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1992 Resolutions

Table of Contents

 

Summary of 1992 Resolutions

 

92-01:  Urges Assessment Systems Inc. and the various state boards of licensure to adopt the practice of permitting applicants to provide their own reader when such accommodation is requested. Copies are to be sent to ASI and the state boards.

92-02:  Supports efforts to make the currency of the United States tactually identifiable within a reasonable period of time; urges the Department of the Treasury to immediately engage in testing to determine whether such a system would be feasible; and instructs ACB officers and staff to work closely with the Office of the Secret Service, Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and appropriate congressional committees to conduct such testing and to work toward implementation of a system of tactually identifiable currency.  Copies are to be mailed to the director of the Secret Service, secretary of the Treasury, and appropriate members of Congress.

92-03:  Urges the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and all cooperating network libraries to promulgate and implement requirements that each network library establish means to respond to requests and correspondence received in braille in a manner which is as prompt and efficient as that which is employed when print and voice communications are received, and requests that members who use braille direct communications and requests for materials to their network libraries in braille, and further to file complaints with appropriate civil rights enforcement agencies if these requests do not receive appropriate responses.  Copies are to be sent to James Billington, Librarian of Congress; Frank Kurt Cylke, executive director, NLS; and to all cooperating network libraries.

92-04:  Urges the American National Standards Institute A117.1 Committee to reinstate the following standards, as approved in March, 1992:  3.4, Definitions (Detectable Warning, Vehicular Way-Hazardous, and Accessible Route); 4.3.2, Location; 4.7, Curb Ramps; 4.7.11, Uncurbed Intersections; 4.27, Detectable Warnings; 4.27.1, General; 4.27.2, Detectable Warnings on Walking Surfaces; 4.27.3, Detectable warnings at Hazardous Vehicular Areas; 4.27.4, Detectable Warnings at Reflecting Pools; 4.28, Signage; 4.28.7, Location of Tactile Signage; and reinstate the following standard which appeared in the draft ANSI document prior to July, 1991:  4.9, Stairs; 4.9.2.2, Tread Markings on Stairs.  The resolution further urges the Department of Justice to reject any effort to weaken the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines relating to blindness or visual impairment.  Copies are to be sent to the United States Attorney General, the several building code-setting entities, the Secretariat of the ANSI A117.1 Committee and to appropriate members of Congress.

92-05: Urges the Department of Justice to rescind its narrow interpretation of the ADAAG raised character and braille signage standards; also advocates that any identifying information relating to a permanent room or space should comply with raised character and braille signage.  Copies are to be immediately sent to the attorney general of the United States and appropriate members of Congress.

92-06:  Urges the Braille Authority of North America to consider the following points:  1.  Before major braille code changes are adopted, extensive peer review should be carried out by a broad cross-section of the braille-reading community; 2. When code changes do occur, the information should be promptly and widely disseminated to the general braille-reading public, the teachers of school-age blind children, the teachers of blind adults, the transcribers who produce braille, and the creators and producers of computer translation programs; 3. In the general non-textbook literature, braille should be an efficient medium for communicating ideas rather than a slavish reproduction of print, particularly since print usage is increasingly irregular.  Copies are to be mailed to the members of BANA.

92-07:  Directs the board and staff of ACB to actively seek amendments to the Older Americans Act which would create and fund training and adjustment services for older Americans who are blind and visually impaired.

92-08:  Commends Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., and President George Bush for their foresight and courage in recommending and nominating to the federal bench a distinguished and highly qualified attorney who is blind; urges the United States Senate Judiciary Committee to promptly convene and conclude its confirmation hearing on the nomination of Richard Casey; urges the United States Senate to promptly confirm the nomination of Richard Casey; and urges the President to extend his commitment to recognize the ability of qualified individuals with visual disabilities to serve as members of the Federal Judiciary by seeking out and nominating such individuals.  Copies are to be forwarded to the President of the United States, the attorney general of the United States, the staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and members of the United States Senate.

92-09:  Asks that Congress be petitioned to amend the pending Social Security legislation to provide that the same earnings test be applicable to both SSDI beneficiaries and retirees.

92-10:  Commends both International Guiding Eyes and Guiding Eyes for the Blind for their financial contributions to the legal fund established for the purpose of underwriting the costs incurred in court cases of guide dog users who must take legal action in order to travel with their guide dogs to and from Hawaii; also expresses appreciation for the efforts of all ACB affiliates and individuals who have actively supported this effort to ensure freedom of access to and from Hawaii for guide dog users and their dogs.   

92-11:  Instructs the Board of Directors of ACB, the National Membership Committee, and the National Alliance of Blind Students' board of Directors to work together to develop and implement a comprehensive program to recruit and retain younger members in ACB and its affiliates; asks that this program be forwarded to all state and special-interest affiliates; and directs the President to present a report of the progress of this program at the 1993 National Convention in San Francisco.

92-12: Was withdrawn by its author.

92-13: Would have affirmed ACB's support for meaningful standards and their enforcement in the field of services to blind or visually impaired persons, but urged that ACB take no position on the linking of standards and/or accreditation to the receipt of public or private funds pending the recommendations of the national meeting on standards to be convened by ACB during the spring of 1993; and would have stated that the policy expressed in this resolution could be revised by the membership at a future national convention of ACB.  This resolution was defeated.

92-14:  Asks that ACB take steps to ensure development and implementation of office procedures which expedite the processing of member orders for materials.

92-16:  Urges all academic preparation programs which train interpreters for the deaf to require, for graduation, course work in interpreting for the deaf-blind, and to offer optional opportunities to specialize in the interpreting for the deaf-blind "support service provider" field.  Copies shall be sent to all identified academic preparation programs for interpreters for the deaf, and to all state agency programs for the deaf.

92-17: Encourages affiliates in states where free text telephones are provided for deaf citizens to strongly advocate that braille access text telephones also be provided for deaf-blind citizens, and further encourage these affiliates to advocate for changes in law or regulation as may be required to provide such equipment; also urges affiliates in states where free text telephones are not made available to deaf citizens to oppose current or future legislation bringing about free distribution programs unless the provision of braille text telephones is also specifically included in the legislation.

92-18:  Reaffirms ACB's official position in favor of the empowerment of blind and visually impaired persons within the several states through the establishment of separate and independent agencies for the blind with strong governing boards on which blind persons are fully represented and to which policy making authority is granted; registers its disapproval of the tactics used by RSA in coercing state agencies to comply with its interpretation of the "Sole State Agency" requirement; and directs ACB officers and staff to seek the inclusion of express language in the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 permitting state agencies for the blind, including independent commissions and agencies located within umbrella structures, to establish and maintain broadly representative policy making boards.  Copies are to be sent to the Secretary of Education, the Assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services, the commissioner of RSA, appropriate members of Congress, and other relevant officials.

92-19: This resolution was withdrawn by its author.

92-20: Urges the Association for the Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired to reinstate its project to develop standards for assistive technology specialist, in conjunction with designated members of ACB.  A copy will be sent to Michael Bina, president of AER.

92-21: (The Resolutions Committee recommended "do not pass" so no attempt was made to put this into final format.)  Urged that the ACB return to the previous convention site bid procedure wherein the convention sites were selected by membership voting. The committee recommendation was upheld.

92-22: Commends the Lions Club International for its outstanding efforts; urges Lions International to place a strong emphasis on the difficulties of unemployed blind and visually impaired persons and on programs and equipment to increase the employment potential of such persons; and takes the position that blind and visually impaired people are, themselves, the best resource available in providing information concerning their needs and therefore offer the assistance of its staff and members to Lions Clubs International in determining future philanthropic emphases.  A copy will be sent to Mark C. Lukas, Executive Administrator, Lions Clubs International.

92-23: Extends congratulations to Durward K. McDaniel for his selection as a recipient of the prestigious Migel Medal awarded in October, 1991 by the American Foundation for the Blind.

92-24: Reaffirms previous ACB resolutions calling upon state and local governments to provide accessible electoral materials; also instructs ACB officers, directors and staff to prepare materials to be distributed to each state affiliate which will aid such affiliates in forwarding the objectives of this resolution.

92-25: Urges the American Printing House for the Blind to evaluate the current design of plastic slates with a view towards developing a plastic slate which is more durable and less subject to easy breakage.  A copy will be sent to Dr. Tuck Tinsley, Director of APH.

92-26: Expresses deep concern over recent trends in the production of Perkins Braillers; urges Howe Press, the manufacturer of the Perkins Brailler, to investigate the concerns embodied in this resolution and make such changes as may be deemed appropriate; also calls upon the American Printing House for the Blind, which purchases large numbers of Perkins Braillers for distribution under the quota system, to encourage Howe Press to undertake such an investigation.  Copies are to be sent to Sally McPhillips, the Manager of Howe Press, Kevin Lessard, the Director of the Perkins School for the Blind, and Tuck Tinsley, the Executive Director of the American Printing House for the Blind. 

92-27: Expresses its appreciation to Rep. Major R. Owens, D-N.Y., and Rep. Matthew G. Martinez, D-Calif., for their leadership in support of the National Commission on Education and Rehabilitation of Individuals Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired; also expresses appreciation to the Committee on Education and Labor for its support of the National Commission.  Copies are to be sent to Congressman Owens, Congressman Martinez, and to all members of the United States Congress.

92-28: Expresses appreciation to Senator Graham for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of older blind individuals; also urges ACB to consider a comprehensive formula grant program of independent living services for older individuals who are blind or visually impaired as contained in S. 1614 to be an essential national policy.  Copies will be sent to Senator Graham and to all members of the United States Senate.

92-29: Expresses appreciation to the Arizona Council of the Blind and to all affiliate chapters for the superb effort undertaken to make this convention a success; also requests that the Arizona Council of the Blind convey our sincere appreciation for the efforts made by Dick Bailey and the large number of volunteers, including members of the National Guard, who assisted at the hotel, on tours, and at the airport.

92-30: Conveys sincere appreciation to the staff and management of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix and the Omni-Adams Hotels for their efforts to assist conventioneers. Copies will be sent to the management of both hotels.

Note

Resolution 92-12 was withdrawn by the author in favor of a substitute, Resolution 92-13.

Resolution 92-13 was defeated.

Resolution 92-15 was withdrawn by the author.

Resolution 92-19 received a "do not pass recommendation." No action was taken by the convention on this resolution.

Resolution 92-21 was defeated.

Resolutions 92-29 and 92-30, which commend the Host Committee and Volunteers, and the hotel management, were adopted but are not reprinted here. If you have a copy of the commendatory resolutions, please contact the ACB National Office.

Resolution 92-01

Use of Personal Reader for Licensure Examinations

 

WHEREAS, the state boards of licensure for the

behavioral sciences through the designated testing service, Assessment Systems Inc. (ASI), conduct examinations for persons wishing to obtain licenses to practice in the behavioral sciences; and

WHEREAS, when these tests are arranged for blind

persons ASI has insisted on providing the necessary reader when the applicant has requested such accommodation; and

WHEREAS, it has been the experience of persons who have taken these examinations using readers assigned by ASI that such readers are often inadequate — enunciating poorly, lacking awareness of how to read aloud, and being unfamiliar with the pronunciation of terms and proper names involved in the material; and

WHEREAS, many testing entities permit applicants to furnish their own reader while the testing service provides the proctor;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 9th day of July, 1992, that this organization urge ASI and the various state boards of licensure to adopt the practice of permitting applicants to provide their own reader when such accommodation is requested; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to ASI and the various state boards of licensure.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-02

Tactile Identification of Currency

 

WHEREAS, currency is used by virtually everyone in everyday life including blind and visually impaired persons; and

WHEREAS, the currency of the United States is, at the current time, impossible to identify without vision or electronic device; and

WHEREAS, most blind and visually impaired persons are therefore required to rely upon others to determine denominations of such currency; and

WHEREAS, this constitutes a serious impediment to independence in everyday living; and

WHEREAS, electronic means of bill identification will always have more potential for fallibility than purely tactile means; and

WHEREAS, readily identifiable currency is consistent with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, a suitable method of tactile identification utilizing a template with raised dots and a hole punched in an appropriate place on each bill according to denomination has been successfully field tested at the 1992 Convention of the American Council of the Blind; and

WHEREAS, such a system, if proven successful, could well be more cost effective, affordable and easily learned;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 9th day of July, 1992, that this organization strongly support efforts to make the currency of the United States tactually identifiable within a reasonable period of time; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB urge the Department of the Treasury to immediately engage in testing to determine whether such a system would be feasible; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers and staff of this organization be instructed to work closely with the Office of the Secret Service, Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and appropriate Congressional committees to conduct such testing and to work toward implementation of a system of tactually identifiable currency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Director of the Secret Service, Secretary of the Treasury, and appropriate members of Congress.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-03

Response by NLS and Network Libraries to Braille Correspondence

 

WHEREAS, network libraries for the blind and

physically handicapped in the United States serve a population of which over 80% is visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, many of these visually impaired readers

are primarily Braille users; and

WHEREAS, some network library users, including those who are deaf-blind, may only be able to effectively communicate with their network libraries through the use of Braille; and

WHEREAS, both Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate

effective communication with persons with disabilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 9th day of July, 1992, that this organization strongly urge each cooperating network library, as well as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, to promulgate standards and implement practices which will assure response to braille correspondence and requests for materials in a manner which is as prompt and efficient as that employed when print requests or voice communication is received; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind urge its members who use Braille to feel free to direct materials requests and communications to their network libraries in Braille, and expect to receive responses in Braille, and that if such requests do not receive timely responses that members file complaints with the appropriate civil rights enforcement agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to James Billington, Librarian of Congress, Frank Kurt Cylke, Executive Director, NLS, and to all cooperating network libraries.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-04

ANSI and Blindness-Related Accessibility Standards

 

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice has adopted the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as minimum standards of accessibility in the built environment; and

WHEREAS, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 Committee developed and approved a draft document in March 1992, which includes accessibility standards for persons with disabilities which are equal to or exceed those provided by ADAAG (including provisions for detectable warnings, accessible paths of travel, and raised character and Braille signage); and

WHEREAS, after two years of study and public

comment, these standards were widely supported by members of the ANSI A117.1 Committee including the American Council of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind; and

WHEREAS, the specifications for detectable warnings were validated by U.S. government-sponsored empirical research and field experience in two mass transit properties; and

WHEREAS, the members of the ANSI A117.1 Committee present and voting at a meeting on June 10, 1992, voted to substantially weaken or remove many standards which benefit blind or visually impaired persons; and

WHEREAS, if the document approved by the ANSI A117.1 Committee on June 10, 1992, is ultimately adopted by

ANSI, it is expected that several building code-setting entities will adopt the document and that a petition will be filed with the Department of Justice to conform the ADAAG with the ANSI document leading to drastically diminished accessibility for blind or visually impaired persons to the built environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the

American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at

Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this

organization urge the ANSI A117.1 Committee to reinstate the following standards, as approved in March, 1992:

3.4 Definitions

       Detectable Warnings

       Vehicular Way-Hazardous

4.3 Accessible Route

4.3.2 Location

4. 7 Curb Ramps

4.7.11 Uncurbed Intersections

4.27 Detectable Warnings

4.27.1 * General

4.27.2 Detectable Warnings on Walking Surfaces

4.27.3 Detectable Warnings at Hazardous Vehicular Areas 4.27.4 Detectable Warnings at Reflecting Pools

4.28 Signage

4.28.7 Location of Tactile Signage;

and reinstate the following standard which appeared in the draft ANSI document prior to July, 1991:

4.9 Stairs

4.9.2.2 Tread Markings on Stairs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge building code-setting entities not to adopt the ANSI

document, unless such standards are reinstated; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the Department of Justice to reject any effort to weaken the provisions of the ADAAG relating to blindness or visual impairment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the United States Attorney General, the several building code-setting entities, the Secretariat of the ANSI A117.1 Committee and to appropriate members of Congress.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-05

Narrow Interpretation of the ADAAG Requirement for Raised Character and Braille Signage by the Department of Justice

 

WHEREAS, Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability (including sensory disabilities) by public accommodations in the design, construction, or alteration of buildings, commercial facilities, and transportation vehicles and facilities; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice has adopted the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as minimum standards of accessibility in the built environment; and

WHEREAS, the ADAAG requires that permanent rooms and spaces shall be identified using signage with raised characters and Braille; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice, in its Technical Assistance Manual to Title III of the ADA published on January 26, 1992, and in subsequent correspondence to the representatives of the signage industry and members of Congress, has narrowly interpreted the scope of ADAAG's raised character and Braille signage requirements; and

WHEREAS, this narrow interpretation has been construed in practice to mean that only restrooms, exits and room numbers must comply with ADAAG's raised character and Braille signage requirements, and that identifying signage such as "coffee room," "manager's office" or named, not numbered, meeting rooms would not have to comply with these requirements; and

WHEREAS, limiting the scope of ADAAG's raised character and Braille signage requirements to restrooms, exits and room numbers greatly impedes the ability of blind travelers to independently navigate buildings, transportation depots and commercial facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 9th day of July, 1992, that this organization urge the Department of Justice to rescind its narrow interpretation of the ADAAG raised character and Braille signage standards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization advocate that any identifying information relating to a permanent room or space should comply with ADAAG standards for raised character and Braille signage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be immediately sent to the Attorney General of the United States and appropriate members of Congress.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-06

Proposals for BANA

 

WHEREAS, Braille is the primary reading and writing medium for the blind; and

WHEREAS, it is of the utmost importance that this means of communication be easily read and have rules which are simple for new readers to learn; and

WHEREAS, one goal of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) should be to provide such easily read Braille for general, non-textbook literature;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that in order to ensure this goal be achieved, this organization urge BANA to consider the following points:

  1. Before major Braille code changes are adopted, extensive peer review should be carried out by a broad cross-section of the Braille reading community;
  2. When code changes do occur the information should be promptly and widely disseminated to the general Braille reading public, the teachers of school age blind children, the teachers of blind adults, the transcribers who produce Braille, and the creators and producers of computer translation programs;
  3. In the general non-textbook literature, Braille should be an efficient medium for communicating ideas rather than a slavish reproduction of print, particularly since print usage is increasingly irregular; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the members of the Braille Authority of North America.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-07

Blindness-Related Amendments to the Older Americans Act

 

WHEREAS, there are approximately 30 million persons

in the United States who are 65 years of age or older; and

WHEREAS, the American Foundation for the Blind has estimated that by the year 2030, there will be 64 million such persons; and

WHEREAS, the United States Census Bureau has documented that the fastest growing population in the country is made up of those over the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, there is a significant number of blind and

visually impaired individuals among the older population; and

WHEREAS, despite these growing numbers of older blind Americans, the Older Americans Act makes no specific reference to the "handicapped" "disabled" or ''blind"; and

WHEREAS, much of the language in Title III of the Older Americans Act is vague, unclear, confusing and overly generic; and

WHEREAS, loss of vision requires specialized training in daily living skills, orientation and mobility, use of adaptive aids and communications techniques; and

WHEREAS, these training needs are currently drastically under-met, thereby causing increasing need for institutionalization; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of our society to offer older Americans who are blind or visually impaired access to services which will allow them to remain in their communities with dignity and independence;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the

American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at

Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that ACB direct its board and staff to actively seek amendments to the Older Americans Act which would create and fund training and adjustment services for older Americans who are blind and visually impaired.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-08

Commendation of Sen. D'Amato And President Bush for Recommending And Nominating a Blind Attorney to the Federal Bench

 

WHEREAS, Richard Casey, a distinguished highly qualified blind New York City attorney has achieved academic excellence and been recognized by his peers for outstanding professional accomplishments and service in the practice of law; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of Mr. Casey's qualifications and accomplishments, Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.) recommended Richard Casey for nomination as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 1992, President George Bush nominated Richard Casey to serve as a federal judge and submitted his name to the United States Senate for confirmation; and

WHEREAS, the recommendation and nomination of Mr. Casey demonstrate a commitment by Senator D'Amato and President Bush to acknowledge the competence and ability of qualified individuals with visual disabilities to serve as members of the Federal Judiciary;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization commend Senator D'Amato and President Bush for their foresight and courage in recommending and nominating to the federal bench a distinguished and highly qualified attorney who is blind; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the United States Senate Judiciary Committee to promptly convene and conclude its confirmation hearing on the nomination of Richard Casey; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the United States Senate to promptly confirm the nomination of Mr. Casey; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the President to extend his commitment to recognize the ability of qualified individuals with visual disabilities to serve as members of the Federal Judiciary by seeking out and nominating such individuals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, the staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee and members of the United States Senate.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-09

Maintain Link Between Substantial Gainful Activity and the Earnings Test Under the Social Security Act

 

WHEREAS, since 1978, the Social Security Act has linked increases in the earnings test for blind disability insurance beneficiaries with the earnings test for retirees aged 65-69; and

WHEREAS, legislation now pending in Congress would accelerate increases in the earnings test for retirees but not for blind SSDI beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, such legislation, if not amended would increase the earnings test for blind SSDI beneficiaries only at an annual indexed rate; and

WHEREAS, the Substantial Gainful Activity for the Blind, as it applies to blind SSDI beneficiaries, has been a major work disincentive for such blind beneficiaries because of the potential loss of benefits and Medicare coverage; and

WHEREAS, the proposed accelerated increases in the earnings test for retirees, if also applied to blind beneficiaries, would progressively decrease present disincentives to work; and

WHEREAS, amending the pending legislation to include blind SSDI beneficiaries in the proposed accelerated increases in the earnings test for retirees would, at most, only nominally affect the federal deficit; and

WHEREAS, any increased earnings would produce

more FICA and income tax revenues for the federal government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that Congress be petitioned to amend the pending social security legislation to provide that the same earnings test be applicable to both SSDI beneficiaries and retirees.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-10

Commendation for Two Guide Dog Schools

 

WHEREAS, Hawaii's 120-day quarantine period has seriously limited the freedom of blind people who use guide dogs to travel to and from Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, it may become necessary to take legal action to ensure that blind persons when accompanied by their guide dogs enjoy the same freedom to travel to and from Hawaii as anyone else; and

WHEREAS, two of the eleven guide dog schools have chosen to offer monetary support to the legal fund established for the purpose of underwriting the costs incurred in bringing this matter to court;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the 'Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 10th day of July, 1992, that this organization, along with Guide Dog Users Inc., commend both International Guiding Eyes and Guiding Eyes for the Blind for their decision to stand with the community they serve, and express sincere appreciation for their financial contributions to the legal fund; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB and GDUI express appreciation for the efforts of all ACB affiliates and individuals who have actively supported this effort to ensure freedom of access to and from Hawaii for guide dog users and their dogs.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-11

Comprehensive Program to Recruit and Retain Younger Members

 

WHEREAS, the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) has attempted to build stronger relationships with state affiliates in the recruitment of new younger members through correspondence and other informal means; and

WHEREAS, these efforts have achieved limited but encouraging results; and

WHEREAS, younger members will have the ability to

gain wisdom from experienced members and promote the philosophies and goals of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) in the future; and

WHEREAS, the ACB Board of Directors has consistently expressed its commitment to increasing the recruitment and retention of younger members;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization instruct its Board of Directors, National Membership Committee and the NABS Board of Directors to work together to develop and implement a comprehensive program to recruit and retain younger members in ACB and its affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program be

forwarded to all state and special interest affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its President to present a report of the progress of this

program at the 1993 ACB National Convention.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-14

Procedure for Expediting Member Requests for Materials

 

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind provides national convention registration information on cassette; and

WHEREAS, members frequently have to request cassette and other materials from the ACB National Office; and

WHEREAS, many persons throughout the country have repeatedly requested such materials without success; and

WHEREAS, timely and accurate information dissemination is crucial to a participatory membership organization;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization take steps to ensure development and implementation of office procedures which expedite the processing of member orders for materials.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-16

Training for Deaf-Blind Interpreters

 

WHEREAS, many academic preparation programs which train interpreters for the deaf do not provide adequate, or in some cases, any training in interpreting for deaf-blind individuals; and

WHEREAS, interpreting for deaf-blind individuals is a unique skill which is outside the realm of interpreting for sighted deaf individuals; and

WHEREAS, the American Association of the Deaf-Blind has established the service provider category of "support service provider" (SSP) as appropriate in providing informational, guide and orientation services as well as language communication;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at

Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that ACB urge all academic preparation programs which train interpreters for the deaf to require for graduation course work in interpreting for the deaf-blind, and offer optional opportunities to specialize in the field of interpreting for the deaf-blind/SSP; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to all identified academic preparation programs for interpreters for the deaf and to all state agency programs for the deaf.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-17

Supports Greater Availability of Braille Text Telephones

 

WHEREAS, Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates the availability of TDD relay services for the deaf nationwide through local providers; and

WHEREAS, though the free provision of TDD (now commonly known as text telephone) equipment for the deaf is not a requirement of the ADA, many states have adopted companion legislation to the ADA which provides funding for, or direct distribution of, text telephone equipment for deaf citizens; and

WHEREAS, development of such products as the InfoTouch and TeleBraille now make text telephone and thereby telephone access available to persons who are deaf-blind though at much greater expense;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization encourage affiliates in states where free text telephones are provided for deaf citizens to strongly advocate that Braille access text telephones also be provided for deaf-blind citizens, and further encourage these affiliates to advocate for changes in law or regulation to provide such equipment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge affiliates in states where free text telephones are not made available to deaf citizens to oppose current or future legislation bringing about free distribution programs unless the provision of Braille text telephones for deaf-blind citizens is also specifically included in the legislation.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-18

Opposes RSA Interpretation of “Sole State Agency”

 

WHEREAS, several state agencies for the blind have worked successfully for the passage of state legislation establishing broadly representative governing boards, thereby facilitating significant participation by blind and visually impaired consumers in the development of agency policies; and

WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the United States Department of Education — in the course of conducting audits of state rehabilitation agencies — has, within the past year, interpreted a federal regulation implementing the sole state agency requirement of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as barring such governing boards from exercising policy­making powers; and

WHEREAS, in applying this excessively strict interpretation of the law, RSA has coerced agencies for the blind in at least two states, Virginia and South Dakota, into seeking revisions in state law divesting governing boards of their policy­making power, thus downgrading them to the status of advisory boards; and

WHEREAS, the coercive tactics of RSA have included threats to pursue the withdrawal of federal funds unless the state agencies fully comply with RSA demands to strip the governing boards of their policy-making power;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization strongly reaffirm its official position in favor of the empowerment of blind and visually impaired persons within the several states through the establishment of separate and independent agencies for the blind with strong governing boards on which blind persons are fully represented and to which policy­making authority is granted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization register its disapproval of the tactics used by RSA in coercing state agencies to comply with its interpretation of the sole state agency requirement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its officers and staff to seek the inclusion of express language in the Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1992 permitting state agencies for the blind, including independent commissions and agencies located within umbrella structures, to establish and maintain broadly representative policy-making boards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct that copies of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of Education, the Assistant Secretary for Special Education, and Rehabilitative Services, the Commissioner of RSA, to appropriate members of Congress, and to other relevant officials.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-20

Development of Standards for Assistive Technology Specialists

 

WHEREAS, the use of assistive technology devices and services can dramatically enhance the quality of life of persons with visual impairment in such areas as employment, education and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, in order to make a fully informed decision about the purchase of appropriate assistive technology it is essential to consider a number of very specific factors; and

WHEREAS, many individuals claiming to have qualifications sufficient to serve as assistive technology specialists do not in fact have the training or practical expertise to serve in that capacity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization urge the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) to reinstitute, in conjunction with designated members of the American Council of the Blind, its project to develop standards for assistive technology specialist; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Michael Bina, President of AER.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-22

Asks Lions Clubs International to Reinstate Focus on Blind Persons

 

WHEREAS, Lions Clubs International, subsequent to a challenge by Helen Keller, has long been a service organization assisting blind and visually impaired persons; and

WHEREAS, in recent years, Lions has expanded its endeavors to include in its mission an emphasis on such issues as prevention of blindness and restoration of sight, drug awareness, youth-related programs, programs for the hearing impaired, and other broad-based activities for the disadvantaged; and

WHEREAS, unemployment among adult, working-age blind persons continues to be around 70%; and

WHEREAS, currently, computer and other advanced technology exists which can assist blind and visually impaired persons in obtaining and maintaining employment as well as living independent lives; and

WHEREAS, some blind and visually impaired persons do not possess the resources to acquire such highly technical equipment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the

American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization commend the Lions Clubs International for its outstanding efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB urge Lions Clubs International to place a strong emphasis on the difficulties of unemployed blind and visually impaired persons and on

programs and equipment to increase the employment potential of such persons; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council take the position that blind and visually impaired persons are, overall, the best resource available in providing information concerning their needs, and therefore offer the assistance of its staff and members to Lions Clubs International in determining future philanthropic emphases; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr. Mark C. Lukas, Executive Administrator, Lions Clubs International.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-23

Congratulations to Durward K. McDaniel

 

WHEREAS, Durward K. McDaniel has made a magnificent and unique contribution to the American Council of the Blind (ACB) as a founder of this organization, in 1961, and as a dedicated, highly respected leader for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, he has played a key role in the formulation and implementation of ACB policies and programs having served effectively in a number of positions including that of National Representative from 1968 to 1981 and, more recently, as a member of the Boards of Directors of ACB and ACB Enterprises and Services as well as Chairman of the Membership Committee; and

WHEREAS, Durward K. McDaniel has served as an impressive role model for blind people throughout his professional career as a successful practicing attorney, in Oklahoma, for 24 years, and as a nationally recognized advocate for the rights of blind and other disabled persons to full participation in American society; and

WHEREAS, Durward K. McDaniel's outstanding record has recently been recognized through his selection as a recipient of the prestigious Migel Medal awarded in October, 1991, by the American Foundation for the Blind;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization extend its congratulations to Durward K. McDaniel for this highly significant and well-deserved recognition of his achievements.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-24

Calls Upon State and Local Governments to Provide Accessible Electoral Materials

 

WHEREAS, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local government entities to provide materials in the medium preferred by blind and visually impaired people; and

WHEREAS, many blind and visually impaired people choose to vote using an absentee ballot;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization reaffirm its previous resolutions calling upon state and local governments to provide accessible electoral materials; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of this organization are instructed to prepare materials to be distributed to each state affiliate which will aid such affiliates in forwarding the objectives of this resolution.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-25

Urges Development of a More Durable Plastic Slate

 

WHEREAS, the Braille slate contributes to the promotion of Braille literacy; and

WHEREAS, metal slates are relatively expensive, and so, the American Printing House for the Blind has undertaken production of a plastic slate which is more affordable and often used in classrooms for teaching blind children to write Braille; and

WHEREAS, these plastic slates are unnecessarily fragile due to their design;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization urge the American Printing House for the Blind to evaluate the current design of such slates with a view toward developing a plastic slate which is more durable and less subject to easy breakage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent immediately to Dr. Tuck Tinsley, Director of the American Printing House for the Blind.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-26

Concern Regarding Production of Perkins Braillers

 

WHEREAS, the Perkins Brailler has traditionally been durable and well manufactured; and

WHEREAS, there is a growing body of evidence that Perkins Braillers which have been produced recently are neither as durable, nor as carefully manufactured; and

WHEREAS, given the high price of Perkins Braillers and the long waiting period which is now common before a new Brailler is received, it is not unreasonable for buyers to expect both high quality and durability from Perkins Braillers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization express its deep concern over recent trends in the production of Perkins Braillers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge Howe Press, the manufacturer of the Perkins Brailler, to investigate the concerns embodied in this resolution and make such changes as may be deemed appropriate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization call upon the American Printing House for the Blind, which purchases large numbers of Perkins Braillers for distribution under the quota system, to encourage Howe Press to undertake such an investigation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Manager of Howe Press, Sally McPhillips, the Director of the Perkins School for the Blind, Kevin Lessard, and the Executive Director, American Printing House for the Blind, Tuck Tinsley.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-27

Appreciation to United States Representatives Major R. Owens and Matthew G. Martinez for Support of National Commission on Blindness

 

WHEREAS, the process of reauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act has once again caused the blindness community to be concerned about the continuing trend toward generic, cross-disability services; and


WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind, along with virtually every other organization concerned with blindness, has actively worked for the establishment of a national commission to assess the quality and effectiveness of current education and rehabilitation policies and services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, this commission would also recommend programs and policies which would more adequately address the specialized needs of the blind; and

WHEREAS, Representative Major R. Owens (D., N.Y.) included the National Commission on Education and Rehabilitation of Individuals Who are Blind and Visually Impaired in H.R. 5482, the Vocational Rehabilitation Employment and Independent Living Act of 1992; and

WHEREAS, a misguided amendment was proposed to delete the Commission from the Bill; and

WHEREAS, Representative Matthew G. Martinez (D-Calif.) presented a vigorous argument during debate on the amendment by the House Committee on Education and Labor in support of the Commission; and

WHEREAS, the amendment to delete the Commission was rejected by the Committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in Convention assembled at Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this organization express its appreciation to Congressman Major R. Owens and Congressman Matthew G. Martinez for their leadership in support of the National Commission on Education and Rehabilitation of Individuals who Are blind and Visually Impaired; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization express its appreciation to the Committee on Education and Labor for its support of the National Commission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies be sent to Congressman Owens, Congressman Martinez and to all members of the United States Congress.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 92-28

Appreciation to United States Senator Bob Graham for Support of Independent Living for Older Blind

 

WHEREAS, individuals who experience sight loss as part of the aging process find it difficult or impossible to access services designed to assist them in remaining independent, functioning members of the community; and

WHEREAS, a discretionary program of grants to states to provide independent living services for older individuals who are blind or visually impaired is currently included in the Rehabilitation Act and has proven to be very successful in assisting such individuals to live independently and remain in their communities; and

WHEREAS, such programs are currently funded in only 28 states; and

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind wholeheartedly supports authorization of a formula grant program so that independent living services will be available to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired regardless of the state or territory in which they reside; and

WHEREAS, Senator Bob Graham (D-Fla.) has

sponsored and vigorously supported legislation, S. 1614, which would authorize an appropriation of $26 million to assure that all states and territories will receive a formula grant to provide independent living services to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired under Title VII Part C of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and

WHEREAS, Senator Graham has been an extremely active proponent for this program before the Senate

Subcommittee on Disability Policy, which has prepared draft legislation to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act which does not include such a formula grant program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in Convention assembled at

Phoenix, Arizona, this 11th day of July, 1992, that this

organization express appreciation to Senator Graham for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of older blind individuals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization considers a comprehensive, formula grant program of independent living services for older individuals who are blind or visually impaired as contained in S. 1614 to be an essential national policy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this

resolution be sent to Senator Graham, and to all members of the United States Senate.

Adopted.
Patricia Price, Secretary

ACB 1992 Resolutions.docx