equipment to provide material in braille, large print, cassette tape, and computer disk. The resolution does not mandate that ACB use its braille and large printing capabilities to produce The Braille Forum, convention programs or other lengthy documents. The resolution requests that the president include an update in his 1992 convention report which should detail the progress made toward providing materials in an accessible format.
91-24: Mandates that ACB join with its special-interest affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor the blind priority for the operation of vending machines and other facilities on federal property under its jurisdiction. The resolution requests that the U. S. Department of Education monitor the policies and practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to its compliance of the requirements of the Randolph-Sheppard Act. It calls upon all state licensing agencies administering the Randolph-Sheppard Act to apply to DVA for permits for licensed blind vendors to operate, service and maintain all vending machine locations within their respective jurisdictions. The resolution calls upon ACB to take necessary legal steps to enforce the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act whenever such permit applications are denied. It calls for a joint effort on the part of ACB, the National Council of State Agencies Serving the Blind, and the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America in achieving these objectives.
91-25: Urges the designers and developers of electrically powered automobiles to seek input from ACB members and others regarding the use of appropriate sound-emitting equipment which would make the very quiet electric cars easier to detect by blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to appropriate federal agencies and to the designers and developers in the auto industry.
91-26: States that ACB strongly disagrees with any implied position putting the Rehabilitation Services Administration in opposition to environmental adaptations currently proposed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. This resolution stems from remarks made by Nell Carney, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, in which she said she has "understanding and appreciation" for the position taken by the National Federation of the Blind which opposes the environmental adaptations for the blind proposed by ATBCB. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
91-27: Encourages the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to add a career-oriented periodical to its magazine collection.
91-28: Urges various youth organizations to increase the volume and scope of materials for their blind and visually impaired members and leaders, making those materials available at costs comparable to regular print materials. The resolution is to be sent to the national boards of directors of all youth organizations.
91-29: Expresses appreciation to Rep. Edward Roybal, D-Calif., for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of older blind individuals. The resolution expresses ACB's support for HR2437, a bill which would provide $26 million for funding of programs for elderly blind people under Title VII Part C of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to Roybal and Rep. Major Owens, D-N.Y., and Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.
91-30: Expresses appreciation to Rep. Tom Campbell, D-Calif., for his work to improve employment opportunities for blind Social Security Disability Income beneficiaries. It expresses ACB's support for further legislation designed to improve incentives to work for blind SSDI beneficiaries. Copies are to be sent to Campbell and relevant House and Senate committee members.
Resolution 91-01
Urges the American Heart Association to Provide Materials in Accessible Form
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association performs a number of valuable services throughout our nation; and
WHEREAS, these services include free distribution to the public of a number of publications which provide important information on various health problems including heart disease, cholesterol and high blood pressure; and
WHEREAS, the blind and visually impaired — as with all segments of society — are concerned with, and in many instances affected by, these health problems; and
WHEREAS, like other individuals, many blind and visually impaired persons assist the American Heart Association through financial contributions; and
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association does not provide its literature in accessible form to the blind and visually impaired, thus making it far more difficult for such persons to benefit from its public services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 4th day of July, 1991, that this organization urge the American Heart Association to provide informational materials in media accessible to the blind and visually impaired including braille, large print and audio cassette; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ACB National Representative forward this resolution to the American Heart Association.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-02
Verbal Announcement of On-Screen Information
WHEREAS, television is an important source of news and information for blind and visually impaired persons; and
WHEREAS, valuable information such as telephone numbers and emergency information is presented on screen without benefit of verbal announcement; and
WHEREAS, this precludes equal access for blind and visually impaired persons to such valuable information; and
WHEREAS, the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees such equal access to the communications media;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that this organization urge all major television networks including cable networks, and independent local broadcasters including cable outlets, to announce, at appropriate times during commercials and/or public service announcements, all telephone numbers and emergency information which appear on screen; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ACB National Representative transmit this resolution to the major networks including cable, as well as to the Federal Communications Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be provided to all ACB State affiliates for dissemination to local television outlets.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-03
Support for Civil Rights and Endorsement of a Holiday in Arizona to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind is committed to, and has shown strong support for, equal opportunity for all minorities as demonstrated by our participation as an active and proud member of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; and
WHEREAS, the 1992 National Convention of the ACB will be held in Phoenix, Arizona; and
WHEREAS, Arizona is one of the states which does not recognize the tremendous positive impact which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had on the lives of all Americans by honoring his memory with a state holiday;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that this organization go on record as calling for and endorsing a statewide day of observance in Arizona to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this endorsement be transmitted in the form of a copy of this resolution with a cover letter to Arizona's governor, and to the heads of both houses of the State legislature.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-04
Support for Comprehensive Health Care Reform Legislation
WHEREAS, the United States of America is the only major
industrialized nation which does not ensure its citizens' access to health care; and
WHEREAS, access to high quality comprehensive health care including catastrophic and long-term health care is essential for all people and especially for people with a variety of disabling conditions; and
WHEREAS, most health care is financed through employer-based health insurance or public programs such as Medicaid/Medicare; and
WHEREAS, many employed people cannot purchase health insurance because their employer does not provide it, or because the available health insurance policy includes clauses excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions such as Diabetes; and
WHEREAS, increasing numbers of health care providers are refusing to accept Medicaid/Medicare patients; and
WHEREAS, these and other factors are limiting access to health care for all people and severely limiting employment options for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, leaders in Congress are formulating health care financing reform proposals which do not take into account the specific needs of people with disabilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that the staff, officers, directors and affiliates are urged to take all necessary steps to reform our current health care financing and delivery structures to accomplish the following: (1) guaranteed access for all Americans to high quality, comprehensive health care including catastrophic and long-term health care without regard to ability to pay, employment status or disabling condition; (2) a definition of comprehensive health related services which would include: durable medical equipment, disposable medical supplies, prosthetics, pharmaceuticals, preventive medical services, low-vision aids, ophthalmological and optometric services; (3) realistic and substantial measures designed to contain the upward spiral of health care costs.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-05
Increase Federal Funding Levels for Public Transportation
WHEREAS, people who are blind or visually impaired depend heavily upon public transportation; and
WHEREAS, implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (PL 101-336) may actually limit transportation available to people with disabilities and older Americans who use para-transit services; and
WHEREAS, it is proper for this nation to make a financial commitment to public transit because of its direct and indirect benefit to humanity; and
WHEREAS, according to "Transit Now" — a coalition of over 150 organizations made up of representatives from the disability community, transit providers and other interested organizations — Federal support for public transit has diminished by 50% since 1981 while Federal appropriations for highways have increased almost 80%
during the same period; and
WHEREAS, the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act (known as the Highway Bill) provides an opportunity for our nation to improve support for public transportation including bus and rail systems, van and car pools and advanced technology;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind work with "Transit Now" to increase Federal funding for public transportation and reduce the disparity between the Federal match for highways and public transportation.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-06
Support for Comprehensive Amendments to the Civil Rights Act
WHEREAS, protection against discrimination is not useful without meaningful legal remedies; and
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act as originally introduced and supported by the American Council of the Blind would have provided to people with disabilities alleging employment discrimination direct access to trial courts, juries and the possibility of punitive damages; and
WHEREAS, the ADA of 1990 (PL 101-336) includes only the enforcement provisions and remedies currently included in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, giving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission primary responsibility for complaint resolution and providing no allowance for punitive damages; and
WHEREAS, the United States House of Representatives has again approved legislation, HR 1, by an overwhelming margin, which would amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to provide direct access to courts, juries and punitive damages, and further amends the Civil Rights Act to make other positive changes by overturning several Supreme Court decisions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind support comprehensive amendments to the Civil Rights Act such as those included in HR 1; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB work with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation in the 102nd Congress; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support strengthening the remedies and enforcement available under Title VII which apply to individuals alleging employment discrimination on the basis of disability.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-07
Urging Revisions in School Curricula to Incorporate Accurate Information Regarding Disability and Disabled Persons
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act and civil rights statutes in most of the 50 states clearly recognize that persons with disabilities constitute a distinct minority group comparable to legally protected racial and ethnic minorities; and
WHEREAS, elementary, secondary school and college curricula have been extensively revised since the late 1960's for the purpose of increasing general awareness and appreciation of the contributions of such minorities to American culture, and of the obstacles confronting these groups in their efforts to achieve full participation in society; and
WHEREAS, no comparable curricular revisions have been made with respect to the disabled minority, in spite of the persistence of attitudinal barriers, negative stereotypes and widespread ignorance and prejudice in this area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that this organization go on record as urging the prompt revision of elementary, secondary school and college curricula to incorporate accurate information about disabilities and to emphasize the capabilities of disabled persons, as well as the kinds of reasonable accommodation needed to enable them to achieve full participation in society; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Association of University Professors, major publishers of elementary and secondary school textbooks and to all ACB State affiliates for distribution to appropriate education entities.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-08
Calling for Governmental and other Entities to Provide Information in Accessible Form When Requested
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind frequently provides input to governmental, business and other entities regarding provision of information in accessible media; and
WHEREAS, many blind and visually impaired people are unable to read braille as a result of Diabetes or other medical condition, thus making material provided in braille inaccessible to them;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that this Council emphasize to all outside entities their responsibility for providing written information in a variety of media in order to most effectively meet the needs of all blind and visually impaired individuals.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-09
Urges Producers of Assistive Technology to Provide Relevant Documentation in Accessible Form and Publicize Its Availability
WHEREAS, braille translation, character enlargement, speech and other access technology products are primarily designed to benefit people who are blind or visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, many such products were initially used by individuals who are themselves fully sighted, and thus able to access and take full advantage of users manuals produced in regular print; and
WHEREAS, many blind and visually impaired individuals now purchase such products with the same number of dollars and for the same desired outcome as their sighted counterparts; and
WHEREAS, some companies producing and distributing computer products for blind and visually impaired people continue providing completely accessible users manuals to sighted customers, while offering blind and visually impaired customers inferior documentation such as a mere outline or synopsis of the original text;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 5th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind urge all companies producing and/or distributing computer products intended for use by blind individuals to provide complete and thorough instructional material in accessible media; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such companies extensively publicize the availability of accessible documentation through direct mail to existing customers, as well as through those publications in the disability press targeted specifically to a visually impaired readership; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be distributed to major producers of access technology products.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-10
Requesting the Hadley School to Reconsider Its Decision to Discontinue Modern Foreign Language Instruction
WHEREAS, Hadley School for the Blind has a long history of quality instruction to visually impaired people; and
WHEREAS, Hadley's program has included several foreign language course offerings; and
WHEREAS, due to financial and transportation limitations experienced by blind and visually impaired people, Hadley may be the only available source of such instruction for many of these people; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Hadley School for the Blind has decided to discontinue the instruction of all modern foreign languages by December 31, 1991, due to low enrollment and course completion rates, and the fact that correspondence courses for sighted people no longer offer foreign language instruction;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization call upon the Board of Directors of the Hadley School for the Blind to reconsider its decision to discontinue offering modern foreign language courses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to President Robert J. Winn and the Board of Directors, Hadley School for the Blind.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-11
Separate Funding for Residential Schools for the Blind
WHEREAS, residential schools for the blind receive Federal appropriations pursuant to PL 89-313, a separate program from those later established by PL 94-142; and
WHEREAS, funds appropriated under PL 89-313 are important to the preservation of specialized educational services performed by residential schools for the blind and for other disabled children in other special school settings; and
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind supports special education arrangements for blind students in settings and conditions which meet the needs of individual students; and
WHEREAS, some have advocated that the funding provided pursuant to PL 89-313 be merged with the broader and less specialized programs established by PL 94-142; and
WHEREAS, ACB believes that both programs should be preserved separately and advocates that all such programs be tailored to the individual educational needs of blind and visually impaired students;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind affirm its position in support of both of these congressionally authorized special programs for the education of disabled students, but with the understanding that they be kept separate both structurally and for appropriations purposes.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-12
Develop Uniform Standards for Audible Traffic Signals
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has long recognized the effectiveness of audible traffic signals in contributing to the safe, independent travel of blind and visually impaired persons; and
WHEREAS, although audible traffic signals have been installed at a number of busy intersections, many communities throughout the country have failed to provide these safety devices; and
WHEREAS, these communities would be far more likely to install audible traffic signals if national standards pertaining to their design and use were developed and published;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization call upon the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (known as the Access Board) and other appropriate federal agencies to develop and disseminate uniform national standards regarding the design, placement, operation and maintenance of audible traffic signals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Access Board consult with ACB's Environmental Access Committee in the development of such standards; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be transmitted to the Access Board and other appropriate federal agencies with a cover letter urging prompt action on this matter.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-13
Dissemination of Disability-Related Tax Credit Information to Small Businesses
WHEREAS, a provision of the most recent Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 includes an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code to provide a new income tax credit (known as the Disabled Access Tax Credit) of up to $5,000 for small businesses for expenses incurred to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
WHEREAS, such expenses include but are not limited to barrier removal, adaptive equipment purchases or modifications and the provision of readers for blind and visually impaired employees where necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit may also be used by these same small businesses as an additional incentive to hire qualified persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, information about these important credits is available in sufficient detail in only one IRS publication which many small businesses do not know exists; and
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service offers small business seminars which are designed to help small businesses in understanding their tax obligations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization urge the IRS to include information about both the Disabled Access and Targeted Jobs Tax Credits and other appropriate provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as a part of its small business workshop package; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that additional information about these credits should be printed in IRS publication 334, Tax Guide For Small Businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to appropriate officials within the IRS, Department of Justice and Small Business Administration.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-14
Direct Hotel Registration for Future ACB Conventions
WHEREAS, there has been a tendency to use facilities other than convention hotels to make reservations for conventions of the American Council of the Blind; and
WHEREAS, this slows the process of registration and often adds to the steps members must take to secure rooms, thus causing some inconvenience and perhaps some loss of enthusiasm;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the National Convention Coordinator, the Convention Committee and the ACB Board of Directors make all reasonable efforts to have hotel registration arranged directly with the hotel or hotels housing each ACB national convention.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-15
Communication of Relevant ADA Access Standards to State Affiliates
WHEREAS, regulations issued to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act contain specific provisions which will improve access for people who are blind or visually impaired;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the staff of our National Office be directed to communicate to state and local affiliates of ACB the ADA access standards relevant to blind and visually impaired people.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-16
Opposing Centralized Distribution of Books and Equipment by NLS
WHEREAS, the current philosophy and prevailing trend in library science emphasizes the importance of community based library services; and
WHEREAS, the current method of providing library services to blind and physically handicapped persons is through a network of regional and subregional libraries affiliated with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; and
WHEREAS, NLS is currently funding research to identify possible scenarios toward centralizing the distribution of braille books and play back machines which is a direct contradiction to mainstream public library philosophy; and
WHEREAS, promoting braille literacy and the importance of encouraging the use of braille will be affected adversely if braille books are available from only a limited number of locations in the country; and
WHEREAS, such a distribution method will eliminate the option of drop-in services for browsing and direct interaction with library staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization go on record as strongly opposing the centralized distribution of braille books and play back equipment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Librarian of Congress, James Billington, appropriate House and Senate committees concerned with the funding of libraries and NLS Director, Frank Kurt Cylke.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-17
Opposition to Expenditure of NLS Funds on the Centralization Study
WHEREAS, monetary constraints have forced the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to decrease the number of books produced in braille and recorded form, curtail the production of specialized bibliographies and institute other
limitations in service; and
WHEREAS, during this same period, NLS has spent precious dollars to study a plan which would profoundly alter the services extended by all the libraries in the NLS system; and
WHEREAS, none of the materials published concerning this expenditure document a widespread demand by participating libraries for a change in their operating procedures;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization express its opposition to the expenditure of funds for this purpose; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to James Billington, Librarian of Congress, Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, NLS and to appropriate House and Senate committees.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-18
Expressing the Position that Consumer Demand take Precedence Over NLS' Opposition to Publishing "Vanity" Press Books
WHEREAS, Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, has stated that books published by "vanity" press publishing houses will not be recorded regardless of the number of requests which might be received for a work published by a company which Mr. Cylke has placed in his "vanity" category;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization go on record with the position that consumer demand for a published work should take precedence over any established category of excluded publishers with reference to collection development; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr. Cylke, and to Mr. James Billington, Librarian of Congress.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-19
Education of Motorists Concerning Stopping Before Turning Right on Red
WHEREAS, pedestrians are being hit by vehicles in ever-increasing numbers; and
WHEREAS, many of these accidents are caused by motorists failing to come to a complete stop before turning right on red; and
WHEREAS, increasing driver awareness of the importance of stopping before turning right on red could substantially reduce the number of such accidents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization work with the National Safety Council, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and other safety-oriented groups to develop an effective awareness campaign alerting motorists to the importance of stopping before turning right on red; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to all state affiliates for dissemination to their local state motor vehicle departments.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-20
Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act
WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides an array of rehabilitation services essential to the independence and vocational success of individuals who are blind and visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Act is scheduled for reauthorization and the one year extension affords a tremendous opportunity to strengthen and improve programs under the Act; and
WHEREAS, the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act creates an environment for amending and/or replacing provisions which have sometimes proven ineffective in the overall rehabilitation process; and
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind vigorously supports the provision of rehabilitation services which lead to appropriate employment and/or dignified independence for all individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, ACB has an established history of supporting: (1) amending Title VII C to establish an adequately funded formula grant program for independent living services for older blind Americans; (2) creating a commission to study education and rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired; and (3) promoting the establishment and continuation of separate agencies and specialized services to meet the needs of blind and visually impaired persons; and
WHEREAS, critical issues to be addressed include but are not limited to the following: (1) expenditures for administration, physical restoration, and case services; (2) vocational rehabilitation versus independent living; (3) job development and job placement; (4) selection of services and service providers; and
WHEREAS, the issues involved in reauthorizing the Act are extensive and diverse in areas where the ACB does not currently have established policies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the President appoint an advisory committee, consisting of at least three members, to work with the President, the ACB Board of Directors and ACB staff on positions to be taken during the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-21
Support for Qualified Braille Instruction
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has, in Resolution 87-01, affirmed support for instruction in braille for blind and visually impaired students for whom such instruction is appropriate; and
WHEREAS, many states have passed or are considering legislation which would specifically include braille instruction as part of the Individualized Education Plan for students who could benefit from the use of braille;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this organization reaffirm its support for qualified braille instruction for blind and visually impaired students for whom it is appropriate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that state affiliates of ACB are urged to seek statutory and administrative changes designed to foster braille instruction for all such students; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Office is directed to serve as a clearing house to distribute state braille bills and background information and otherwise support the work of the state affiliates in implementing this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to all ACB state affiliates for implementation of this policy.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-22
Establishment of High Standards for Assistance Dogs
WHEREAS, over the past 60 years the guide dog movement in the United States has succeeded in establishing the infrastructure necessary to breed and train guide dogs of such a high quality as to be readily accepted by the community at large; and
WHEREAS, assistance dog programs serving the needs of deaf and mobility impaired persons, begun more than 15 years ago, are now in a position to achieve similar success; and
WHEREAS, it is to the advantage of the guide dog movement in terms of political impact and public acceptance that all assistance dogs achieve a similar level of excellence, both in terms of service and public behavior; and
WHEREAS, Assistance Dogs International represents a significant number of the facilities currently training assistance dogs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that Guide Dog Users, Inc. in conjunction with the American Council of the Blind work to establish a liaison relationship with Assistance Dogs International for the purpose of dialogue promoting quality services and joint legislative action where appropriate.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-23
Provision of Accessible Material by ACB to Its Members
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has gone on record concerning the importance of blind and visually impaired persons receiving written material in a format which allows the recipient to independently review such material; and
WHEREAS, the ACB National Office has a responsibility to provide certain documents to its members and affiliates; and
WHEREAS, the ACB Board of Directors has taken steps to expand the availability of adaptive equipment in the National Office;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that we commend these ongoing efforts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ACB Board of Directors and staff be instructed to continue the process of acquiring and using suitable equipment to provide material in braille, large print, cassette tape and computer disk; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution is not intended to include lengthy items such as the Braille Forum and Convention program which can best be done by printing houses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ACB President be requested to include as part of his 1992 report an update on the progress made in providing ACB material in accessible media.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-24
The Department of Veterans' Affairs Refusal to Contract with Blind Vendors in Its Facilities
WHEREAS, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America has investigated the practices and policies of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) with respect to the operation of vending machines and canteen services on federal property and has found that: (1) DVA historically has contracted with commercial vendors to operate vending machines on federal property under its jurisdiction, notwithstanding the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, which creates a priority for the operation of such vending machines and other vending facilities by blind persons; (2) An arbitration panel in a case brought by the Minnesota State Licensing Agency held in an interim decision that the Veterans' Canteen Service (VCS), an administrative unit within DVA, cannot be exempted from requirements of the Randolph-Sheppard Act unless it operates vending machines at DVA locations directly, using its own federal employees; (3) In response to this Minnesota arbitration decision DVA announced that, as of April 1, 1990, VCS would operate all vending machine locations at DVA facilities directly; (4) It has been reported that, despite DVA's announcement of its new policy, it is continuing to contract out the operation, servicing and maintenance of vending machine locations at its facilities to outside private contractors; and
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind supports the policies and employment goals of its national affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the ACB join with RSVA in: (1) Calling upon DVA to honor the blind priority for the operation of vending machines and other facilities on federal property under its jurisdiction; (2) Requesting the U.S. Department of Education to monitor the policies and practices of DVA with respect to its compliance with the requirements of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; (3) Calling upon all State Licensing Agencies administering the Randolph-Sheppard Act to apply to DVA for permits for licensed blind vendors to operate, service and maintain all vending machine locations within their respective jurisdictions and, further, (4) Taking all necessary legal steps to enforce the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act whenever such permit applications are denied; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and staff of this organization actively support the foregoing objectives and enlist the assistance of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America in assisting ACB and RSVA in achieving these objectives.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-25
Development of Appropriate Sound Emitting Equipment for Electrically Powered Vehicles
WHEREAS, science and engineering have significantly enhanced the quality of life for humanity; and
WHEREAS, persons who are blind or visually impaired share in such enhanced quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the quality of life for persons who are blind or visually impaired includes the ability to travel safely in their respective environments; and
WHEREAS, electrically powered automobiles will shortly be in commercial production; and
WHEREAS, such automobiles may be so quiet as to make it extremely difficult for the blind or visually impaired pedestrian to gauge speed and proximity, thereby imposing a barrier to independent travel and creating a potential hazard for such blind or visually impaired pedestrians;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that ACB urge the designers and developers of electrically powered automobiles to confer with, and seek from, a significant cross section of blind and visually impaired persons, including ACB's Environmental Access Committee, input concerning the development of appropriate sound emitting equipment so as to ensure its usefulness and effectiveness; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to major developers and designers in order to alert them to this potentially serious problem; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to all appropriate federal agencies.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-26
Expressing Concern Over Comments Made by RSA Commissioner Carney
WHEREAS, Nell Carney, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration has publicly stated that she has "understanding and appreciation" for the position taken by a national organization of the blind opposing the environmental adaptations for the blind proposed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board in order to accommodate the mobility needs of the blind and visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, the work of ATBCB is not, and should not be within the purview of the Rehabilitation Services Administration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that ACB strongly disagree with any implied position putting the Rehabilitation Services Administration in opposition to environmental adaptations currently proposed by ATBCB; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Commissioner Carney and to the ATBCB.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-27
Encouraging NLS to Add an Employment-Related Publication to Its List of Periodicals
WHEREAS, statistics indicate that a substantial number of blind and visually impaired persons are either unemployed or under-employed; and
WHEREAS, a successful employment oriented job search involves the examination of material pertaining to business and career-related topics; and
WHEREAS, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped produces no periodical whose primary aim is the dissemination of career and job search information;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this Council strongly encourage NLS to add to its periodical collection a publication to meet this important need.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-28
Urges National Youth Organizations to Provide More Accessible Materials
WHEREAS, many blind and visually impaired youths are interested in becoming Boy or Girl Scouts; and
WHEREAS, many blind and visually impaired adults are interested in becoming Boy and Girl Scout leaders; and
WHEREAS, the two Scout organizations have produced some, but not a significant amount of their materials in accessible form; and
WHEREAS, those materials which have been produced may be prohibitively expensive for many blind and visually impaired youths and adults;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that this Council urge the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of USA and Campfire Inc. to increase the volume and scope of materials for their blind and visually impaired members and scout leaders, and do so at a cost which is comparable to that charged for materials produced for sighted members and leaders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the National Boards of Directors of all youth organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and Campfire Inc.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-29
Appreciation to Representative Edward Roybal for Introducing HR 2437
WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind wholeheartedly supports substantial appropriations to allow formula funding of independent living services for older blind individuals under Title VII, Part C of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Edward Roybal of California has sponsored legislation, HR 2437, which would authorize an appropriation of $26 million to assure that all states and territories would receive a formula grant under Title VII, Part C;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind express appreciation to Representative Edward Roybal for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of older blind individuals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization support HR 2437 and work for its passage, as separate legislation, or in conjunction with the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to Representative Roybal and to Representative Major Owens, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Select Education and Senator Tom Harkin, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
Resolution 91-30
Appreciation to Representative Tom Campbell for Introducing HR 1289 and Support for Changes to the SSDI Program
WHEREAS, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries suffer serious disincentives to gainful employment because of the earnings limitations imposed under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) provision of the program; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Tom Campbell of California has sponsored legislation, HR 1289, which would remove the arbitrary limit on earnings for blind SSDI beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS, significant discussions are taking place in Congress regarding work disincentives under SSDI, and allowed earnings for Social Security retirement beneficiaries aged 65-69 (blind beneficiaries exempt earnings are capped at the same level as retirees 65-69);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Tampa, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1991, that the American Council of the Blind express appreciation to Representative Campbell for his work to improve employment opportunities for blind SSDI beneficiaries; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization support additional legislation designed to improve incentives to work for blind SSDI beneficiaries, such legislation to include: removal of SSDI earnings limitations; or, in the event that complete removal is not successful, amendments to the SSDI Program to permit blind beneficiaries to keep a portion of their income —above the current or expanded SGA level — in the proportion of $1 of SSDI cash payment reduced for every $3 of earnings above the SGA level, thereby bringing blind beneficiaries to parity with retirees 65-69; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to Representative Campbell and to the relevant House and Senate Committees.
Passed.
Patricia Price, Secretary
