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2001 Resolutions

Table of Contents

 

Summary of 2001 ACB Resolutions

 

This publication reflects adopted ACB resolutions only. ACB resolutions which were referred, tabled, or withdrawn are not included in this publication. (This accounts for the missing numbers.)

Resolution 2001-01 urges state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to work with their state insurance commissioners and state legislatures to insure availability of automobile liability insurance for blind automobile owners at competitive rates. Staff is directed to assist with implementation.

Resolution 2001-02 commends the staff of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for opposing those judicial nominees whose records indicate a strong likelihood that their judicial decisions would be detrimental to the civil rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired, and cites the nomination of Jeffrey D. Sutton to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as an example of a recent nomination which ACB finds it necessary to oppose.

Resolution 2001-03 directs that the ACB 2002 convention program include a general session program item addressing the issues of Braille unification.

Resolution 2001-04 supports the passage of S. 928, and promotes development and passage of either amendments to S. 928 or a separate bill modeled on the concept and language of S. 928 which will redress the negative impact of the Supreme Court’s Garrett decision by requiring that state governments receiving federal financial assistance must, as a condition of entitlement to receive such assistance, affirmatively consent to being sued in federal court for money damages for alleged violations of Title I of the ADA.

Resolution 2001-06 calls on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) to bring to the attention of the White House and the Domestic Policy Council, the unacceptable conduct of Department of Veterans Affairs personnel in failing to comply with the priority provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act as amended by forestalling implementation of management directive 7632. The resolution also calls upon state affiliates of ACB to demand that state licensing agencies for blind vendors apply for permits to operate vending facilities in appropriate and economically viable VA locations.

Resolution 2001-07 notes that ACB has adopted 13 principles for rehabilitation which it urges the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the state agencies that receive federal funding from the RSA, to adopt; demands that Joanne M. Wilson, who is President Bush’s nominee for the post of Commissioner of RSA, actively support the 13 principles as a part of her confirmation process, and in the event Ms. Wilson will not agree to the 13 principles, directs that ACB oppose the confirmation of Ms. Wilson.

Resolution 2001-10 notes that the staff of ACB has undertaken to draft a proposed model state law which would provide waiver of the state’s Eleventh Amendment immunity, and compel the state to consent to be sued for money damages in actions brought under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and calls upon ACB’s state affiliates to seek introduction, and passage, of the proposed model state law, in their respective states.

Resolution 2001-11 commends the adoption of strong disability access standards which include rigorous requirements for information access and other technology-based access accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired, and encourages aggressive monitoring of the complaint investigation, determination, and enforcement processes required of the various federal procuring agencies affected by the new 508 regulations.

Resolution 2001-12 urges state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind, and their chapters, to initiate ongoing dialogue with county election supervisors, county commissioners, state election officials, secretaries of state, and, when appropriate, state legislators, for the purpose of making changes to insure that accessible voting systems are available in all precincts; and adopts principles setting forth standards for private, independent, and verifiable ballots.

Resolution 2001-13 thanks the Association of American Publishers (AAP) for its partnership and cooperation in achieving consensus and agreement concerning federal legislation which would increase access to elementary and secondary school textbooks and related instructional materials by students with disabilities, and supports passage of the legislation.

Resolution 2001-14 promotes the purpose and value of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and offers the assistance of the American Council of the Blind to its members and affiliates in filing appropriate complaints when telecommunications equipment and services are inaccessible.

Resolution 2001-15 seeks the cooperation and assistance of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in drafting and disseminating model legislation to all 50 states, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of blindness in determining eligibility for, and cost of, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance.

Resolution 2001-16 urges Congress to amend existing copyright law to expand the exemption categories set forth in the Chaffee amendment to include large print as a valid specialized format.

Resolution 2001-17 expresses ACB’s support for the Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001, and sets forth enhancements to the legislation recommended by ACB.

Resolution 2001-18 commends the ACB Advocacy Services Committee and the ACB staff for their efforts to protect the rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired to receive “equally effective communications" through descriptive video services (DVS) and reaffirms ACB’s decision to commit time and resources to pursue litigation relevant to the protection of these rights.

Resolution 2001-19 outlines changes which ACB will include in its legislative strategy to incorporate into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during its reauthorization.

Resolution 2001-20 supports efforts by the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools to advocate for reasonable exemptions, such as those in place in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, to permit guide dogs with appropriate identification, regardless of their country of origin, to accompany their blind handlers into, and out of, the United Kingdom.

Resolution 2001-21 promotes adoption by the Department of Justice of an amended definition within ADA regulations clarifying the role of animals trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate a person’s disability, and places ACB on record as joining with a number of other advocacy organizations to educate the general public concerning the role of “assistance animals” as well as the rights and responsibilities of their handlers under the ADA.

Resolution 2001-23 supports legislation which mandates that all states must provide, with all deliberate speed, access to private, independent and verifiable ballots for persons who have disabilities, whether the state accepts federal funds for the modernization of election systems and procedures.

Resolution 2001-24 urges the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to convene a task force, which will explore promotional and training avenues to keep the art of transcription of musical notation into Braille alive and growing, and requests that two special interest affiliates of the American Council of the Blind, the Braille Revival League and Friends in Art of ACB, assist ACB and NLS in bringing other major Braille transcription groups into the process of increasing the amount of braille music available

Resolution 2001-25 notes that RSA distributed a letter requiring impartiality in implementation of training required under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, to all RSA Regional Directors, State Licensing Agency Directors, and grantee universities, and calls upon the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services to investigate and take appropriate action with respect to the practices of  the Rehabilitation Services Administration in its management of programs and its application of policies as they relate to the Randolph-Sheppard Program.

Resolution 2001-26 supports the definition of active participation proposed by the Randolph¬-Sheppard Vendors of America to the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Resolution 2001-27 places ACB on record as not endorsing the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) until satisfied that wide-¬ranging input has been received, considered and evaluated from consumers in North America, opposes adoption of the UEBC if proposed for adoption at the 2003 quadrennial meeting of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB), suggests that the adoption of the UEBC should be postponed until the ICEB’s 2007 quadrennial meeting, and urges the board of the ICEB to consider papers prepared by Abraham Nemeth and Christopher Gray, and review the proposals of the Universal Braille System (UBS), before making a decision on a unified code.

Resolution 2001-28 creates a Task Force on Accessible Voting to assist the members of the American Council of the Blind by developing and implementing strategies to insure that people who are blind or visually impaired will have access to a private, independent, and verifiable ballot, and prescribes make-up, duties and timeliness for the task force.

Resolution 2001-29 strongly asserts that, while blindfold training should be an option for blindness rehabilitation training, it should not be a mandatory requirement in all cases, and the refusal to consent to training under blindfold should not automatically result in the termination of facility-based rehabilitation training.

Resolution 2001-30 wholeheartedly thanks and commends the host committee for its fine work in hosting the 2001 ACB national convention.

Resolution 2001-31 expresses thanks and appreciation for the services and accommodations provided to ACB members during the 2001 ACB national convention by the downtown Des Moines hotels, the Polk County Convention Center, the City of Des Moines, and the Des Moines Police Department.

Resolution 2001-32 expresses ACB’s appreciation to all volunteers who worked to assist the attendees of the 2001 ACB national convention.

Resolution 2001-01

Affordable Auto Insurance for Blind Drivers

 

Urges state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to work with their state insurance commissioners and state legislatures to insure availability of automobile liability insurance for blind automobile owners at competitive rates. Staff is directed to assist with implementation. 

WHEREAS, in America the automobile is the most common mode of transportation; and

WHEREAS, in many states vehicle owners are required to carry liability insurance to protect others against loss should accidents occur; and

WHEREAS, many individuals, including those who are blind or visually impaired, are unable to drive; and

WHEREAS, some blind and visually impaired individuals own automobiles and arrange for others to drive those vehicles; and

WHEREAS, despite the requirement to carry liability insurance on an automobile, it is common practice for insurance companies either to refuse to insure vehicles owned by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, or to charge prohibitive rates for coverage; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 5th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization urge its state affiliates to work with their state insurance commissioners and state legislatures to insure availability of automobile liability insurance for blind automobile owners at competitive rates; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization direct its staff to assist affiliates in the implementation of this resolution. 

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-02

Commends Staff for Opposing Judicial Nominees That Threaten the Rights of Blind Americans

 

Commends the staff of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for opposing those judicial nominees whose records indicate a strong likelihood that their judicial decisions would be detrimental to the civil rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired, and cites the nomination of Jeffrey D. Sutton to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as an example of a recent nomination which ACB found it necessary to oppose. 

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) on occasion has opposed judicial nominations advanced by United States Presidents out of concern that those nominees, if confirmed, would render decisions detrimental to the civil rights of Americans who are blind and visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the most recent example of such a need for opposition involved the nomination of Jeffrey D. Sutton to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and

WHEREAS, often, ACB staff has a very limited amount of time to react to judicial nominations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization authorize its staff to continue, when necessary, to review the records of judicial nominees, and to oppose those nominees whose records indicate a strong likelihood that their judicial decisions would be detrimental to the civil rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-03

2002 Convention Program to Feature General Session on Braille Unification

 

Directs that the American Council of the Blind (ACB) 2002 convention program include a general session program item addressing the issues of Braille unification.

WHEREAS, issues being considered by the Braille Authority of North America and the International Council on English Braille may have profound impact on the future use of Braille in the United States, especially in areas requiring the use of specialized codes; and

WHEREAS, the future of Braille in America is a topic which should be presented before a broad spectrum of ACB members;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization direct that its 2002 American Council of the Blind convention include a general session program item addressing the issues of Braille unification.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-04

ACB Backs S. 928 and Advocates for Legislation to Address Supreme Court's Garrett Decision

 

Supports the passage of S. 928, and promotes development and passage of either amendments to S. 928 or a separate bill modeled on the concept and language of S. 928 which will redress the negative impact of the Supreme Court's Garrett decision by requiring that state governments receiving federal financial assistance must, as a condition of entitlement to receive such assistance affirmatively consent to being sued in federal court for money damages for alleged violation of Title I of the ADA.   

WHEREAS, in Florida Board of Regents v. Kimmel, the United States Supreme Court held that lawsuits seeking money damages from state government employers under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended (ADEA), could not be maintained; and
 
WHEREAS, in order to redress the negative impact caused by the court's application of Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity in Kimmel, Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT) recently introduced S. 928, which provides that, as a condition of the right to receive federal financial assistance, state governments must waive their sovereign immunity and consent to be subject to suit in federal courts for money damages pursuant to the provisions of ADEA; and
 
WHEREAS, S. 928 could be amended to also redress the negative impact of the Supreme Court's recent extension of Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity in its decision in Board of Regents of the University of Alabama v. Garrett et al, wherein the court held that state government employers were immune from lawsuits for money damages brought in federal court claiming alleged violations of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization support and fully endorse the passage of S. 928;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers, directors, and staff of the American Council of the Blind shall take all steps possible to promote development and passage of either amendments to S. 928 or a separate bill modeled on the concept and language of S. 928 which will redress the negative impact of the Supreme Court's Garrett decision by requiring that state governments receiving federal financial assistance must, as a condition of entitlement to receive such assistance affirmatively consent to being sued in federal court for money damages for alleged violation of Title I of the ADA.   

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-06

Action Against Noncompliance with Randolph-Sheppard Act by Veterans Affairs and State Licensing Agencies

 

Calls on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) to bring to the attention of the White House and the Domestic Policy Council the unacceptable conduct of Department of Veterans Affairs personnel in failing to comply with the priority provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act as amended by forestalling implementation of management directive 7632. The resolution also calls upon state affiliates of ACB to demand that state licensing agencies for blind vendors apply for permits to operate vending facilities in appropriate and economically viable VA locations.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) adopted resolutions in 1998 and 1999 at its annual national conventions, regarding the chronic non-compliance by the Department of Veterans Affairs with the priority provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936 as amended, favoring the operation of vending facilities on federal government property by licensed blind vendors; and  

WHEREAS, the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) subsequently, at its 1999 national convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, adopted similar resolutions modeled upon the language and concepts contained in the previously adopted ACB resolutions; and

WHEREAS, on September 21, 1999, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Hon. Togo West, in response to the BVA and ACB resolutions, issued management directive 7632 which requires facility directors within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fully comply with the priority provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act as amended; and 

WHEREAS, Department of Veterans Affairs personnel have continued to ignore Directive 7632;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization join with its special interest affiliates, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) and the Visually Impaired Veterans of America (VIVA) in calling upon the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) to bring to the attention of the White House and the Domestic Policy Council the unacceptable conduct of Department of Veterans Affairs personnel in failing to comply with the priority provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act as amended;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urge RSVA, VIVA, and state affiliates of ACB to demand that state licensing agencies for blind vendors apply for permits to operate vending facilities in appropriate and economically viable VA locations;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization instructs its officers, directors, and staff to assist RSVA, VIVA, ACB's state affiliates, as well as RSA and NCSAB in carrying out the substantive provisions of this resolution.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-07

Adoption of 13 Rehabilitation Principles in RSA Leadership Confirmation

 

Notes that the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has adopted 13 principles for Rehabilitation which it urges the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the state agencies that receive federal funding from the RSA, to adopt, demands that Joanne M. Wilson, who is President Bush's nominee for the post of Commissioner of Rehabilitation, actively support the 13 principles as a part of her confirmation process, and in the event Ms. Wilson will not agree to the 13 principles, directs that ACB oppose the confirmation of Joanne Wilson.
  
WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has announced the nomination of Joanne M. Wilson for the post of Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the United States Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, throughout her professional history, Ms. Wilson has expressed support for rehabilitative policies that are inconsistent with consumer choice, and inclusion of a broad spectrum of views of large numbers of disabled consumer groups; and

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has adopted 13 principles for Rehabilitation which it urges the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the state agencies that receive federal funding from the RSA, to adopt in promoting fair and balanced delivery of rehabilitation services to disabled Americans; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization communicate its expectation that any appointee as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration must whole heartedly embrace the following 13 principles for agencies over which the RSA has jurisdiction, and that serve people who are blind:  

1.    The agency must make its information available to consumers in a medium which can be read and used. Preferably, the information should be made available in the media of choice for each consumer.

2.    The agency must hire people who are blind and provide equal opportunity for upward mobility.

3.    All agency computer and other information systems and materials must be accessible to and usable by blind employees and consumers as appropriate to their business needs.

4.    The offices of the agency must be accessible to consumers both in terms of transportation and the built environment.

5.    The agency must require its counselors and administrators to engage in good faith negotiations with consumers as to mutual expectations within the context of consumer choice and responsibilities.

6.    The agency must insure that information about consumer organizations is available in a balanced and non-prejudicial environment.  These materials must be made available in accessible media and with sufficient frequency without favoring one organization over others so as to allow consumers to know about and make their own choices as to what to do with the information.

7.    The agency must share information on important topics such as budget and program development in sufficient time to allow consumers to properly assess and productively react to it.

8.    The agency must avoid any actions which would have the effect of chilling the personal decisions of employees to join any consumer organizations of their choice and to conduct themselves accordingly outside the framework of agency business.

9.    The agency must conduct its training and its business with other entities involving the views of a balanced spectrum of consumer organizations.

10.    The agency director and appropriate staff must attend and participate in state meetings of consumer organizations.

11.    The agency director and appropriate staff must meet with the leadership of consumer organizations on a sufficiently frequent basis to maintain productive dialogue and input.

12.    The agency must support consumer initiatives where it is lawful and without conflict of interest for it to do so.

13.    The agency must make appropriate changes as a result of consumer input.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization direct its staff to take such actions as may be necessary in demanding that Ms. Wilson actively support the above 13 principles as a part of her confirmation process;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the event Ms. Wilson will not agree to the 13 principles as outlined in this resolution, the officers, directors and staff of the American Council of the Blind are directed to urge the United States Senate to oppose the confirmation of Ms. Wilson for Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-10

Model State Law to Enable Lawsuits Under ADA Title I, Urges State Affiliates for Adoption

 

Notes that the staff of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has undertaken to draft a proposed model state law which would provide waiver of the state's Eleventh Amendment immunity, and compel the state to consent to be sued for money damages in actions brought under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and calls upon ACB's state affiliates to seek introduction, and passage, of the proposed model state law, in their respective states.

WHEREAS, on February 21, 2001, the United States Supreme Court rendered its decision in Board of Regents of the University of Alabama et al., v. Garrett et al. holding that state government employers are exempt from liability for money damages in lawsuits brought in the federal courts under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; and

WHEREAS, the staff of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has undertaken to draft a proposed model state law which would provide waiver of the state's Eleventh Amendment immunity, and compel the state to consent to be sued for money damages in actions brought under Title I of the ADA;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization call upon its state affiliates to utilize the proposed model state law, and to seek its introduction, and passage, in their respective states.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 2001-11

Disability Access Standards and Calls for Vigilant Oversight

 

Commends the adoption of strong disability access standards which include rigorous requirements for information access and other technology-based access accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired, and encourages aggressive monitoring of the complaint investigation, determination, and enforcement processes required of the various federal procuring agencies effected by the new 508 regulations.

WHEREAS the implementing final regulations under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, promulgated by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB or Access Board) became effective in June of 2001; and

WHEREAS the final implementing regulations promulgated jointly by the Defense Acquisition Regulatory Council (DARC) and the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) incorporated into the federal acquisition regulations, the disability access standards adopted by the Access Board, under Section 508;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 5th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization commend the Access Board, DARC, and CAAC for adopting strong disability access standards which include rigorous requirements for information access and other technology-based access accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call on the Access Board and the United States Department of Justice to engage in aggressive monitoring of the complaint investigation, determination, and enforcement processes required of the various federal procuring agencies affected by the new 508 regulations. 

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-12

Accessible Voting and Adopts Ballot Standards

 

Urges state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind, and their chapters, to initiate ongoing dialogue with county election supervisors, county commissioners, state election officials, secretaries of state, and, when appropriate, state legislators, for the purpose of making changes to insure that accessible voting systems are available in all precincts; and adopts principles setting forth standards for private, independent, and verifiable ballots.

WHEREAS, most blind and visually impaired voters in the United States are denied the ability to independently cast a private and verifiable ballot; and 

WHEREAS, advances in technology now make it possible for people who are blind or visually impaired to cast their ballot in a private, independent, and verifiable manner; and 

WHEREAS, methods by which voters who are blind or visually impaired are able to cast a private, independent and verifiable ballot potentially include accessible voting machines, braille ballots, telephonic ballots, and voting via the Internet; and 

WHEREAS, most voting systems currently in use in the United States are obsolete; and

WHEREAS, most voting systems currently in use are not accessible to, or usable by, at least 10 million Americans who are blind, visually impaired, or print disabled, forcing these individuals to rely on the assistance of others in order to exercise the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, in response to the confusion and adverse publicity arising from the election of 2000, state and local governments are examining the processes and equipment they use to conduct elections and are seeking to replace antiquated voting systems;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization urge its state affiliates and their chapters to initiate ongoing dialog with county election supervisors, county commissioners, state election officials, secretaries of state, and, when appropriate, state legislators, for the purpose of making necessary changes which will insure that accessible voting systems are available in all precincts affording every voter who is blind or visually impaired the right and the ability to cast a private, independent, and verifiable ballot;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization adopt the following principles setting forth standards for private, independent, and verifiable ballots:

1.    A person who is blind or print disabled must be able to complete his/her ballot in a manner which is absolutely private, and consistent with their intended selections.

2.    During the process of casting the ballot, no assistance from others shall be required, and no election official or other person shall be able to view selections made by the voter.

3.    Every voter shall have a completely reliable means of privately and independently verifying each selection, and shall be able to correct an unintended selection;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization take the position that a blind, visually impaired, or print disabled voter retains the right to receive voting assistance from a person of their choice, if they prefer to do so;
  
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization direct its officers, board, and staff to assist state affiliates and their local chapters in efforts to insure that the intent of this resolution is implemented.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-13

Thanks AAP for Collaboration on Accessibility Legislation for Students

 

Thanks the Association of American Publishers (AAP) for its partnership and cooperation in achieving consensus and agreement concerning federal legislation which would increase access to elementary and secondary school textbooks and related instructional materials by students with disabilities, and supports passage of the legislation.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB), at its 2000 convention at Louisville, Kentucky, adopted Resolution 2000-36 calling for the development and enactment of legislation ensuring increased access to elementary and secondary school textbooks and related instructional materials by students with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the Association of American Publishers (AAP), working in full partnership with ACB, the American Foundation for the Blind, the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and other major national organizations in the field of blindness, has proposed federal legislation to address this critical need; and

WHEREAS, on June 27, 2001, the AAP and the blindness field reached agreement on legislation which, among other things:

1.    Requires, as a condition of receiving federal funding, that states develop and implement written state-wide plans ensuring that students who are blind, or who have other print disabilities, receive instructional materials in specialized formats at the same time instructional materials are made available to students without disabilities;

2.    Requires publishers to provide their textbooks and related materials in a standardized electronic file format which facilitates efficient conversion of such files to braille, large print, digital audio books, and other specialized formats; and

3.    Requires the Secretary of the United States Department of Education to establish a national electronic file repository for the purpose of receiving, storing, cataloging and distributing standardized files provided by publishers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 2nd day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization express its thanks and appreciation to the Association of American Publishers for the AAP's partnership and cooperation to achieve consensus and agreement on this important legislation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization continue to work aggressively with AAP and blindness-field partner organizations to obtain prompt passage of this legislation.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-14

Accessibility in Telecommunications and Support for Complaints

 

Promotes the purpose and value of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and offers the assistance of the American Council of the Blind to its members and affiliates in filing appropriate complaints when telecommunications equipment and services are inaccessible. 

WHEREAS, Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services to develop products and services which are accessible to and usable by people who are blind, or who have other disabilities; and

WHEREAS, stringent regulations implementing Section 255 have been adopted; and

WHEREAS, Section 255 and its implementing regulations require access to basic telephone products, which can include: the ability to receive calls, forward calls, independently access caller identification services and e-mail, and other functions relating to use of telecommunications equipment; and 

WHEREAS, additionally, Section 255 addresses such features as:  controls one can identify by touch, large print, screens with high contrast, audio cues that clearly identify the status of basic features, manuals and other telecommunications equipment documentation available in specialized formats; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Consumer Information Bureau, is required to provide contact information for manufacturers and service providers of telecommunications equipment and services, and can be called at (888) 225-5322, or e-mailed at access@fcc.gov; and

WHEREAS, there has been minimal progress toward the goal of truly allowing access to telecommunications equipment and services by persons who are blind and visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the FCC is responsible for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and

WHEREAS, the American Foundation for the Blind has made a convenient FCC complaint form for the filing of Section 255 complaints available on the World Wide Web at http://www.afb.org/255complaint.asp;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization actively promote with its members and associates the purpose and value of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ACB actively assist its members and affiliates in filing appropriate complaints when telecommunications equipment and services are inaccessible.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-15

Collaboration with NAIC on Anti-Discrimination Legislation for Insurance

 

Seeks the cooperation and assistance of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in drafting and disseminating model legislation, to all 50 states which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of blindness in determining eligibility for, and cost of, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) receives frequent contacts from blind men and women throughout America who have experienced discrimination when attempting to purchase long-term care insurance or disability insurance policies; and

WHEREAS, the existence of the condition of legal or total blindness should not have a significant impact on eligibility for, or availability of, long-term care insurance policies; and

WHEREAS, blindness should also not impact the cost of one's eligibility to purchase disability insurance policies which would cover other disabilities aside from the degree of blindness possessed by an individual at the time of purchase of a policy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization direct its officers, directors and staff to seek the cooperation and assistance of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in drafting and disseminating model legislation to all 50 states which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of blindness in determining eligibility for, and cost of, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-16

Congress to Include Large Print in Copyright Exemptions

 

Urges Congress to amend existing copyright law to expand the exemption categories set forth in the Chaffee Amendment to include large print as a valid specialized format.

WHEREAS, the Chaffee Amendment of 1996 eliminates the requirement to obtain permission from publishers prior to reproducing their copyrighted works in specialized formats; and

WHEREAS, the emergence of digital e-book technology used to generate published materials in alternate formats now makes it possible to generate large print, which is not covered by the Chaffee Amendment; and

WHEREAS certain types of large print material for individuals who are severely visually disabled or otherwise print disabled should be included in copyright law exemptions, and 

WHEREAS expanding this exemption would not infringe on commercial marketability of copyrighted, published materials;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization urge Congress to amend existing copyright law to expand the exemption categories set forth in the Chaffee Amendment to include large print as a valid specialized format.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-17

Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act

 

Expresses the support of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for the Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001, and sets forth enhancements to the legislation recommended by ACB.

WHEREAS, Medicare currently does not cover the cost of: orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching, and low vision therapy; and

WHEREAS, Medicare only partially covers low vision evaluations; and 

WHEREAS, Medicare also does not initially, or usually cover prosthetics or durable medical equipment used to ameliorate the impact of low vision or blindness; and 

WHEREAS, introduction of the Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001 is eminent; and

WHEREAS, this legislation represents a step forward in providing Medicare coverage for low vision and blindness related services; and

WHEREAS, this proposed legislation raises certain concerns about the future direction of low vision services and third party coverage;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization express its support for the Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2001;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization recommends the following enhancements:

1.    Require that in order to receive third party reimbursement for vision rehabilitation services, occupational therapists must have in addition to their occupational therapy credentialing, specialized, continuing education in the skills of blindness and low vision;

2.    Establish requirements for consumer input, participation, choice, and where appropriate, control, of the low vision rehabilitation process;

3.    Establish means by which individuals who are experts in the field of blindness, and who have acquired their skills through clock hour training and experience under the supervision of other established experts in the field of blindness, may become eligible for third party payment under Medicare;

4.    Expand the definition of covered equipment meeting the unique medical needs of people who are blind or who have low vision to include certain items of assistive technology as prosthetic devices or durable medical equipment. 

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-18

Advocacy for Equally Effective Descriptive Video Services (DVS)

 

Commends the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Advocacy Services Committee and the ACB staff for their efforts to protect the rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired to receive "equally effective communications" through Descriptive Video Services (DVS), and reaffirms ACB's decision to commit time and resources to pursue litigation relevant to the protection of these rights.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has taken the position that Descriptive Video Service (DVS) enhances the quality of information and entertainment available, via television, for Americans who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the ACB membership has demonstrated its support for increased access to television programs through longstanding advocacy efforts, including the adoption of numerous resolutions; and
 
WHEREAS, in 2000 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), acting on input given by ACB and other blindness organizations, issued a rule requiring that major television networks provide at least 50 hours each quarter of prime-time television programming that includes DVS, in major markets, beginning in April of 2002; and

WHEREAS, lawsuits seeking to invalidate this rule have been filed by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Motion Picture Association, the National Cable Television Association and the National Federation of the Blind; and

WHEREAS, ACB has responded to this challenge by retaining legal counsel to defend the FCC rule, and to seek court affirmation of the right to access television programming by Americans who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS ACB and WGBH Public Television of Boston moved to intervene in the lawsuits, and the court granted that motion; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 6th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that ACB commend the Advocacy Services Committee and the ACB staff for their efforts to protect the rights of Americans who are blind or visually impaired to receive "equally effective communications" through DVS;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ACB reaffirm its support of the decision to commit time and resources to pursue this litigation.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-19

Legislative Strategy Updates for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

 

Sets forth changes which the American Council of the Blind (ACB) will develop a legislative strategy to amend into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during its re-authorization.

WHEREAS, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is expected to be re-authorized during the 107th Congress; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled, this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization, through its officers, directors and staff, prepare and implement a legislative strategy designed to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during its re-authorization to:

1.    Clarify the definition of "low incidence" disability, pertaining to the preparation of personnel, so as to more accurately target personnel preparation resources to university programs training teachers of blind and visually impaired children;

2.    Increase and set aside funding to be authorized under IDEA specifically for the training of teachers of blind and visually impaired children;

3.    Strengthen provisions in IDEA relating to assistive technology assessment and the provision of equipment to ensure that schools, school districts, and states provide thorough evaluation by personnel qualified in the field of vision loss, of the needs of students, and expand access to specialized technologies meeting those needs;

4.    Require that students who are blind and visually impaired are entitled to receive instructional materials and access to electronic media in specialized formats appropriate to their individual needs at the same time as provided to non-disabled students; 

5.    Require that education programs and vocational rehabilitation agencies work in a coordinated manner to ensure that appropriate services and assistive technologies will remain in place, and available to the student throughout the process of transition from school to adult life.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-20

International Push for Guide Dog Access in the UK

 

Supports efforts by the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools to advocate for reasonable exemptions, such as those in place in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, to permit guide dogs with appropriate identification, regardless of their country of origin, to accompany their blind handlers into, and out of, the United Kingdom.

WHEREAS, guide dogs currently are prohibited from entering the United Kingdom without spending significant time in quarantine; and

WHEREAS, this prohibition has a significant impact on guide dogs and their handlers traveling from North America to the United Kingdom; and

WHEREAS, guide dog handlers living in the United Kingdom are not permitted to travel freely from, and return to, the United Kingdom with their guide dogs without having to undergo onerous and complex procedures; and

WHEREAS, Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) has demonstrated through its judicial settlement with the state of Hawaii that guide dogs pose no significant threat to public health and may travel safely under specified conditions to "rabies-free zones" such as Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand; and

WHEREAS, the services provided by guide dogs vastly enhance the independence and safety of people who are blind and who regularly use guide dogs; and 

WHEREAS, such people are often limited in their mobility when traveling without guide dogs; and

WHEREAS, the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools is the body that has working relationships with blindness organizations, on an international level, and has the most influence upon training standards and health issues relating to guide dogs; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization join with its special interest affiliate, Guide Dog Users Inc., in supporting efforts by the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools to advocate for reasonable exemptions, such as those in place in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, to permit guide dogs with appropriate identification, regardless of their country of origin, to accompany their blind handlers into, and out of, the United Kingdom.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-21

ADA Regulations on Assistance Animals

 

Promotes adoption by the Department of Justice of an amended definition within Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations clarifying the role of animals trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate a person's disability, and places the American Council of the Blind (ACB) on record as joining with a number of other advocacy organizations to educate the general public concerning the role of assistance animals as well as the rights and responsibilities of their handlers under the ADA.

WHEREAS, the number and types of animals being used to assist people with disabilities has significantly grown since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and

WHEREAS, some animals are currently being considered as "service animals" under the ADA definition, with no discernable task other than their presence to benefit a person with a disability; and

WHEREAS, some types of animals such as reptiles or livestock may not be suitable for public access because of sanitation concerns and other issues involving the welfare of both animals and human beings; and

WHEREAS, the broad definition of "service animal" under the Americans with Disabilities Act has not only caused considerable confusion, but it has also led to training of animals for personal protection, and to those animals being considered "service animals"; and

WHEREAS, this ambiguous definition, combined with the promotion of animals for personal defense as "service animals," will negatively impact the public access rights of people working with assistance dogs that perform a physical task to mitigate a disability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that the American Council of the Blind join with its special interest affiliate, Guide Dog Users, Inc., and other consumer and professional organizations involved in the breeding, training and work of guide, service and hearing dogs, to promote adoption by the Department of Justice of an amended definition within ADA regulations clarifying the role of animals trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate a person's disability;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ACB join with these organizations in support of their work with the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, to educate the general public concerning the role of "assistance animals" as well as the rights and responsibilities of their handlers under the ADA.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-23

Legislation for Accessible and Verifiable Ballots for All

 

Supports legislation which mandates that all states must provide, with all deliberate speed, access to private, independent and verifiable ballots for persons who have disabilities, whether or not the state accepts federal funds for the modernization of election systems and procedures.

WHEREAS, in all 50 states, election officials establish and certify a list of voting systems; and

WHEREAS, counties and other political sub-divisions are then usually required to purchase only voting systems which appear on the certified list provided by the state; and 

WHEREAS, in many instances, these lists contain no accessible voting systems; and

WHEREAS, despite the fact that no federal legislation currently mandates that state or local election officials must certify and purchase a significant number of accessible systems so as to insure that at least one fully accessible machine is placed in each precinct, it is this organization's position that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that individuals who are disabled have the right to vote in a private, independent and verifiable manner; and

WHEREAS, a federal mandate is the only way by which access to a private, independent, and verifiable ballot can be guaranteed and achieved for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, Senators McConnell, Schumer, Torricelli, and Brownback have introduced legislation (S.953) which provides for grants to state and local governments to pay for the modernization of election systems upon the condition that such systems insure persons who have disabilities the right to cast private, independent, and verifiable ballots in each precinct, but this legislation mandates such accessibility only when federal funds are accepted; and

WHEREAS, Senators Dodd and Dashel have introduced legislation (S.565), and Representatives Conyers and Gephardt have introduced companion legislation (H.R.1170) which mandates that, by the year 2004, all states must provide access to private, independent and verifiable ballots for persons who have disabilities whether or not the state accepts federal funds for the modernization of election systems and procedures;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization support legislation which mandates that all states must provide, with all deliberate speed, access to private, independent and verifiable ballots for persons who have disabilities, whether or not the state accepts federal funds for the modernization of election systems and procedures.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-24

Task Force to Preserve and Promote Braille Music Transcription

 

Urges the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to convene a task force, which will explore promotional and training avenues to keep the art of transcription of musical notation into Braille alive and growing, and requests that two special interest affiliates of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the Braille Revival League and Friends in Art of ACB, assist ACB, and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in bringing other major Braille transcription groups into the process of increasing the amount of braille music available.

WHEREAS, many blind or visually impaired persons are amateur or professional musicians; and

WHEREAS, the ability to read music greatly increases a musician's understanding of notes, dynamics, and articulations of music; and

WHEREAS, for blind musicians who are readers of Braille, there is no other means of musical notation equivalent to, or which can replace, Braille music notation; and

WHEREAS, there is real concern that the transcription of Braille music could become a lost art because there are few transcribers who are skilled in the art of Braille music transcription, and few proofreaders capable of working with this particular media and code; and

WHEREAS, the loss of Braille music as a viable and readily available media would be a tragedy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that the ACB urge the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to convene a task force, which shall include consumer representatives, and which will explore promotional and training avenues to keep the art of transcription of musical notation into Braille alive and growing;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization request that its special interest affiliates, the Braille Revival League and Friends in Art of ACB, assist ACB and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in bringing other major Braille transcription groups into the process of increasing the amount of braille music available to blind musicians;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report of progress on this resolution be made to the membership by July of 2002.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-25

Investigation into RSA's Implementation of Randolph-Sheppard Act

 

Notes that the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) distributed a letter requiring impartiality in implementation of training required under the Randolph-Sheppard Act to all RSA Regional Directors, State Licensing Agency Directors, and grantee universities, and calls upon the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services to investigate and take appropriate action with respect to the practices of the Rehabilitation Services Administration in its management of programs and its application of policies as they relate to the Randolph-Sheppard Program.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) passed a resolution at its 2000 convention in Louisville, Kentucky, calling on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to require grantee universities to be even handed in involving consumer organizations in the planning of regional training conferences; and

WHEREAS, the resolution requested that training conferences concentrate on substantive issues rather than time-wasting issues such as rudimentary buying programs and partisan promotions; and

WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Services Administration distributed a letter requiring impartiality to all RSA Regional Directors, State Licensing Agency Directors, and grantee universities; and,

WHEREAS, this letter has been virtually ignored as demonstrated by the agenda for the Region III training conference recently held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, federal funds are being used to endorse the personal business of the National Buying Group, a private business initially funded by the National Federation of the Blind;    

NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization join its special interest affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, in calling upon the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services to investigate and take appropriate action with respect to the practices of the Rehabilitation Services Administration in its management of programs and its application of policies as they relate to the Randolph-Sheppard Program.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-26

Proposed Definition of Active Participation by Randolph-Sheppard Vendors

 

Supports the definition of active participation proposed by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America to the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

WHEREAS, the attendees to the National Randolph-Sheppard Conference held in 2000 in New Orleans, Louisiana called upon the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to revisit its written policy on 'active participation' with respect to program administration by elected committees of blind vendors; and

WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Services Administration committed to review and revise its definition of active participation; and

WHEREAS, the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, at its November 2000 meeting, agreed, at the request of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, to join the process; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America have developed the strongest possible language in a proposed definition of active participation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization join with its special interest affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, to actively support the definition of active participation proposed by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America to the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-27

Withholding Endorsement of Unified English Braille Code Pending Consumer Input and Evaluation

 

Places the American Council of the Blind (ACB) on record as not endorsing the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) until satisfied that wide-ranging input has been received, considered and evaluated from consumers in North America, opposes adoption of the UEBC if proposed for adoption at the 2003 quadrennial meeting of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB), suggests that the adoption of the UEBC should be postponed until the ICEB's 2007 quadrennial meeting, and urges the board of the ICEB to consider papers prepared by Abraham Nemeth, and Christopher Gray and review the proposals of the Universal Braille System (UBS), before making a decision on a unified code.

WHEREAS, the adoption of a Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) has tremendous potential for creating the availability of standard English Braille which can be freely shared among all English speaking nations; and

WHEREAS, the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) has proposed to adopt such a code during the current quadrennium; and

WHEREAS, premature adoption of the UEBC would result in the failure to provide adequate opportunity for Braille users in North America to examine, comment upon and verify the capacity of the code to express advanced technical material in a comprehensible manner; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization vigorously oppose the adoption of the Unified English Braille Code if proposed for adoption at the 2003 quadrennial meeting of the ICEB;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly urge that the ICEB postpone a final decision concerning adoption of the UEBC until its 2007 quadrennial meeting;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization not endorse the UEBC until satisfied that wide-ranging input has been received, considered and evaluated from consumers in North America; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ACB urge the board of the ICEB to consider papers prepared by Abraham Nemeth and Christopher Gray, and review the proposals of the Universal Braille System (UBS), before making a decision on a unified code.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-28

ACB Establishes Task Force on Accessible Voting to Ensure Ballot Access for the Blind

 

Creates a Task Force on Accessible Voting to assist the members of the American Council of the Blind, by developing and implementing strategies to insure that people who are blind or visually impaired will have access to a private, independent, and verifiable ballot, and prescribes make-up, duties and timeliness for the task force.

WHEREAS, it is likely that federal legislation will soon create increased opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to work with state and local government authorities to enable citizens who are blind or visually impaired to cast a private, independent and verifiable ballot; and
 
WHEREAS, many states and counties are introducing proposals that will also create opportunities for accessible voting;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization instruct the president to create a Task Force on Accessible Voting to assist the members of the American Council of the Blind by developing and implementing strategies to insure that people who are blind or visually impaired will have access to a private, independent, and verifiable ballot;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consist of one member from the Information Access Committee, one member from the Environmental Access Committee, three individuals appointed by the president, a Chair to be chosen from among the members of the American Council of the Blind's board of directors, and the director of advocacy and governmental affairs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this task force shall develop a paper within 45 (forty-five) days after the convention;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this paper shall contain the following:

  1. An action plan which can be used at local, state and federal levels outlining appropriate positions to be taken by the American Council of the Blind and its affiliates and chapters
  2. A system for consultation that can be used by member affiliates
  3. A resource list of accessible voting systems that are available
  4. A list of locations where accessible systems have been used including contact information in order for state affiliates to obtain information and advice on approaches taken by accessible voting coalitions;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, at the discretion of the task force and the editor of "The Braille Forum," information may be published in "The Braille Forum" concerning the work of this task force;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the president and executive director shall review and approve the recommendations of the task force before they are implemented; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this task force shall be considered for dissolution at the 2002 mid-year board meeting and, if not dissolved, at each board meeting thereafter until dissolved.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-29

Voluntary Nature of Blindfold Training in Rehabilitation

 

Strongly asserts that, while blindfold training should be an option for blindness rehabilitation training, it should not be a mandatory requirement in all cases, and the refusal to consent to training under blindfold should not automatically result in the termination of facility-based rehabilitation training.

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has long been an ardent supporter of informed consumer choice for persons who are blind or visually impaired, and who are undergoing rehabilitation training; and

WHEREAS, though training under blindfold is a valid and credible practice in the rehabilitation of visually impaired individuals, it is not the only viable method of rehabilitation training, and is a practice which should be subject to informed consumer choice; and

WHEREAS, in some rehabilitation programs throughout the United States, including the Chris Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin, Texas, training under blindfold is mandatory, and consumers are terminated by that facility without further facility-based training unless they agree to be trained under blindfold; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization join with its state affiliate, the American Council of the Blind of Texas, in strongly asserting that, while blindfold training should be an option for blindness rehabilitation training, it should not be a mandatory requirement in all cases, and the refusal to consent to training under blindfold should not automatically result in the termination of facility-based rehabilitation training.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary.

Resolution 2001-30

Host Committee Appreciation

 

Wholeheartedly thanks and commends the host committee for its fine work in hosting the 2001 American Council of the Blind (ACB) National Convention.
 
WHEREAS, the handling of local arrangements for an American Council of the Blind (ACB) national convention is a mammoth undertaking; and
 
WHEREAS, the host committee and ACB members in the state of Iowa have met every challenge in hosting the 2001 ACB national convention in Des Moines, Iowa, and have welcomed ACB members in a friendly, helpful, and grand fashion; and

WHEREAS, additional accommodations needed to make the Des Moines skywalk system useful to convention attendees proved to be helpful and worked well;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization wholeheartedly thanks and commends the host committee for its fine work.

 

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 2001-31

Des Moines Appreciation

 

Expresses thanks and appreciation for the services and accommodations provided to members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) during the 2001 ACB national convention, by the downtown Des Moines hotels, the Polk County Convention Center, the City of Des Moines, and the Des Moines Police Department.
 
WHEREAS, the hotels used for the 2001 American Council of the Blind convention in Des Moines, Iowa, the Polk County Convention Center, and the city of Des Moines, particularly in the accommodations made in the city's skywalk system, including police and security, have all provided essential services and important facility accommodations for members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) attending its 2001 convention; and

WHEREAS, all of the above mentioned staff working in the above noted facilities have been friendly and helpful; and

WHEREAS, the success of a convention is often dependent on the quality of the services provided by the facilities and hotels; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization express its thanks and appreciation for the services and accommodations provided to its members by the downtown Des Moines hotels, the Polk County Convention Center, the City of Des Moines, and the Des Moines Police Department.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 2001-32

Volunteer Appreciation

 

Expresses the appreciation of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) to all volunteers who worked to assist the attendees of the 2001 ACB national convention.

WHEREAS, the skywalks and distances between events have provided particularly interesting challenges to volunteers working to assist attendees at the 2001 American Council of the Blind (ACB) convention in Des Moines, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, volunteers, under the most able stewardship of Volunteer Coordinator Margarine Beaman have provided superb services in all ways to attendees of the 2001 ACB convention;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 2001 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa, that this organization warmly and most sincerely express its appreciation to all volunteers who worked to assist the attendees of the 2001 ACB national convention;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the organization request yet one more volunteer accommodation from Ms. Beaman, that being to assist in communicating this resolution, or its sense, to all volunteers.