1993 Resolutions

1993 Resolutions

Resolution 1993-01 - Appreciation to Grant Mack for Years of Dedication
Resolution 1993-02 - A Postage Stamp Commemorating Louis Braille
Resolution 1993-03 - Defending Guide Dog Users from Unwarranted Interference from Animal Rights Extremists
Resolution 1993-04 - Urging the FCC to Allow Blind Radio Amateurs to Serve as Volunteer Examiners
Resolution 1993-05 - Government Assistance in Payment of Employment-Related Adaptive Technology
Resolution 1993-07 - Congratulating the Parties to the Honolulu International Airport Agreement
Resolution 1993-08 - Develop Standards for Accessible Formats
Resolution 1993-09 - Emphasize Provision of Supported Employment Services to the Deaf-Blind
Resolution 1993-10 - Recognizing Frank Haven Hall on the 100th anniversary of the Hall Brailler
Resolution 1993-11 - Discount Fare Reciprocity Among Public Transportation Authorities
Resolution 1993-12 - Opposition to Services Provided by Individuals Not Trained in Blindness-Related Skills
Resolution 1993-13 - Independent Living Services for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Resolution 1993-14 - Newspaper Listings for Audio Description
Resolution 1993-16 - Inclusion of Audio Description Requirements in Regulations Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act
Resolution 1993-17 - Telecommunications Policy
Resolution 1993-18 - Extension of the Randolph-Sheppard Program to State Facilitie
Resolution 1993-19 - Reaffirms Support for the 1974 Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments and Opposes Efforts to Redistribute Vending Machine Income
Resolution 1993-20 - Opposition to Proposed Competency Test
Resolution 1993-21 - Commendation to Federal Transit Official
Resolution 1993-22 - Accessible Computer Laboratories in Institutions of Higher Education
Resolution 1993-23 - Encourage Development of a Labeling System which is Independently Usable by Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Resolution 1993-24 - Support for Entities Developing Vision Enhancement Technology
Resolution 1993-25 - Appreciation to Those Involved in Providing Audible Signals and Talking Signage at the 1993 ACB Convention

Notes:

Resolution 93-06 was ruled out of order and referred to the Board of Directors.

Resolution 93-15 was defeated.

Resolutions 93-26 and 93-27, which commend the host committee and volunteers, and the hotel management, were adopted but are not reprinted here. Copies of these resolutions can be obtained by contacting the National Office of the American Council of the Blind.

Resolution 93-01

Appreciation to Grant Mack for Years of Dedication

WHEREAS, Grant Mack of Salt Lake City, Utah, served the American Council of the Blind with dedication and distinction for over eighteen years, first as President of the Utah Council of the Blind from 1975 through 1977, then as a member of the ACB Board of Directors from 1978 through 1981, as ACB's fifth President from 1981 through 1987, as Immediate Past President from 1987 through 1989, and again as a Director from 1989 to 1993; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mack also served in important positions on the Boards of Directors of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped, the National Industries for the Blind, the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America, and the American Foundation for the Blind; and

WHEREAS, he became widely known, not only for his demonstrated leadership ability, but also as an advocate for civil rights for the blind of this Nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 8th day of July, 1993, that we express our profound sorrow to Grant Mack's widow, Olive Beth (Bobbi), and their children on his untimely death, and further express our heart-felt appreciation and gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to ACB and to the blind of this Nation and the world; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its President to convey the substance and spirit of this resolution to Mr. Mack's widow in an appropriate manner.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-02

A Postage Stamp Commemorating Louis Braille

WHEREAS, Braille is the international reading medium of the blind for educational, recreational, and vocational uses; and

WHEREAS, Louis Braille's brilliant invention has made it possible for the blind to become contributing members of society;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 8th day of July, 1993, that this organization call upon the Unite9 States Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Louis Braille in time for Braille Literacy Week in January, 1995; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB suggest that this stamp include a sample of Braille such as "USA" in simulated Braille (printed rather than raised dots), and that the Postal Service design such a stamp in consultation with the American Council of the Blind; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be submitted to the Postmaster General of the United States and to other appropriate government officials.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-03

Defending Guide Dog Users from Unwarranted Interference from Animal Rights Extremists

WHEREAS, there have been an increasing number of instances in which animal· rights extremists have interfered with, and caused severe hardship to, guide dog users; and

WHEREAS, despite the fact that guide dogs are typically better cared for and in better health than the average pet; and

WHEREAS, these animal rights extremists have erroneously concluded that using dogs as guides exemplifies cruelty to animals; and

WHEREAS, one of the most basic civil rights guaranteed to blind persons is the right to travel independently utilizing their choice of mobility, including guide dogs, without unwarranted intrusion or interference;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 8th day of July, 1993, that this organization staunchly defend the rights of guide dog users against any unwarranted intrusion or interference by animal rights extremists and that this may include, but not be limited to, taking legal action against any person or organization attempting to interfere with a guide dog user properly utilizing his or her dog; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of this organization are authorized to take such actions as will assure that this harassment is recognized as a clear violation of the Federal civil rights of guide dog users; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct that copies of this resolution be sent along with an appropriate cover letter to all guide dog training establishments strongly urging them to publicly endorse this resolution, to adopt and publicize policies protective of their graduates' rights, and to request copies of such policy statements be forwarded to Guide Dog Users, Inc.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff of this organization be authorized to send copies of this resolution and related materials to appropriate organizations and/or individuals including Persons for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and recognized service dog organizations.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-04

Urging the FCC to Allow Blind Radio Amateurs to Serve as Volunteer Examiners

WHEREAS, examinations to qualify for amateur radio licenses in the United States are conducted under the auspices of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by licensed United States amateur radio operators known as Volunteer Examiners; and

WHEREAS, blind amateur radio operators have successfully served as Volunteer Examiners, performing all the duties prescribed for such Examiners with distinction; and

WHEREAS, the Chief of the Private Radio Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission has issued an official opinion that blind persons cannot carry out the duties required of Volunteer Examiners because FCC regulations require that such Examiners observe those being tested at all times during an examination session, basing this opinion on the misguided belief that such constant observation is impossible without sight; and

WHEREAS, blind teachers and professors have successfully supervised courses and conducted examinations in schools and universities for many years; and

WHEREAS, the Commission failed to take this experience into account when its opinion was issued; and

WHEREAS, this interpretation is a clear and blatant violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 8^th day of July, 1993, that this Council condemn and actively oppose the opinion issued by the Chief of the Private Radio Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission effectively prohibiting blind radio amateurs from serving as Volunteer Examiners; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB work closely with the FCC and other interested parties, including the American Radio Relay League, to secure a ruling affirming the capabilities of the blind to serve as Volunteer Examiners; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Chief of the Private Radio Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission, all FCC Commissioners, and the President of the ARRL.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-05

Government Assistance in Payment of Employment-Related Adaptive Technology

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) represents a major effort toward the achievement of reasonable accommodation in employment and access to public and private facilities for people who are blind or have other disabilities; and

WHEREAS, computers and other electronic devices, which most blind and visually impaired individuals cannot use without substantial and often expensive adaptation, are required for a growing number of jobs and job sites; and

WHEREAS, by requiring employers to assume initial and primary responsibility for the cost of reasonable accommodation, the ADA may create a substantial barrier to the employment of blind or visually impaired persons thus negating many of the very positive elements encompassed in the Act; and

WHEREAS, the ADA does not preclude governmental entities (e.g., rehabilitation service providers, assistive technology projects, and Social Security) from paying the special adaptation costs which would enable blind and visually impaired individuals to compete cost-effectively with their sighted peers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 8^th day of July, 1993, that this Council call upon state and federal governmental entities to meet the extra costs of equipment adaptation leading to the employment of blind and visually impaired individuals.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-07

Congratulating the Parties to the Honolulu International Airport Agreement

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind recognizes the desirability of having the vending facility concessions at the Honolulu International Airport operated by blind vendors licensed within the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and

WHEREAS, after more than 20 years — including nine years of legislation, litigation mediation and negotiation — the Hawaii Blind Vendors' Association, individual blind vendors, the Hawaii

Committee of Blind Vendors, and the Hawaii Association of the Blind have legally assured the achievement of their common goals; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that this victorious resolution of the controversy would not have been possible without the determination of, and sacrifices by, the dedicated advocates who raised several hundred thousand dollars for legal fees and other expenses; and

WHEREAS, the principal parties, including the State Licensing Agency, other state agencies, and the negotiating team for the blind, have concluded agreements which will accomplish their common goal;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 9th day of July, 1993, that we congratulate the victorious participants in this history making achievement, which will result in the operation of vending facility concessions at the Honolulu International Airport in conformance with the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act as well as Hawaii State law.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-08

Develop Standards for Accessible Formats

WHEREAS, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has the potential to increase significantly the availability of materials in braille, large print, electronic file and recorded format; and

WHEREAS, there is already an alarming unevenness in the quality of the braille, large print, computer disk and recorded materials now being distributed throughout the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 9th day of July, 1993, that ACB work toward developing and/or adapting standards that can be applied to all four media; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that once such standards are agreed upon, ACB work for their inclusion in the regulations implementing Titles II and III of the ADA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that nothing in this resolution shall relieve any entity from the responsibility of producing accessible materials pending the adoption of these standards of the regulations for Titles II and III.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-09

Emphasize Provision of Supported Employment Services to the Deaf-Blind

WHEREAS, many employed and employable deaf-blind persons require interpreters or support service providers who have interpreting skills in order to achieve effective job performance, orientation to the work place, opportunities for promotion, and social acceptance by other workers; and

WHEREAS, supported employment initiatives administered by both the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, in theory, and sometimes in fact, allow for the provision of interpreter or support service/interpreter services as a supported employment activity; and

WHEREAS, consistent and predictably available interpreter and support services have been shown to increase significantly the employment potential of deaf-blind and other multiply disabled blind individuals; and

WHEREAS, changes made in the Rehabilitation Act during its most recent reauthorization clearly suggest a stronger emphasis on the employment needs of the deaf-blind and other severely multiply disabled individuals; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of five new specific deaf-blind codes by RSA further suggests a direct emphasis on the vocational needs of the deaf-blind;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 9th day of July, 1993, that this organization urge the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to increase their activities and emphasis on supported employment specifically targeted toward the deaf-blind. Such services should include, but not be limited to:

The initiation of training programs to assist interpreters for the deaf in becoming interested and skilled in provision of employment-related support services to deaf-blind individuals; and
The initiation of categorical supported employment programs oriented specifically to serving deaf-blind and/or multiply disabled blind people.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-10

Recognizing Frank Haven Hall on the 100th anniversary of the Hall Brailler

WHEREAS, Frank Haven Hall invented the Hall Brailler and Hall Stereotype one hundred years ago, thus revolutionizing the writing of braille textbooks and other materials by making braille writing easier for blind students and adults in classrooms and other situations; and

WHEREAS, the layout of the keyboard used by most of today's braille writers and much of the special adaptive computerized equipment used by the blind is based on the technology that Mr. Hall invented; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, Illinois, this year is holding a celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the invention of the Hall Brailler;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California this 9th day of July, 1993, that this organization commend the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired for its leadership in recognizing the great significance of this event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization join with the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in expressing its deep appreciation of the foresight of Frank Haven Hall for the invention of the technology which has done so much to make it possible for blind people throughout the world to take their rightful place in society as useful and productive citizens.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-11

Discount Fare Reciprocity Among Public Transportation Authorities

WHEREAS, many transit systems provide discounted fares for disabled persons including persons who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, frequently this discount can be claimed only if the disabled passenger shows some type of certification of disability or possesses an identification card issued by the specific local bus or rail transportation authority or over-the-road common carrier; and

WHEREAS, many of the carriers who issue and require the showing of identification cards for discounted fares refuse to accept similar cards issued by other carriers and refuse to accept any other type of disability certification besides their own established forms; and

WHEREAS, regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act require paratransit eligibility allowance from community to community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization call upon the nation's local bus or rail transportation systems and over-the-road common carriers to accept for discount fare purposes certification/identification cards issued by other transportation providers and to accept other nationally recognized forms of written disability certification; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization call upon the United States Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations making such carriers' continued receipt of federal financial assistance contingent upon reciprocal acceptance of discount fare identification cards and other nationally recognized forms of disability certification; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its national staff to make copies of this resolution available, on request, to state affiliates and local chapters of ACB for use in transit advocacy efforts.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-12

Opposition to Services Provided by Individuals Not Trained in Blindness-Related Skills

WHEREAS, the practice by private and governmental agencies of using such professionals as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals whose blindness-related skills are in doubt to provide training such as travel, activities of daily living, and communications skills is increasing; and

WHEREAS, teaching travel skills to blind persons requires very specific understanding of orientation, cane technique, cognitive mapping, follow-up guide dog services, etc.; and

WHEREAS, braille, abacus, and other communications techniques used by blind persons are also profoundly specialized and require unique training capabilities; and

WHEREAS, training in the disciplines of generic occupational therapy or other activity therapies may not qualify individuals to teach any of these blindness-related skills;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization directs its officers, directors and staff to take all necessary action to oppose the practice of assigning generic professionals to teach skills requiring knowledge and application of specific blindness techniques; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it remain the policy of this organization that specialized education and/or long-standing experience in the areas of teaching travel, daily living, and communications skills to blind persons are major factors to be considered in determining the qualification of blind or sighted orientation and mobility or other skills instructors for the blind.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-13

Independent Living Services for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired

WHEREAS, people who are blind or visually impaired do benefit from specialized services designed to enhance their ability to live independently; and

WHEREAS, state rehabilitation agencies and nonprofit agencies have successfully delivered these services; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to promote a philosophy of independent living which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the 1992 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 define independent living centers in terms which include community-based, cross-disability, and operation within a local community; and

WHEREAS, the focus on cross-disability and local community has resulted in a reduction in the provision of specialized services needed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, because it is difficult for such centers to serve rural areas or provide the types of specialized services needed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 9th day of July, 1993, that this organization fully support the appropriation of sufficient funds to enable state rehabilitation agencies to ensure that a comprehensive array of independent living services, including those specialized services needed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, are available to all eligible individuals residing in the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the Rehabilitation Services Administration and state rehabilitation agencies which provide grants to independent living centers under Title VII, Chapter 1 of the Rehabilitation Act to place a high priority on the ability of such grant applicants to provide the array of independent living services, including specialized services which are directed toward individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, all state rehabilitation agencies, including those which are designated to serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and appropriate members of Congress.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-14

Newspaper Listings for Audio Description

WHEREAS, audio description of televised programs is rapidly becoming an important means by which the blind and visually impaired television viewer may enjoy and appreciate television programs; and

WHEREAS, audio description is offered on many broadcasts; and

WHEREAS, lists of the programs televised with audio description are readily available to publishers of television listings; and

WHEREAS, television listings currently denote programs broadcast with closed captioning for the deaf with a "CC"; and

WHEREAS, a denotation for programs televised with audio description would serve to inform blind and visually impaired viewers of these programs as well as increasing the viewership of these programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that the standard notation for television programs broadcast with audio description be a “D” next to the· individual program listing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ACB direct letters to television data listing services and to all affiliates for local advocacy efforts.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-16

Inclusion of Audio Description Requirements in Regulations Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act

WHEREAS, real-time audio description of live performing arts events has proven to be vital for the fullest possible access to such events by blind and visually impaired individuals; and

WHEREAS, the regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) clearly address the requirement for assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired while remaining silent on issues of audio description;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization direct its staff, officers and directors to advocate for the inclusion of requirements for audio description of live performances in regulations implementing Titles JI and III of the ADA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its staff, officers and directors to advocate for amendments to existing regulations stipulating that assistive listening devices, when acquired for purposes of ADA compliance, shall feature at least two channels per receiver thereby allowing for use of the second channel to provide audio description.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-17

Telecommunications Policy

WHEREAS, advances in computer and telecommunications technologies, particularly the convergence of computer, telephone, cable and broadcast technologies, have the potential to dramatically expand opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to access and use information critical for full participation in business, commerce, government and public services; and

WHEREAS, these new technologies are overwhelmingly graphics-based, requiring the user to recognize and respond to pictures, icons or other graphic images in order to interact with the device, thereby making this technology virtually inaccessible to blind and visually impaired persons; and

WHEREAS, lack of access to this technology will result in increased isolation and disenfranchisement of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and render such individuals less competitive in the job market; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that new telecommunications and other communications technologies are fully accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as individuals with other disabling conditions, access needs must be addressed at the research and design phase; and

WHEREAS, the Congress and the President are devising telecommunications policy designed to encourage the development of a comprehensive electronic highway, allowing point-to-point exchange of data, video, voice and other forms of communications;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization categorically assert that blind and visually impaired people, as citizens of this nation, must not be denied access to the vast quantity of previously unavailable information that the projected electronic highway will make available; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers and staff of the American Council of the Blind be directed to work with appropriate policy-makers to enact legislation that mandates universal access to telecommunications equipment, networks and services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization take a leadership role in developing a consensus among disadvantaged citizens in order to develop approaches that will assure the emergence of an affordable and fully accessible delivery system for the transmission, reception, use, retrieval, and storage of the array of information and other communications to be provided in electronic media; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED· that protocols for file transfers, the platform on which the information system is delivered, and the documentation that is distributed with regard to such a system shall also be usable and affordable by people who are blind or visually impaired; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization demand that manufacturers, designers, and developers of new telecommunications technologies incorporate the access concerns of blind and visually impaired persons from the inception of such technologies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the president of this organization is requested to report on the progress that has been made to the 1994 ACB national convention in Chicago.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-18

Extension of the Randolph-Sheppard Program to State Facilities

WHEREAS, the Randolph-Sheppard Act clearly mandates the right of individuals who are blind or visually impaired to operate or manage vending locations on federal property; and

WHEREAS, several states have passed legislation extending the applicability of this progra1n to state and local government buildings; and

WHEREAS, in such states blind vendors have had access to a much broader range of locations for vending facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization regard efforts to pass such legislation as appropriate and pledge to work actively with the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America to help states attempting to implement such programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we particularly support the efforts currently under way in Alabama and South Dakota to pass such legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of this organization shall actively assist these states and others where such extensions of the Randolph-Sheppard program are sought.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-19

Reaffirms Support for the 1974 Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments and Opposes Efforts to Redistribute Vending Machine Income

WHEREAS, recent statements by federal officials have suggested that consideration is being given to the redistribution of vending machine receipts in ways that conflict with both the letter and spirit of the 1974 amendments; and

WHEREAS, the 1974 amendments to the Randolph-Sheppard Act clearly set forth rules and regulations for the appropriate distribution of vending receipts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10^th day of July, 1993, that this organization reaffirm our support for the 1974 amendments to the Randolph-Sheppard Act and unequivocally oppose any efforts to dilute the clear and categorical requirement that vending machine receipts be provided to vendors as a supplement to their other income; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to each State Licensing Agency and to the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-20

Opposition to Proposed Competency Test

WHEREAS, Section 395.33 of the regulations which implement the 1974 amendments to the Randolph-Shepard Act include a provision that allows a Federal Property Manager to set criteria which establish the ability of blind vendors to operate cafeterias; and

WHEREAS, the General Services Administration (GSA) interprets this provision so as to permit a “competency” test; and

WHEREAS, until now, this regulation has not been enforced; and

WHEREAS, no such tests of competence are required of bidders for cafeteria contracts who are not participating in the Randolph-Sheppard Program; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the State Licensing Agency to ensure that a blind vendor is indeed able to operate a cafeteria;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10^th day of July, 1993, that this organization regard any proposed competency test to be applied by the GSA as unnecessary, arbitrary and irrelevant; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization categorically affirm that Randolph-Sheppard vendors are as capable of operating cafeterias as are other contractees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, and the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Agency, Department of Education.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-21

Commendation to Federal Transit Official

WHEREAS, on Thursday, July 8^th, 1993, Mr. Stewart F. Taylor, Regional Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration in San Francisco, responded in a thoroughly professional and polite manner to an urgent request from a delegation representing the American Council of the Blind for a meeting with Federico F. Pena, Secretary of the Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor did attempt to arrange a meeting with Mr. Pena so that representatives of this organization could express our absolute and unequivocal objection to any delay in the required installation of detectable warnings along the edge of transit platforms in existing rail stations; and

WHEREAS, the two recent deaths of blind rail transit passengers, in Massachusetts and New York, have caused this organization to strengthen its resolve to advocate for the immediate installation of these access and safety measures as currently required in the regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10^th day of July, 1993, that this organization express its appreciation to Mr. Stewart F. Taylor for his conduct, actions and efforts relating to this issue; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization reassert its call for the immediate installation of detectable warnings on transit platforms in order to ensure full access and safety for all transit users, including individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-22

Accessible Computer Laboratories in Institutions of Higher Education

WHEREAS, the use of computers for nearly all postsecondary education level courses has increased dramatically throughout the nation, fostering the establishment of a myriad of computer laboratories on public and private college and university campuses which are open to the general student population; and

WHEREAS, the computers in these labs are typically not accessible to people who are blind and/or print handicapped on those campuses, thus inhibiting the competitiveness of these

students; and

WHEREAS, the administrations of public and private college and university campuses are under the misconception that adapting a reasonable number of the computers in these labs requires an inordinate and unreasonable amount of funds; and

WHEREAS, for 20 years Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has required that colleges receiving federal funding ensure that their programs and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, refusal to adapt a reasonable number of these computers is also in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act which mandates access to public college and university programs and encourages the most integrated setting for these programs; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of all tax-paying Americans for these institutions of higher education to comply with federal law rather than to expend unnecessary funds on inevitable lawsuits;

All public and private colleges and universities must adapt computers in computer labs open to the general student population for access to, and use by, people who are blind and/or print handicapped;
The set-up, training and maintenance costs of these computers must be incurred by the department or school housing the computer lab and not by disabled student services programs;
Public and private colleges and universities must provide specific training to personnel employed in such labs to ensure their ability to enable blind or print handicapped students to utilize effectively such adapted equipment; and
Each computer lab open to the general student population must have a minimum of one fully adapted computer for people who are blind and/or print handicapped; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this policy/formula be forwarded to the United States Secretary of Education, the Director of the Association of Higher Education and Disability, and the Director of HEATH Resource Center.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-23

Encourage Development of a Labeling System which is Independently Usable by Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired

WHEREAS, braille is justifiably recognized as, and has proved to be, an invaluable communication tool enabling countless blind and visually impaired persons to function independently; and

WHEREAS, nevertheless, there is an increasing number of visually impaired persons who lack the finger sensitivity to read or feel braille, especially elderly persons; and

WHEREAS, 28% of persons currently living in nursing homes are confined there solely or primarily because of their visual impairment; and

WHEREAS, a significant need exists among elderly visually impaired persons for a means of identifying items in their homes and for filing and retrieving information; and

WHEREAS, existing alternatives to braille, such as raised print and audible labeling devices either do not exist in a form which can be independently used by visually impaired persons, or where such devices do exist, they are not widely available;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that ACB actively encourage and solicit manufacturers to modify and produce raised print, audible, and other appropriate labeling devices in forms that are independently usable by visually impaired persons and to make such devices widely available; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to appropriate manufacturers of such devices.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-24

Support for Entities Developing Vision Enhancement Technology

WHEREAS, space-age research, particularly targeted toward miniaturization technology, has now made possible, through video processing and computer-assisted enhancement of video signals, the potential for visual display devices which process electronic signals in real-time; and

WHEREAS, such retinal degeneration conditions as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Cone Dystrophy and Diabetic Retinopathy are examples of vision impairments which may be greatly mitigate by the development of the above-referenced technology; and

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind and its large affiliate, the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, represent jointly cooperative organizations having the potential to reach hundreds of individuals who experience the above noted types of retinal conditions; and

WHEREAS, additional research and testing related to the above-referenced vision devices is urgently needed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization strongly encourage continued research and development in this vital area; and

BE IT FURTH ER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its officers, directors and staff to provide technical consultation and letters of support for research and development entities working with this technology and who contact the ACB requesting such assistance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB, in cooperation with its affiliate, CCLVI, be prepared to assist researchers in contacting those members who are visually impaired and who have expressed interest in this research and technology.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 93-25

Appreciation to Those Involved in Providing Audible Signals and Talking Signage at the 1993 ACB Convention

WHEREAS, audible traffic signals significantly increase the safety of blind and visually impaired individuals as well as sighted individuals; and

WHEREAS, the Departments of Public Works of the Cities of Burlingame and Millbrae temporarily installed audible traffic signals at crosswalks on Old Bayshore Highway between the Marriott and Westin Hotels for the 1993 Convention of the American Council of the Blind; and

WHEREAS, IDC Traconex-Multisonics donated the audible traffic signals; and

WHEREAS, Verbal Landmarks and Talking Signs provided the equipment necessary for convention attendees to examine and test audible signage technology; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Billie Louise Bentzen, through her assistance with the audible signage research at this convention and her previous years of high-quality research has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to independent travel by blind and visually impaired persons

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of July, 1993, that this organization express its gratitude to IDC Traconex-Multisonics, the Millbrae and Burlingame Departments of Public Works, Verbal Landmarks, Talking Signs and Dr. Billie Louise Bentzen for their commitment to furthering the interests of blind and visually impaired individuals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization forward this resolution to all appropriate parties.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

ACB 1993 Resolutions.docx

Table of Contents

Appreciation to Grant Mack for Years of Dedication

A Postage Stamp Commemorating Louis Braille

Defending Guide Dog Users from Unwarranted Interference from Animal Rights Extremists

Urging the FCC to Allow Blind Radio Amateurs to Serve as Volunteer Examiners

Government Assistance in Payment of Employment-Related Adaptive Technology

Congratulating the Parties to the Honolulu International Airport Agreement

Develop Standards for Accessible Formats

Emphasize Provision of Supported Employment Services to the Deaf-Blind

Recognizing Frank Haven Hall on the 100th anniversary of the Hall Brailler

Discount Fare Reciprocity Among Public Transportation Authorities

Opposition to Services Provided by Individuals Not Trained in Blindness-Related Skills

Independent Living Services for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Newspaper Listings for Audio Description

Inclusion of Audio Description Requirements in Regulations Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act

Telecommunications Policy

Extension of the Randolph-Sheppard Program to State Facilities

Reaffirms Support for the 1974 Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments and Opposes Efforts to Redistribute Vending Machine Income

Opposition to Proposed Competency Test

Commendation to Federal Transit Official

Accessible Computer Laboratories in Institutions of Higher Education

Encourage Development of a Labeling System which is Independently Usable by Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Support for Entities Developing Vision Enhancement Technology

Appreciation to Those Involved in Providing Audible Signals and Talking Signage at the 1993 ACB Convention