1. Home
  2. 1997 Resolutions

1997 Resolutions

Table of Contents

 

Resolutions Committee Report

 

The Resolutions Committee was presented with 40 resolutions. 34 of these were adopted by the convention. These included Resolutions 97-01 to 97- 10, 97-12 to 97-14, 97-16 to 97-22, 97-24 to 97-28, 97-30 to 97-33, 97-36 to 97-40.

Resolutions were numbered as received by the Resolutions Committee. They were not necessarily presented in numerical order. This explains the differing passage dates noted in the "resolved" clauses.

The convention rejected two resolutions. These were numbers 97-23 and 97-35.

Their makers withdrew four resolutions. These were Resolutions 97-11, 97-15, 97-29, and 97-34. It is ACB policy as established by Constitution and Bylaws that all resolutions submitted to the Resolutions Committee are to be read on the convention floor regardless of the Committee's recommendation as to their dispensation. The only circumstance under which a submitted resolution is not read is if the maker chooses to withdraw it. The reason for withdrawal is listed if the maker requests it to be.

Resolution 1997-01

 

Calls upon the National Park Service to reproduce the same braille information in a readable format which currently exists in an artistic but unreadable braille format located on the Roosevelt Memorial, and to provide all excerpts located on the memorial in accessible formats

WHEREAS, braille characters which set forth the numerous programs promoted and enacted into law by the Roosevelt administration are presently depicted on a wall which is a part of the recently dedicated Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial; and

WHEREAS, this braille is unreadable due to its height and location on the wall; the size and proportion of the braille dots; the spacing between braille dots within particular cells; and the spacing between braille cells, words and lines; and

WHEREAS, the numerous inspirational excerpts from President Roosevelt's speeches, which are displayed in print throughout the memorial, have not been replicated at all in braille or other formats accessible to and usable by blind or visually impaired visitors;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 7th day of July, 1997, that this organization call upon the National Park Service, which now oversees the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, to reproduce the artistic but unreadable braille displayed on the Memorial's Wall of Programs, in braille which is readable and conforms to the specifications for raised character and braille signage contained in recognized access codes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI's) A117.1 standard for accessible design for  the disabled. Such reproduced readable braille should be placed on a metal plaque or plaques which are affixed at a reasonable and readable height and location on the Wall of Programs, or mounted near the Wall of Programs on stands located at a reasonable height and location placed immediately adjacent to the artistic, but unreadable braille; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization call upon the National Park Service to reproduce pamphlets or brochures in accessible formats such as large print, braille, computer disk, and recorded audio cassette tape, which set forth the full text of all excerpts depicted in the memorial, indicating for each excerpt; its location.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-02

 

Supports S.J. Res. 29 requiring at least one depiction of President Roosevelt as an individual with a disability be permanently incorporated into the design of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

WHEREAS, legislation designed to insure that at least one depiction of President Roosevelt as an individual with a disability will be incorporated into the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial is now pending before Congress;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 7th day of July, 1997, that, consistent with its position in Resolution  96-01, this organization endorse and support the enactment into law by Congress of S.J. Res. 29 so that at least one depiction of President Roosevelt as an individual with a disability will be permanently incorporated into the design of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-03

 

Calls upon affiliates of ACB, with ACB staff assistance, to pursue all administrative, legal, and legislative means necessary to assure that state and local governmental entities purchase accessible hardware and software

WHEREAS, state and local governments and governmental entities are a major source of employment of persons who are blind or who have low vision; and

WHEREAS, such employees, as well as other blind and low vision citizens, must access information provided by state and local governments and the entities with whom they interact and contract; and

WHEREAS, the exponential rate at which computer and information systems are developing necessitates almost constant acquisition of new equipment and software on the part of all large user entities, both governmental and private; and

WHEREAS, many systems including, but not limited to, networks, web pages and information dissemination sites, are often purchased by governmental entities or recipients of governmental funding, without regard to accessibility for individuals who are blind or low vision; and

WHEREAS, state and local governments are required to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; and

WHEREAS, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and products to, where readily achievable, build features of accessibility for persons having disabilities into all equipment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge its members and affiliates to actively pursue all administrative, legal, and legislative means necessary to assure that state and local governmental entities purchase accessible hardware and software; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff of the American Council of the Blind is directed to aid members and affiliates in these efforts through the provision of advice and supporting written materials.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-04

 

Urges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop, and release for comment, aggressive and stringent rules concerning implementation of the access provisions of the Telecommunications Act

WHEREAS, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment, products, and services to, where readily achievable, build features of accessibility for persons having disabilities into all such products or to design products in a manner making them compatible with available access related assistive technology; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has thus far failed to promulgate and implement rules and regulations for this aspect of the new telecommunications legislation; and

WHEREAS, in the absence of current clear regulatory guidance from the FCC, there is virtually no enforcement of access provisions of the telecommunications act at any level;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge prompt action on the part of the FCC in developing, and releasing for comment, aggressive and stringent rules concerning implementation of the access provisions of the Telecommunications Act.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-05

 

Directs the officers and staff of ACB to arrange for a meeting with individuals at the highest level of the Microsoft Corporation to express deep displeasure with the current approach to Active Accessibility, sets forth strategies which ACB affiliates and staff are encouraged or directed to do to attempt to move Microsoft toward a remedy for Active Accessibility problems, and urges Microsoft Corporation to take specific interim steps to involve consumer organizations of blind people and developers of products for persons who are blind in the creation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that will enable mainstream applications developers to have a full understanding of the specific needs of blind consumers

WHEREAS, Microsoft Corporation has in the past agreed to facilitate and fund opportunities for vendors of accessibility software to meet with mainstream application developers; and

WHEREAS, in contacts with the Task Force on Information Access, officials of the Microsoft Corporation indicated a reversal of this position such that no funding would be allocated to arrange such meetings; and

WHEREAS, blind users, as well as vendors of access technology, play a critical role in the development and understanding of the needs for access within their software, by mainstream applications developers; and

WHEREAS, the Microsoft Corporation, in its work on Active Accessibility, has allegedly made a contribution to computer operating system and application access for blind and visually impaired users, but has thus far failed to provide consistent rules for application developers to follow;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 10th day of July, 1997, that this organization direct the appropriate level of the Microsoft Corporation to express this organization's deep displeasure with Microsoft's current approach to Active Accessibility; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers and staff of this organization are directed to aggressively pursue all available remedies which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• State affiliates are urged to develop and implement strategies that will encourage withdrawal of support for purchase of inaccessible Microsoft products by their states.

• The officers and staff of this organization are directed to take similar action with regard to federal acquisition of software.

• The officers and staff of this organization are directed to publicize as broadly as possible the failure of Microsoft to cooperate with organizations of and for persons who are blind.

• Microsoft is hereby urged to immediately involve consumer organizations of blind people and developers of products for persons who are blind in the creation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that will enable mainstream applications developers to have a full understanding of the specific needs of blind consumers.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-06

 

Urges Blazie Engineering to provide equal levels of service at conventions of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind, and sets forth actions to be taken should Blazie fail to respond favorably

WHEREAS, Blazie Engineering chose not to provide the same level of participation or services to members attending the American Council of the Blind (ACB) convention that they made available to customers attending the convention of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB); and

WHEREAS, the customer base at ACB has a right to expect equal treatment from a company engaged in business for people who are blind;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge Blazie Engineering to recognize its obligation to provide the same services to all customers buying their products; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the members of ACB are urged to recognize that, if they choose to purchase Blazie products, they face the prospect of not receiving the same level of services that other individuals who are members of the NFB can expect to receive; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of the American Council of the Blind are urged to communicate the essence of this resolution as well as a copy at a meeting to be scheduled with Deane Blazie for the purpose of establishing a relationship that could lead to a restoration of equal service provision at conventions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the recommendation that  these bodies seek from Blazie Engineering a written demonstrated policy of equity to all customers, and with the further recommendation that should such a commitment fail to emerge, these bodies recommend that products not be purchased from Blazie Engineering.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-07

 

Urges the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to establish a policy requiring a line item for video description in all appropriate video production budgets for NEH-funded projects

WHEREAS, video description, which makes television and video accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences through the verbal description of key visual elements of the program, has been available for more than 7 years on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), home video and select cable networks; and

WHEREAS, the National Endowment for the Humanities funds major video productions that are nationally broadcast, as well as video programs designed for use in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, the National Endowment for the Humanities currently requires a line item in budgets for video productions for the inclusion of closed captions for the benefit of deaf and hard of hearing viewers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that the American Council of the Blind urge the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a policy requiring a line item for video description in all appropriate video production budgets so that blind and visually impaired persons may have full access to National Endowment for the Humanities funded video projects.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-08

 

Demands that the General Services Administration (GSA) cease and desist in its unlawful treatment of Randolph-Sheppard vendors which has resulted in failure to provide for due process rights, and in locking vendors out of GSA facilities to which they were assigned, and also urges the Commissioner of Rehabilitation to take specific steps to ensure that all national and regional GSA personnel adhere to the Randolph-Sheppard Act and regulations

WHEREAS, the Randolph-Sheppard Act and regulations provide for the rights of vendors in the vending facility program, including due process with respect to any charges or actions brought against a vendor; and

WHEREAS, federal agencies have greatly harmed vendors by frequently disregarding federal and state law; and

WHEREAS, this practice has been especially egregious in buildings under the control of the General Services Administration (GSA), including unilateral action by GSA officials to lock licensed blind vendors out of the facilities they operated;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization demand that GSA cease and desist forthwith in its unlawful treatment of Randolph-Sheppard vendors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind urge the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to convene a meeting with officials of the General Services Administration, such meeting to include representatives of blind vendor organizations, to ensure that all national and regional GSA personnel adhere to the Randolph­ Sheppard Act and regulations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Education.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-09

 

Urges the Federal Transit Administration to compile a national database of fixed route bus and train services, as well as paratransit providers, to be available at least through a toll free telephone number and through an accessible World Wide Web site, and also encourages affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to participate with local providers in seeing that this database is properly maintained

WHEREAS, visitors eligible for paratransit services have an annual 21-day period in which they are able to use paratransit outside of the jurisdiction in which they hold paratransit certification; and

WHEREAS, either as visitors, or as persons newly residing in an area, it is often difficult to access paratransit services without knowing the transit operator's identity, telephone number, and other pertinent information; and

WHEREAS, similar problems can occur when visitors or newly arrived persons attempt to access fixed route bus or train service information; and

WHEREAS, the most comprehensive means of attacking this problem would be through the compilation of a national database of fixed route bus and train services as well as paratransit providers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge the Federal Transit Administration to compile a national database of fixed route bus and train services, as well as paratransit providers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this database contain at least the following information: name of provider or service, the telephone number from which to obtain travel information, the days and hours of operation, and, in the case of paratransit providers, the procedure an individual must follow in order to certify for either visitor or resident eligibility; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization strongly encourage its state and local affiliates to not only get their local transit providers included in the initial release of such a database, but also to make sure their information is kept up to date; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this database be made accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired through any and all means available including, but not limited to: an accessible site on the World Wide Web, and a toll-free telephone number.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-10

 

Urges affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to advocate for contractual and budgeting procedures in local communities which are based on actual transit needs of blind and disabled community members, and not based on ADA minimums

WHEREAS, public transit operators often hire private contractors to operate paratransit services; and

WHEREAS, these contractors are frequently more concerned about maximizing profits rather than offering adequate service; and

WHEREAS, many paratransit service providers do not render same-day, on-time, and safe service; and

WHEREAS, many paratransit service providers do not offer adequate training for drivers and other personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets minimum standards for paratransit provision, but does not prevent local transit providers and their contractors from exceeding ADA service requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 11th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge its members and affiliates to advocate for contractual and budgeting procedures in local communities which are based on actual transit needs of blind and disabled community members, and not based on ADA minimums. 

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-12

 

Directs the President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) to advocate for, and communicate with, the American Foundation for  the Blind (AFB) to increase the time allotted for position briefings on specific legislative issues to a minimum of at least one full day at the ACB/AFB Josephine Taylor Leadership Conference

WHEREAS, national representation is an important portion of the legislative efforts of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), and is an activity on which the organization presently spends thousands of dollars each year; and

WHEREAS, the ACB/AFB Josephine Taylor Leadership seminar allotted less than one-half day to brief participants on legislative matters to be discussed with Congresspersons and Senators; and

WHEREAS, this trivial approach to preparation is not a cost­effective way of supporting ACB's legislative agenda in Washington;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization direct its president to advocate for and communicate with the American Foundation for the Blind to increase the time allotted for position briefings on specific legislative issues to a minimum of at least one full day.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-13

 

Urges that specialized rehabilitation services for the blind, including the option of delivery through separate agencies for the blind, be retained as Congress reauthorizes the Rehabilitation Act

WHEREAS, specialized rehabilitation services for the blind were begun following the 1943 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act; and

WHEREAS, through such specialized services many thousands of blind and visually impaired persons have been employed in a wide variety of professions, trades, and common callings, thereby reducing the unemployment rate among the blind and visually impaired from 98 percent, prior to 1943, to documented estimates of 70% to 76% at this time; and

WHEREAS, if this constructive trend is to be continued, specialized services must be retained;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge the United States Congress to ensure that specialized rehabilitation services for persons who are blind, with the option for separate agency delivery, be retained in the 1997 reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-14

 

Urges retention of specific stand-alone provisions for independent living services for older blind, contained in Title VII, Chapter II, of the Rehabilitation Act, and urges additional funding for older blind independent living programs

WHEREAS, the provision of independent living services to persons who are blind and visually impaired, and who are over the age of 55 years have enabled numerous blind and visually impaired persons to live their lives independently, rather than as individuals to be cared for at great expense in institutions or other care facilities; and

WHEREAS such services include, but are not limited to: orientation and mobility training, instruction in braille and other communications skills, and self-care; and

WHEREAS, these services are authorized and funded pursuant to Title VII, Chapter II, of the Rehabilitation Act;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization strongly urge retention of the independent living provisions, with specific stand-alone provisions for

independent living services for older blind, contained in Title VII, Chapter II, of the Rehabilitation Act in the Congressional reauthorization of that Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge Congress also to significantly increase funding for the older blind independent living program.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-16

 

Calls for full implementation of all ADA paratransit requirements and for Congress to authorize spending for more comprehensive, and accessible transportation services

WHEREAS, persons with disabilities who do not drive need reliable, affordable options for transportation in order to participate in all aspects of community life, e.g. employment, education, health care, recreation, community leadership, etc.; and

WHEREAS, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) merely requires that public transit agencies operate paratransit service during the same times, and in the same geographical areas, as their fixed route service; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress is in the process of reauthorizing the Inter-Modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which establishes federal spending authority for transportation services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization strongly encourage the full implementation of all ADA paratransit requirements so as to maximize paratransit services for people who are blind or visually impaired; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization strongly advocate for Congress to authorize spending for more comprehensive and accessible transportation services.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-17

 

Objects to the Social Security Administration's usurpation of federal law, and sets forth action steps for the American Council of the Blind to take in dealing with the situation

WHEREAS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has documented through numerous individual case decisions that it is making determinations regarding applicant eligibility and other post-entitlement issues based on its own interpretation of federal laws pertaining to SSA through its Policy Operations Manuals (POMs); and

WHEREAS, SSA's interpretation is often significantly different from federal law; and

WHEREAS, people who are blind or visually impaired are currently being denied eligibility for Social Security benefits and programs, or are experiencing other post-entitlement benefits receipt difficulties, e.g. overpayments and inconsistencies in redetermination as a result of SSA's interpretation; and

WHEREAS, overwhelming evidence would suggest that SSA is making internal determinations regarding the specific needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired without appropriate training or knowledge of the field of blindness; and

WHEREAS, SSA has also mandated that all of its Administrative Law Judges (ALJ's) conform to the POMs rather than to the actual federal laws;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by  the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization direct its president to form a committee which shall: investigate and compile some recent consumer complaints and alleged violations of federal law by the SSA with regard to blind recipients, 2. coalesce with other organizations addressing this problem, 3. compile a committee report recommending remedies to system's problems and specific incidents identified, and 4. convey this report to such legal, legislative, and/or investigatory bodies as may be necessary in resolving this unfair and reprehensible situation.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-18

 

Seeks issuance, by the President of the United States, of an executive order which solidifies and clarifies the superior authority of the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to administer the blind vending facility program and to interpret the Randolph-Sheppard Act

WHEREAS, the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services are charged by federal law, regulation, and congressional intent to have primary responsibility in the executive branch of government for the Randolph-Sheppard blind vending program; and

WHEREAS, to an increasing extent, officials of federal property managing agencies are rejecting or ignoring the primary responsibility vested in the secretary and the commissioner by usurping this responsibility; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Justice too often has not supported the position of the Department of Education in Randolph-Sheppard litigation, and such lack of support continues;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by  the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization joins its affiliate, the Randolph­Sheppard Vendors of America, in that the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services is urged to seek, at the earliest opportunity, issuance by the President of the United States of an executive order which solidifies and clarifies the superior authority of the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to administer the blind vending facility program and to interpret the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-19

 

Notes that the Department of Defense (DOD) has this year sought legislation to exempt dining hall mess services on military installations from the Randolph-Sheppard Act, notes support for the DOD position by other entities who normally support specialized or categorical employment for people who are blind, and urges the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to stand firm against assaults on the Randolph-Sheppard program, and to lodge complaints with the President's Domestic Policy Counsel concerning incursions against the Randolph-Sheppard Act

WHEREAS, the Department of Defense has this year sought, through the Office of Management and Budget, legislation to exempt dining hall mess services on military installations from the Randolph­ Sheppard Act priority; and

WHEREAS, the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled, and particularly its executive director as well as National Industries for People with Severe Disabilities (NISH), have in the past supported the position of the Department of Defense and continue to question the Randolph-Sheppard Act's priority; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Affairs has ignored or rejected the Randolph-Sheppard priority for blind vending facilities; and 

WHEREAS, the Department of Justice has not supported the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services in the administration of the Randolph-Sheppard program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 9th day of July, 1997, that in cooperation with its affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, that the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services is urged to stand firm against any and all assaults on the Randolph-Sheppard program, and to lodge with the President's Domestic Policy Counsel strenuous complaints against all incursions by any federal department, agency, or instrumentality upon the integrity of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Education.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-20

 

Urges the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to develop and establish a policy setting forth clear procedures for contracting with military entities thus enabling blind vendors with the Randolph­Sheppard Program to operate dining mess halls on military properties

WHEREAS, the state licensing agency personnel for the Randolph­ Sheppard program (state BEP programs) have expressed reluctance to engage in contractual arrangements enabling blind vendors to operate dining mess halls on military properties;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization join with its affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, in urging the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to develop and establish a policy setting forth clear procedures for the military contracting described above; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of Rehabilitation be strongly encouraged to widely disseminate this information to state licensing agencies, state committees of blind vendors, Department of Defense contracting officials, and interested food service contractors.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-21

 

Directs the president of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) to convene a task force to draft and circulate to eligibility determination entities a primer concerning factors which should be considered in applying ADA Title II paratransit eligibility  regulations  to the needs of persons who are blind, visually impaired, and multiply disabled blind

WHEREAS, blind and visually impaired persons are too often being denied eligibility, or treated in a discriminatory manner by paratransit providers, demonstrating a profound lack of understanding of the skills and travel techniques associated with blindness;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization direct its President to appoint and cause to be convened a task force of ACB members and/or associates to draft and circulate to eligibility determination entities a primer concerning factors which should be considered in applying ADA Title II paratransit eligibility regulations to the transit needs of persons who are blind, visually impaired, and multiply disabled blind.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-22

 

Sets forth the definition for "integrated, competitive employment," which the American Council of the Blind urges be used in all federal legislation where need exists to define this term

RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization support and promote the following language for incorporation into the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act and into other legislation where the term "integrated, competitive employment," is defined: "Integrated, competitive employment shall include: an employment outcome with wages at or above the federal minimum wage in an integrated setting, or employment with wages at or above the federal minimum wage in a non-integrated setting with an individual goal of employment in an integrated setting, unless the individual's informed choice is to remain in the non-integrated setting."

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-24

 

Supports H.R. 612 and S. 375 which would restore parity between Social Security earnings limits for the elderly and for persons who are blind, urges affiliates of the American Council of the Blind to advocate for additional co-sponsors for these pieces of legislation, and expresses thanks to those congresspersons and senators who are already co­sponsoring

WHEREAS, from 1978 through 1996, the earnings limit for a blind person receiving Social Security Disability benefits was linked with the earnings limit for a person age 65-69; and

WHEREAS, in 1996 Congress broke the linkage through passage of legislation which raised the earnings limit for persons who are over age 65, but which did not change the earnings limit formulas for persons who are blind; and

WHEREAS, the result of these legislative changes is that by the year 2002, workers age 65 and older will be able to earn $30,000.00 per year without impacting eligibility for Social Security benefits while, by 2002, blind workers will be able to earn less than half of that amount while retaining benefits; and

WHEREAS, these changes result in the illogical practice of increasing work incentives for the elderly while not increasing them for persons who are blind; and

WHEREAS, legislation is pending in both houses of Congress to correct the current lack of parity between Social Security. earnings limits for the elderly and for persons who are blind; and

WHEREAS, in order to insure the oppo1tunity for these pieces of legislation to advance, additional co-sponsors will be needed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 10th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge support for H.R. 612 and S. 375; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization join with its state affiliates in urging members of Congress who have not yet agreed to co-sponsor these important pieces of legislation concerning work incentives for persons who are blind to do so promptly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that  this organization join its affiliates in expressing sincere appreciation to Representative Barbara Kennelly, Senator John McCain, and Senator Christopher Dodd, who are the primary sponsors of H.R. 612 and S. 375, as well as to all other representatives and senators who have agreed to co-sponsor the legislation.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-25

 

Sets forth fundraising policies involving the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and its affiliates

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind's (ACB's) successful functioning is dependent on the existence of active state affiliates who must engage in their own fund-raising to support their activities; and

WHEREAS, certain forms of fund-raising are sometimes utilized by both ACB and its state affiliates in an overlapping manner; and

WHEREAS, communication, cooperation and coordination between ACB and its state and local affiliates are critical to successful fund-raising;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that any future contracts entered into for purposes of fund-raising by ACB shall contain provisions allowing for targeted areas of activity and coordination with activities of affiliate fund-raising efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should ACB and state affiliates find that they are doing fund-raising of a conflicting nature, negotiations shall be convened for purposes of establishing revenue sharing.

Adopted. 
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-26

 

Restores the Pledge of Allegiance to be spoken by the American Council of the Blind delegation at national conventions

WHEREAS, the Pledge of Allegiance is not being said currently during our morning sessions; and

WHEREAS, it is our national Pledge of Allegiance in which we take pride;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization restore the Pledge of Allegiance to be spoken by the American Council of the Blind delegation at our 1998 convention and thereafter.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-27

 

Directs that the officers, directors and staff of the American Council of the Blind work with other interested blindness organizations to assure that radio reading services for people who are blind be provided with allocated band width in the new standard defining and regulating digital radio broadcasting in the United States

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission is currently engaged in the development and adoption of a standard that will define and regulate digital radio broadcasting in the United States; and

WHEREAS, digital radio has the potential of enabling both information that would be shown on a display, as well as on several potential voice channels; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that radio reading services are provided with allocated band width in the new standard;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization direct its officers, directors and staff to work cooperatively with other interested blindness organizations to assure that the needs of blind people are met by any standard that is finally adopted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the president of the American Council of the Blind be required to report on progress toward the objectives of this resolution at the 1998 convention in Orlando, Florida.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-28

 

Expresses abhorrence of disrespect shown to braille by the designer of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and urges press outlets who conveyed information concerning the designer's explanation of "impression of braille," to convey material that will serve to lessen the gross misunderstanding of braille which has been created

WHEREAS, in recent publicity concerning braille characters on actual monuments at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial the designer of the sculpture is quoted as suggesting that he was not attempting to produce readable braille but was, instead, attempting to give "an impression of braille" and

WHEREAS, other quotes from people involved in the publicity demonstrated an utter disregard and disrespect for the form of literacy most commonly used by blind people;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization express its abhorrence at the blatant disregard shown to braille by the designer of this monument; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of this organization are directed to communicate to such entities as they deem appropriate this organization's disgust over the insult to braille; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the newspapers who published such articles concerning the insult to braille be urged to publish material that will serve to lessen the gross misunderstanding of braille that these articles conveyed.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-30

 

Directs the American Council of the Blind to develop and disseminate a voting access position paper which shall be distributed to all state affiliates, urges affiliates to use this paper in voter access advocacy efforts in their states, prescribes follow-up and reporting activities on the part of the executive director of ACB, urges coalitioning with other disability organizations to further   the   objectives of the resolution and requires that a follow-up article on this subject appear in a winter-spring issue of "The Braille Forum"

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has long had a history of participation in coalitions whose objective is increased accessibility to voting for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the experiences of our Texas and Maryland affiliates have recently demonstrated that there are effective high-technology and low-technology solutions that make voting access possible for people who are blind; and

WHEREAS, while recognizing that the use of a mail-in ballot may constitute an appropriate solution for some blind persons, the American Council of the Blind believes that such an approach in no way lessens the right of blind people to expect to have the ability to cast a ballot at a polling place with guaranteed independence and privacy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization take immediate steps to develop and disseminate a voting access position paper which shall be distributed to all state affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that state and local affiliates are strongly urged to utilize this paper to begin immediately to advocate in each state and local area for the institution of accessible voting for people who are blind; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the executive director of the American Council of the Blind shall report to the Board of Directors at the mid-year meeting upon progress that has been made to implement this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, directors and staff of this organization, as well as state and local affiliates, are urged to seek coalitions with other disability organizations to forward the objectives of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, subsequent to the 1998 mid­year board meeting, an article concerning progress made on implementation of this resolution shall appear in "The Braille Forum."

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-31

 

Urges Congress not to establish additional federal means testing requirements for vocational rehabilitation services and to maintain the current Rehabilitation Act provisions concerning comparable benefits and services

WHEREAS, Congress is in the process of reauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act; and

WHEREAS, the Senate is contemplating changes which would: 

• Institute federal requirements for means testing for many rehabilitation services of critical importance to people who are blind and visually impaired including: reader services, assistive technology, and orientation and mobility; and

• Make vocational rehabilitation the payer of last resort for all vocational rehabilitation related services by shifting funding responsibilities to other Americans with Disabilities Act covered entities, thereby leaving the client dependent on such entities for essential disability-related services such as: reader services, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, etc.; and

WHEREAS, a majority of states have already exercised the option they currently have to define their own formula for means testing;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge Congress not to establish additional federal means testing requirements for vocational rehabilitation services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge Congress to maintain the current Rehabilitation Act provisions concerning comparable benefits and services.

Adopted.

 

Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-32

 

Urges the strengthening of enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act through support for the proposed Dodd Amendment, and urges all federal agencies to, in the absence of adequate federal enforcement, acquire only equipment and software which provide full access beyond any question or challenge

WHEREAS, recent changes made by Congress in the structure of the General Services Administration, as well as in other federal agencies, have weakened the ability and emphasis with which the federal government polices itself, and entities which receive federal funding, with regard to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; and

WHEREAS, both access to information provided through federal agencies or through federal funds, and employment opportunities with the federal government, are severely limited by widespread and flagrant violations of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act on the part of federal agencies and federal funding recipients;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization urge the strengthening and enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act through support for the proposed Dodd Amendment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge all federal agencies to, in the absence of adequate federal enforcement, acquire only equipment and software which provides full access beyond any question or challenge.

 Adopted.

Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-33

 

Directs staff of the American Council of the Blind, along with others designated by the president, to develop a model law for the purpose of advocating strengthening of state protections against malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or their handlers, and directs the above-referenced entities to develop educational materials and potential enforcement options relevant to the prevention of malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or handlers so that such materials may be disseminated to enforcement agencies by affiliates

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) is concerned with the community integration and safety of its members including those who use guide dogs; and

WHEREAS, malicious and harmful third-party interference with guide dog and handler is destructive and can potentially result in early retirement of the guide dog; physical, psychological, and emotional distress to dog and/or handler; and life-threatening situations; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement officials have proven reluctant to fully investigate and prosecute instances of malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or handlers due to a perception that the blind or visually impaired victim cannot accurately identify the perpetrator;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 10th day of July, 1997, that the American Council of the Blind direct its staff, and such committees and members as the president may designate, to develop a model law for the purpose of advocating strengthening of state protections against malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or their handlers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-referenced entities develop educational materials and potential enforcement options relevant to the prevention of malicious and harmful interference with guide dogs and/or handlers so that such materials may be disseminated to enforcement agencies by affiliates.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-36

 

Commends Northwest Airlines for their use of universal design principles in the remodeling of the interiors of their aircraft, commends particularly their use of braille signage, urges other airlines to follow Northwest's lead in this area, and urges federal regulatory agencies to require accessible signage in aircraft

WHEREAS, people who are blind or visually impaired should have equal access to all vehicle signage intended to assist passengers; and

WHEREAS, Northwest Airlines has led the way in the utilization of accessible vehicle signage through its incorporation of braille within their newly remodeled DC-9 and DC-10 aircraft, including lavatory, overhead light and call button controls and row and seat numbers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization commend Northwest Airlines for demonstrating leadership in the use of universal design principles in the remodeling of the interiors of their aircraft; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Northwest Airlines, other major airlines, and all appropriate federal agencies requesting that braille markings be included in future passenger aircraft design requirements; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge Northwest Airlines, and related airline industry regulatory entities, to consult with the American Council of the Blind to improve and assure the quality and appropriate display of braille signage supplied.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-37

 

Directs the staff of the American Council of the Blind, and such committees, associates or members who may be designated by its President, to develop a comprehensive position paper setting forth strategies for use in advocating for third-party reimbursement for orientation and mobility instructors and rehabilitation teachers

WHEREAS, orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teaching are specialized fields which provide absolutely essential independent living skills training for persons who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the skills to teach in these areas, and provide services related to them, can be achieved either through university training or through many hours of supervised experience; and

WHEREAS, third-party reimbursement for orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teaching is only rarely and minimally available, and is not available at all through Medicare or through most Medicaid providers; and

WHEREAS, advocacy efforts on behalf of disciplines such as occupational therapy, social work, physical therapy, and other human services modalities, over the past several decades, have resulted in these disciplines acquiring credentialing of a nature vastly increasing eligibility for third-party payment; and

WHEREAS, increasing emphasis on medical model service delivery has resulted in an alarming trend toward the use of third-party reimbursable practitioners to provide orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teaching services to people who are blind or visually impaired, even though such practitioners may have no background in the teaching of skills of blindness, or may have little or no training in working with persons who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the use of practitioners who are not fully qualified in the teaching of the skills of blindness to provide orientation and mobility or rehabilitation services is a practice which can endanger the physical and/or mental health of blind consumers, their independence, and the very fabric of the blindness culture;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July 1997, that this organization direct its staff, and such committees and associates, or members who may be designated by its President, to develop a comprehensive position paper setting forth strategies for use in advocating for third-party reimbursement for orientation and mobility instructors and rehabilitation teachers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this paper shall address both publicly funded and private pay insurance third-party reimbursement strategies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the position paper to be developed shall set forth guidelines for determining competencies for both university-trained and experientially trained professionals in orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teaching, and shall address criteria for third-party payment with regard to both credentialing tracks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) be strongly encouraged to join the American Council of the Blind in a leading role as this project moves forward; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that once developed, this position paper shall be disseminated to appropriate advocacy organizations for purposes of coalitioning and joint efforts, including but not limited to, AERBVI.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-38

 

Thanks volunteers who helped with the 1997 convention of the American Council of the Blind

WHEREAS, volunteer assistance is an essential element of a successful convention of the American Council of the Blind; and

WHEREAS, the coordination of volunteer services and the training of volunteers are crucial in order that our conventions run smoothly;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization express its sincere appreciation to those persons who so graciously gave of their time during the convention week, and also to express its thanks to the coordinator of volunteer services for her excellent training and coordination of volunteers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be conveyed to the coordinator of volunteers for this convention, Margarine Beaman, with the request that she convey this organization's most sincere thanks to all of the many volunteers who assisted us.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-39

 

Thanks the hotels involved in the 1997 convention of the American Council of the Blind

WHEREAS, the Adam's Mark Hotel, Houston, has provided an exceptional level of services and accommodations for members of the American Council of the Blind attending its 1997 convention; and

WHEREAS, the staff of the Adam's Mark, Houston, has been remarkably friendly and helpful throughout this convention; and

WHEREAS, the success of a convention is often dependent on the quality of the services of the headquarters hotel; and

WHEREAS, the cooperation and services of overflow hotels are also important to the success of a convention;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by  the  American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization extends to the Adam's Mark, Houston, our thanks and appreciation for the outstanding services and accommodations provided to our members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct the staff of the American Council of the Blind to, through the hotel management extend our warm appreciation to the Adam's Mark, Houston, Hotel direct service staff, for the manner in which they interacted with the members of the American Council of the Blind; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization direct its staff to extend similar expression of appreciation to the management and direct service staff at the Marriott West Side, Houston, and the Red Roof Inn, Houston; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that appreciation is expressed for the quality and maintenance of guide dog relief areas located at all three hotels involved in the 1997 American Council of the Blind Convention.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

Resolution 1997-40

 

Thanks the host affiliate for the 1997 convention of the American Council of the Blind

WHEREAS, the host committee for the 1997 American Council of the Blind convention in Houston, Texas has had many responsibilities in the planning of the convention; and

WHEREAS, this committee has expended incredible effort and energy on behalf of this convention; and

WHEREAS, the success of this great convention was due in significant part to the working of this committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Houston, Texas, this 12th day of July, 1997, that this organization express its great appreciation to the host committee for all of its efforts with regard to this convention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization commend each and every member of its fine ACB affiliate in Texas for their excellent work in this regard.

Adopted.
Cynthia Towers, Secretary

File ACB 1997 Resolutions.docx