THE BRAILLE FORUM Volume XLVIII December 2009 No. 6 Published by the American Council of the Blind THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND STRIVES TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. Mitch Pomerantz, President Melanie Brunson, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor National Office: 2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650 Arlington, VA 22201 (202) 467-5081 fax: (703) 465-5085 Web site: http://www.acb.org THE BRAILLE FORUM (TM) is available in braille, large print, half-speed four-track cassette tape, and via e-mail. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to Sharon Lovering at the address above, or via e-mail to slovering@acb.org. The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, visit the ACB web site and complete an application form, or contact the national office at the number listed above. Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Mike Godino at the above mailing address. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office can make printed cards available for this purpose. To remember the American Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, contact the ACB national office. Join the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program and help improve tomorrow today in ACB. Contact Ron Milliman by e-mail, rmilliman@insightbb.com, or by phone at (270) 782-9325 and get started making tomorrow look brighter today! To make a contribution to ACB via the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 5 p.m. to midnight Eastern time, or visit the Washington Connection online at http://www.acb.org. Copyright 2009 American Council of the Blind ***** TABLE OF CONTENTS Class Action Ruling Announced in American Council of the Blind v. Social Security Administration, by Melanie Brunson President's Message: Technology and Independence?, by Mitch Pomerantz 2010 Conference and Convention: The Sunny Southwest, by Carla Ruschival Summary of the ACB Fall Board Meeting, by Marcia Dresser In Memoriam: Margaret R. Pfanstiehl, Radio Reading Service & Audio Description Pioneer, by Joel Snyder Passings Affiliate News Committee News 2010-2011 Scholarship Applications Available Soon! An Update on the Breast Cancer Support Group, by Bonnie Rennie ACB Radio Is Here for You!, by Debbie Hazelton My ACB Christmas Present, by William Benjamin Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels High Tech Swap Shop FORUM SUBSCRIPTION NOTES You can now get "The Braille Forum" by podcast! To subscribe, go to "The Braille Forum" page on www.acb.org. If you do not yet have a podcast client, you can download one from the Forum page. To subscribe to "The Braille Forum" via e-mail, go to www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/brailleforum-L. ARE YOU MOVING? DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll take care of the changes for you. ***** CLASS ACTION RULING ANNOUNCED IN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND V. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION by Melanie Brunson On October 20, Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco issued a judgment in favor of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and two classes of 3 million Social Security beneficiaries who are blind and visually impaired. Our lawsuit had challenged the Social Security Administration’s failure to provide its critical communications about benefits to recipients who have visual impairments in alternative formats that would enable them to have equal access to SSA programs as required by federal disability civil rights laws. In his order, Judge Alsup held that the Social Security Administration's failure to provide recipients with notices and other correspondence in a manner that was accessible to them constitutes a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws. He noted that the Social Security Administration had "been quick to find lame excuses for non-compliance," and that they had failed to prove an "undue burden" defense, as required by law. The following is a summary of the relief granted by Judge Alsup to the nation's blind and visually impaired recipients of Social Security benefits. First, by April 15, 2010, SSA must develop a means of producing notices and other communications in both braille and a navigable Microsoft Word CD, and shall offer blind and visually impaired people who are either recipients of Title II or Title XVI benefits, or authorized representative payees, notices and other correspondence in one of these formats. Second, by Dec. 31, 2009, defendants must provide notice to all recipients and authorized persons shown in its records to be blind or visually impaired advising of the availability of the foregoing new alternatives and giving them an opportunity to choose one of the two above alternatives for communications beginning on April 15, 2010. This notice should advise that selection of one of the two alternatives would discontinue any special notice previously selected under the special notice policy, i.e., that the recipient would not be entitled to both a SNP notice and a new alternative. Another key requirement is that this notice must also advise the recipient that the blind and visually impaired are entitled by law to ask the SSA to provide any other alternative accommodation they believe would be preferable to meet their needs. Judge Alsup ordered that the notice shall describe the Section 85.51 procedure and that SSA must fully comply with its duty to both advise as to the individual's rights to request another form of accommodation and comply in good faith with its duty under Section 85.51 to consider such requests. A similar announcement must also be posted on the SSA web site, and SSA is ordered to train its staff dealing with the blind and visually impaired to communicate orally the notice described above when such individuals call in, e-mail in, or write in, all to be effective by April 15, 2010. By Nov. 25, 2009, SSA was ordered to file with the court a specific description of the braille and Microsoft Word CD it proposes to offer, the specific form of notice, and its specific plan of dissemination. It must also spell out a systematic plan for receiving and ruling on requests for accommodation under Section 85.51. After April 16, 2010, no Social Security benefits may be reduced or terminated to any individual shown in the SSA records to be blind or visually impaired (or whose authorized payee is shown to be blind or visually impaired) unless such person was first provided with the notice prescribed above and the method of notice, if any, selected by said person was followed. The judge will retain jurisdiction over this matter so that he can monitor SSA's compliance with his order, and the adequacy of the remedy his order granted. In summary, all Social Security and SSI beneficiaries, as well as representative payees, who are known by SSA to be blind or visually impaired should be on the lookout for a notice from Social Security before the end of this year outlining the alternative formats in which they can receive future communications from that agency. If you get such a notice, you will still be able to choose to receive a telephone call or certified letter from SSA if you wish. If you want to receive communications in another format that you can access independently, be sure to either choose one of the formats offered, or request another form of communication that meets your needs more effectively. It is important for everyone to realize that requesting another accessible format, such as large print or audio recording, is a perfectly acceptable alternative and such requests must be considered by SSA. Individuals who cannot read braille and don't have computer access may still find a telephone call or certified letter from SSA insufficient and should have the opportunity to request another form of accommodation. This ruling is a major victory for the disability rights movement, and it sets precedent for the obligations of other federal and state agencies to accommodate people who are blind or have visual impairments. The text of the court's decision will be available on the ACB web site very soon. Copies can also be obtained from the national office if anyone is interested. We owe a tremendous thank you to our lawyers from the Disability Rights Education Defense Fund, Howry, and the National Senior Citizens Law Center whose hard work made this victory possible. Now, they, and we, are counting on you to help with its implementation. ***** PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: TECHNOLOGY AND INDEPENDENCE? by Mitch Pomerantz Recently, I was thinking about all of the tasks I perform as ACB president and how many of those tasks are done via computer and e-mail. The catalyst for such thoughts was the failure of the primary ACB server and the resulting crash of our web site. I then began musing over how ACB presidents prior to Paul Edwards handled their duties, particularly those which could be considered time-sensitive in nature: reviewing contracts, approving press releases, commenting quickly on governmental policy documents, to mention only three. Of course, we've conducted business on the telephone for as long as ACB has existed, but where printed material is involved, the phone is not a great option. Next came the discussion on both Leadership and ACB-L of the announcement of the iBill, the low-cost electronic currency identifier. Would such a device help make blind and visually impaired people more independent? Does it further increase our dependence on technology? And would introduction of this device jeopardize ACB's efforts to get the Department of the Treasury to implement a non-technological solution to inaccessible currency? As a result, I've been engaging in an internal debate over whether the proliferation of such devices promotes or inhibits our independence. Before going further, let me offer my disclaimer. Yes, I use a computer, but by no means do I consider myself a techie. Those who know me at all call me a dinosaur, a moniker which I grudgingly accept. My perspective is that I want the computer (or whatever the technology being utilized) to work when needed; I could care less how it functions. I don't want to be like those early operators of automobiles who not only had to know how to drive their horseless carriage, but also how to repair it when it broke down, something which occurred frequently. I neither have the time nor the inclination for that. Having provided the foregoing as background, I'd like to explore whether the growing use of technology by blind and visually impaired people enhances our independence, or whether we are substituting one form of dependence for another. Clearly, widespread use of access technology has lessened -- but certainly not totally eliminated -- our need for sighted assistance to accomplish some tasks. Devices such as talking calculators, global positioning systems (GPS's) and microwaves allow us to do many more everyday tasks with minimal or no help from family members, friends, co-workers or strangers. In the late 1970s, my employer purchased one of TSI's Speech-Plus talking calculators, which I used regularly to do the budget work that was a part of my job at the time. That device made it possible for me to perform what was an "essential function" of the job. Incidentally, several of my co-workers liked to borrow that calculator to do their own work as it meant they didn't need to keep glancing from the screen to the paper upon which they were writing. They simply listened and jotted figures. Over the intervening decades, I've used a VersaBraille to draft reports and maintain records, and the omnipresent computer for reviewing and editing the work of my staff and communicating with employees in other departments. I am absolutely certain that I wouldn't have had the nearly 34-year career I recently concluded without access technology. My reservations concerning our increasing dependence upon technology don't relate only to blind and visually impaired people, but to society as a whole. I can recall a number of occasions during the past several years at my former office when the city server went down and all our computers with it. What did I and my co-workers do during those two or three hours of non-connectivity? Absolutely nothing! We've all heard someone almost panic when discovering that their cell phone or PDA wasn't with them. These days everyone must be connected at all times! For blind and visually impaired people, more and more of us are going into serious debt in order to buy the latest and greatest access gadget. We feel compelled to keep up with the proverbial Joneses -- in this instance, our friends who are snapping up accessible iPods, talking GPS units and cell phones that allow us to listen to music and browse the web, exactly like our sighted peers. I question whether this rush to own ever-cooler technology is helping to make us truly independent. Can we do simple math without a calculator or spell a word correctly without spell-check? Can we get from point A to point B without relying upon something telling us where we are every block? Must we carry yet one more electronic gadget to identify our money? Have we traded one form of dependence for another? Personally, I believe that's just what we've done. And by the way, my misgivings apply to the broader society, not only to our relatively small community. What I'm advocating here is that no matter how many talking devices we choose to buy, we must maintain those skills which technology is making easier for us to perform. Keep up your braille, O&M, math and spelling and old-fashioned daily living skills. Don't become too dependent on technology; after all, power fails, batteries die, and devices stop working. Remain or become as self-reliant as possible. Let's distinguish between necessity and convenience. I wish everyone a joyous holiday season filled with family and friends. Donna and I will be at the Rose Parade on New Year's Day cheering on the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band. We may even have a welcoming banner. Take care. ***** 2010 CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION: THE SUNNY SOUTHWEST by Carla Ruschival It's early November, and some members of the national convention committee just returned from a hectic planning weekend in sunny Phoenix. A brand-new hotel, not a drop of rain, and fantastic tours and programs will add up to a fun-filled, information-packed week with ACB. Don't miss it! Conference and convention dates are July 9-17. Come early and stay late so you can take in all the great tours, workshops and other events that make convention week special. We don't have tours set as of this date, but we have visited some incredible and unique venues. Imagine the thrill of visiting the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright! When we asked what we could touch, the guide said, "You can touch everything; that's why we aren't a museum." Michael Smitherman and I even got to play the grand piano in the living room! Other great possibilities will have you stuffing your own bear at America's only plush animal factory, learning how brass bells are cast, practicing your blackjack skills at a casino, riding in a Venetian gondola, visiting a candy factory, and stepping back 250 years in firefighting history. The popular city tour is back, and day-long trips to the Grand Canyon, Sonora and much more are being explored. SPONSORSHIPS: Corporations, organizations and agencies are invited to become 2010 ACB gems. There's a sponsorship to fit every budget, from pearl ($1,000) to diamond ($25,000). Information and forms are available from Margarine Beaman, advertising and sponsorship coordinator, at (512) 921-1625 or oleo50@hotmail.com. PLANNING EVENTS: Each ACB committee and special-interest affiliate holding events at the upcoming conference and convention has a representative on the convention-planning e-mail list. This list is my way of distributing information to these affiliates and committees. A similar list, designed especially for exhibitors, sponsors, and non-affiliated groups holding events at the convention, is now being created. RESERVATIONS: The home for ACB from July 9-17 is the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton. Room rates are $89 plus tax. Make reservations by calling 1-800-325-3535. Be sure to say you are with the American Council of the Blind. ***** SUMMARY OF THE ACB FALL BOARD MEETING by Marcia Dresser The ACB board of directors fall meeting was held at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel in Phoenix on Sept. 12-13. All board members were present except for Chris Gray and Cammie Vloedman, who were absent due to work commitments. Several members of the Arizona host committee were also in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 Saturday morning. The board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda and to approve the minutes of the pre- and post-convention meetings. President Mitch Pomerantz has put together a task force, chaired by Jim Shaw, to determine how we can provide Social Security training for our members. All committee appointments have been made. Jean Mann will chair the credentials committee, and Lori Scharff will chair the women's concerns committee. After considerable discussion, an earlier motion, tabled since the May meeting, to transfer $50,000 from the general fund into board-designated reserves was unanimously defeated. In her executive director's report, Melanie Brunson stated that the study on ways of making currency accessible contained erroneous statistics on blindness; there is also concern about the cost analysis. The Kindle case is going well. Melanie and Billie Jean Keith are testifying in ACB's Social Security case in San Francisco federal court. With regard to internal matters, Brunson reported that the phone system is now working properly; the greetings and the Washington Connection are now available in Spanish. Beginning Oct. 5, Barbara LeMoine will be employed full-time as a receptionist and as an assistant to Eric Bridges. There is a plaque in the national office to honor patrons, those who donate $100,000 or more to ACB. This plaque will be unveiled at the mid-year meeting. With regard to health care legislation, ACB is lobbying for accessible prescription drug labels, durable medical equipment for the blind, and Medicare reimbursement for the services of rehabilitation teachers and vision therapists. She concluded by reminding everyone to urge their Congressmen to sign on to H.R. 734 (the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act) and H.R. 3101 (the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act). Brunson's report was unanimously adopted. Lane Waters, head of the Minnesota office, stated that Paul & Partners is the new agency handling ACB's direct mail campaign, which is going well. Mitch thanked the direct mail task force, consisting of Ray Campbell, Carla Ruschival, and Marsha Farrow. In his treasurer's report, Mike Godino stated that although donations are down, revenue from fund-raising has increased. He added that it would be very helpful if affiliates could increase their donations to ACB. After going over each item in detail, Godino's report was unanimously adopted. There was a brief recess at 11:45 in order to conduct the ACBES corporate meeting. When the meeting resumed at 12:20, Carla Ruschival gave the convention coordinator report. Due to the troubled economy, Orlando was not one of our biggest conventions, but it was not the smallest either. Carla pointed out that when too many events are scheduled simultaneously, none of them do well. The new BRL breakfast was very successful. All of the bills pertaining to Orlando have been paid. The board broke for lunch at 12:35. When the meeting resumed at 2:05, Carla said Margarine Beaman believes that she can obtain many more sponsors for the convention if we advertise it as a conference. Conventions are often seen as frivolous, whereas conferences are expected to have more serious programming. Also, since the word "conference" implies educational content, employers are more apt to provide assistance to attend. Carla moved that in all materials pertaining to the convention, we refer to it as the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention. (If we billed it as the ACB Conference, amendments to the constitution and bylaws would be required.) The motion carried unanimously. Next, Marcia Dresser gave the board of publications report. Ron Milliman plans to expand the mentoring program of the public relations committee to include all affiliates; he also hopes to complete some ACB talking points and the handbook on writing and producing public service announcements. The ACB Radio streams are being moved to the new server; once this is done, the sound quality will be greatly improved. A monthly program spotlighting ACB affiliates is in the works. Paul Edwards has been encountering problems with the software he uses to produce "Tuesday Topics"; he is investigating other options. In discussion, it was suggested that ACB Radio air PSAs requesting donations to ACB and ACB Radio. (There is a PayPal link on the ACB Radio web site.) A student from South Carolina has put up a Facebook page that is not under the auspices of ACB. The BOP will need to come up with policies regarding Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. Berl Colley has joined the web site task force as liaison from the Internet resource management committee. Five interviews have been completed for the oral history project. To be eligible, a person must have been an ACB president or active in ACB before 1980. The cost of producing "The Braille Forum" did not change this year. If we can produce it in DAISY format to be downloaded to the Victor Reader Stream and other digital players, this would reduce the number of cassette subscribers, which would lower production costs. This report was unanimously adopted. Kim Charlson reported that there are currently 28 affiliates with representatives to the audio description project; Joel Snyder hopes to increase that number. The ADP has a Facebook page with 105 friends. Articles will appear in the Forum to help people understand the impact of the analog-to-digital conversion. Snyder spoke to Kareem Dale about producing an audio-described tour of the White House; Dale responded favorably. Snyder is also working on adding description to the videos shown at national parks; this would be done for a fee. This report was adopted unanimously. Brenda Dillon, Mike Godino, Ray Campbell, and Marsha Farrow were elected to the 2010 executive committee. The following committee representatives were elected: credentials, Marsha Farrow; Internet oversight, Pat Sheehan; and public relations, Michael Garrett. A motion was made, seconded, and adopted to revoke the Idaho charter in order to clear the way for any new effort to develop an affiliate in that state. The Idaho Commission for the Blind has agreed to send out a mailing, and PSAs will run on Boise stations from Christmas through April. A membership team will go to Idaho one weekend in May to establish a core group of people they can work with. The goal is that a new Idaho affiliate can be chartered at the 2011 convention in Reno. Of the $4,842 available in funds from life memberships, it was recommended that $250 be allotted to pay dues to the International Association of Audio Information Services so that ACB Radio can become a member in good standing. The remaining funds should be used to make improvements to the ACB web site. We also discussed putting more pictures in "The Braille Forum" and on the web site as "eye candy" appealing to prospective donors. Any unused funds would be rolled over to 2011. These recommendations were unanimously approved. The board unanimously approved the proposed policies pertaining to conflict of interest and confidentiality. (The conflict of interest policy will apply to the board of publications as well as the board of directors.) Kim Charlson announced that the revised handbook for the board of directors should be available at the end of the year. A motion was made by Mike Godino, and seconded by Ray Campbell, that the proceeds of the resource development committee 2010 raffle be used for funding "The Braille Forum." The motion carried. To close out the afternoon, Jeff Thom recommended that the vehicle donation task force be disbanded, since this program is going well; the board approved. From now on, Lane Waters will monitor the reports of vehicle donations. The meeting recessed at 5 p.m. and resumed at 9:00 Sunday morning. The board started the morning by discussing strategies to assist affiliates in working with schools for the blind and legislators to prevent additional closings. The task force to study this issue, chaired by Ray Campbell, will meet again in October. Regional training for affiliates is still under discussion. Melanie Brunson knows of some sources for grants we might be able to tap into. We need to examine our current long-range plan before we can develop a new one for ACB. A committee was created to plan the first steps, consisting of Kim Charlson (chair), Melanie Brunson, Jeff Thom, and Dena Wilson. The current long-range plan will be sent to the board shortly. Pomerantz asked that we read it in time for the mid-year meeting in February so we can decide what we want to retain in the new long-range plan. Suggested topics for the mid-year presidents' meeting include: training in database management; the new IRS rules (Form 990); disseminating press releases; how affiliates can participate in the oral history project; outreach to the deaf-blind community; putting newsletters into DAISY format; tips for states planning conventions; and questions and answers regarding the upcoming convention in Phoenix. Each ACB officer serves as a liaison to one or more national committees and, at this meeting, they were asked to report on the work that these committees are doing. Many committees have not yet met, but those that have are working well together and well with their liaisons. These reports were received and accepted. A task force created by Pomerantz is working to determine whether all ACB committees should be included in the constitution and bylaws. The ACB store is looking into affiliating with ILA and Maxi-Aids. We would post links to them on our web site, and ACB would receive a percentage of anything purchased through those links. With no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. ***** IN MEMORIAM: MARGARET R. PFANSTIEHL, RADIO READING SERVICE & AUDIO DESCRIPTION PIONEER by Joel Snyder It is with deep sadness that I note the passing of Dr. Margaret Rockwell Pfanstiehl on Sept. 28, 2009. As many of you know, Margaret was the founder of The Metropolitan Washington Ear, a closed-circuit radio-reading service based in the Washington, D.C. area. Throughout the 1970s, I had the privilege of working for the Ear as a volunteer reader of the Sunday Washington Post and other periodicals. In its tribute to Margaret, The Washington Post recounted that “After an inherited retinal disorder left her legally blind in her 30s, Margaret Pfanstiehl spent the rest of her life working to help the visually impaired read the newspaper, watch TV and enjoy theater more fully.” The Post continued: “Margaret Gillian was born Oct. 10, 1932, near Norfolk to a naval architect who moved the family to New York and then Maryland. She graduated from the old Academy of the Holy Names in Silver Spring. As a young woman, she showed a talent for operatic singing and received a music degree from Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory in 1960. “Her early marriage, to Justin Rockwell, ended in divorce. In 1983, she married Cody Pfanstiehl, a longtime spokesman for Metro who liked to joke that Washington's mouth married Washington's ear. “Survivors include a son from her first marriage, Justin Rockwell Jr. of Silver Spring; three stepchildren, Carla Knepper of Glen Burnie, Julie Hamre of Bethesda and Eliot Pfanstiehl of Silver Spring; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.” In 1981, Margaret and Cody Pfanstiehl developed The Ear's audio description program, the first ongoing description service in the world. Margaret and Cody, along with a core group of Ear volunteers (myself included), began offering description at Washington's Arena Stage and soon, other area theaters. Later, the Ear produced the descriptions that were a part of the pilot for what became WGBH's Descriptive Video Service. These efforts, which helped make television accessible to those with vision problems, earned her an Emmy Award in 1990. Mitch Pomerantz, president of American Council of the Blind, called her "one of the pioneers in the audio description arena." Dr. Pfanstiehl, a Silver Spring resident, died at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington of lung disease. She was the recipient of many community honors and in August received a Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability award for lifetime contributions to the visually impaired. "It's no great honor to be blind," she once told The Washington Post, "but it's more than a nuisance and less than a disaster. Either you're going to fight like hell when your sight fails or you're going to stand on the sidelines for the rest of your life." Margaret and Cody (Cody passed away in 2007) were in great demand as trainers of describers throughout this country and around the world. Their contributions to the field of audio description cannot be over-emphasized; Margaret will be missed by those who had the opportunity to learn from her and work with her -- and by the millions of people around the world who have benefitted from audio description. A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held in the coming weeks. For more information, visit the American Council of the Blind's Audio Description Project web site at www.adinternational.org. ***** PASSINGS It has come to our attention that we are rapidly losing members of our community, friends and supporters of ACB. In order to honor these people whose lives have impacted us, in large and small ways, we are publishing this column. See below for the format in which to submit information. Obituary Format Please include as much of the following information as possible when submitting material for this column. Submissions must involve dates no more than six months from intended date of publication. Name (first, last, maiden if appropriate) City of residence (upon passing) State/province of residence (upon passing) Other cities/states/countries of residence (places where other blind people may have known this person) Occupation Date of death (day if known, month, year) Age ACB affiliation (local/state/special-interest affiliates or national committees) ** EAMES, ED Ed Eames, Ph.D., co-founder and president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, passed away Oct. 25. Ed had successful heart surgery two years ago. Recently a blood-borne infection sent him to the hospital. His chances for recovery looked very good, until he had several debilitating strokes that quickly claimed his life. Ed was an extraordinary advocate. He forged relationships with corporations around the world and, with his easygoing "ask," brought untold benefits to the IAADP. Ed knew full well that most of us teamed with guide, hearing and service dogs were on the lower income scale. His advocacy to garner support for our canines was only matched by his tireless advocacy for our access rights. Among other things, Ed and Toni also traveled throughout the U.S. each year and to other countries with their guide dogs, lecturing at veterinary schools and veterinary conferences about the special role that veterinarians play in maintaining the team, to educate them about IAADP, raise disability awareness and to ask veterinarians to consider free or discounted veterinary services for assistance dog teams. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's honor may be made to IAADP. We have set up a special memorial section with a few photo highlights to remember Ed by, as well as an opportunity to make a memorial donation, at www.iaadp.org. We also invite you to leave a personal message there. ** GENENSKY, DR. SAMUEL M. (excerpted with permission from "Vision Access," fall 2009) Dr. Samuel M. Genensky, founding president of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, died June 26, 2009. He was 81. He strongly believed in using whatever vision he had. His eyes were burned shortly after birth when, by accident, the wrong eye drops were put in his eyes. No sight remained in his left eye, and he had only 20/1000 vision in his right eye. Sam completed the first eight years of school in seven years. Then he went to the Perkins Institute for the Blind, where he refused to use Braille even though he knew it. He eventually left Perkins for a public high school. One day he took his father's binoculars to geometry class and discovered that he could see what the teacher was drawing on the board. With a doctor's help, he added another lens to one side of the binoculars, creating a bifocal system that allowed him to read the blackboard and the book on his desk. After completing high school, Genensky attended Brown University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in physics. He earned a master's in pure mathematics from Harvard in 1951 and a doctorate in applied mathematics from Brown in 1958. In the late 1950s, he joined the Rand Corporation. A colleague, Paul Baran, noticed how Genensky had to work slumped over his drawing board with his nose to the paper. Baran suggested that there had to be a way to improve Genensky's ability to see. With Baran and others, Genensky hooked up a closed-circuit TV with a camera. It magnified the type on a page and had controls for brightness and contrast. When the device was publicized as "Sam Genensky's Marvelous Seeing Machine" in a 1971 issue of "Reader's Digest," Genensky was flooded with thousands of requests a week from people with partial sight who wanted to try it. In 1978 he founded the Center for the Partially Sighted. Genensky is survived by his second wife, Nancy Cronig, two daughters, three stepchildren, and four grandchildren. Memorial donations may be sent to the Center for the Partially Sighted, 12301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. ** PONCHILLIA, SUSAN (courtesy of the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes) Dr. Susan Ponchillia, a dedicated coach of blind athletes and distinguished professor at Western Michigan University (WMU), died Oct. 12, 2009 in Kalamazoo, Mich. She was 55. Sue worked extensively with her husband Paul to create and develop annual sports camps for blind athletes held at WMU. The camps, co-sponsored by the Michigan Blind Athletic Association and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, impacted the lives of countless students with visual impairments from across Michigan, the Midwest and from the United States. Sue also had a direct impact on USABA goalball. She helped host one of the three long-standing regional tournaments and was also instrumental in developing local goalball athletes, some of whom competed at the international level, including the Paralympic Games. "We have lost an incredible person who made a difference in this world by dedicating her life to improving lives, with her students and colleagues at WMU, with the natives of Tlicho in Canada and people who are blind and visually impaired,” said Mark Lucas, USABA Executive Director. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to any of the following: Paul and Susan Ponchillia Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Student Scholarship Fund Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies 1903 W. Michigan Ave. MS 5218 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Kalamazoo Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired P.O. Box 50603 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County P.O. Box 96 Three Rivers, MI 49093 ***** AFFILIATE NEWS ** Funvention 2010 Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, in partnership with Guide Dog Users of Florida, Carolina Paws and the Charleston Association for the Blind, would like to invite you to our next Top Dog-Charleston Funvention, to be held Jan. 15-17, 2010 at the Best Western Inn (250 Spring Street) in downtown Charleston, S.C. Room rates are $64.99 per night plus tax for the week of January 11-18, 2010. To get that low rate, you must call the hotel directly at (843) 722-4000. Be sure to tell them you’re coming to "Top Dog." Most rooms (except kings) are equipped with microwaves; all have refrigerators. For those who want to stay longer, there is a restaurant located in the hotel and 2 fast-food places (McDonald’s & Arby’s) in the same block. Hospitality suites are located on the 8th floor and will offer complimentary snacks and beverages for our registered guests. Located near the hospitality suites will be Carla Campbell, who has graciously offered to pamper our furriest with one of her famous pet massages at a discounted price. In addition, the kind folks at Charleston Pet Resort will be available to trim your guide's nails and brush his teeth at no charge. Dixie Land's President, Nancy Smith Moore, and her new hubby (our First Dude), will greet guests flying into Charleston's airport, where complimentary ground transportation to and from the airport and train station will be available. One of our volunteers will be waiting at the Best Western to escort you to either the hotel registration desk or our Funvention registration room. If you'd like, someone can also escort you to your room to familiarize you with its layout. You can register electronically or by telephone. Early registration (before Dec. 15) for our Top Dog Funvention is only $60 per person and includes our reception, the awards ceremony, bagged breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings, a delicious bagged lunch Saturday afternoon, an all-you-can-eat barbecue roundup Saturday evening, all scheduled "Play Times" on Saturday, river walks, tandem bicycle and motorcycle rides; commemorative T-shirts and caps, and more! Registering after Dec. 15 increases the cost to $75 per person. The exhibit hall will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. You'll meet representatives from some of the nation's best guide dog schools; experience some of the latest access technology; and "see" an assortment of specially prepared jewelry by fellow guide dog user Jenine Stanley. A tour of downtown Charleston and Battery Point is available for $15 per person. To learn more about Top Dog Charleston, you can call us at (843) 608-6890 or e-mail us at dixielandguides@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our web site, http://dixielandguides.blogspot.com. ** Friends-in-Art Scholarship High school seniors and college students are invited to apply for the Friends-in-Art scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year. This $1,500 scholarship is offered annually for achievement, talent, and excellence in the arts. If you are currently majoring in, or planning to major in, the fields of music, art, drama, or creative writing, and are a blind or visually impaired student living in North America, you may apply for this scholarship. To obtain an application form, write to: Harvey Miller, 196 E. French Broad St., Brevard, N.C. 28712-3410. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope when requesting the application. You also may request an electronic application by sending an e-mail to hhmiller@citcom.net. The completed application form and all requested information and materials must be in the hands of the scholarship committee by the end of May 2010. ** North Carolina Elects New Officers Members of the North Carolina Council of the Blind came together for the 41st annual state convention in Raleigh Sept. 25-27. It featured more than a dozen speakers, including two ACB leaders, and the election of new officers. ACB executive director Melanie Brunson and California Council of the Blind president and ACB board member Jeff Thom shared information and insights from the national level. Representatives from a number of agencies and programs were in attendance, including Social Security Ticket to Work, North Carolina radio reading services, Governor Morehead School for the Blind, North Carolina Library for the Blind, Delta Airlines, the training program for teachers of the visually impaired at North Carolina Central University, information about identity theft from the Raleigh police department, emergency preparedness and AARP services. At the conclusion of the annual business meeting, Melanie Brunson administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers: president, Allen Casey; first vice president, Ron Eller; second vice president, Ricky Scott; secretary, Anne Brewer; treasurer, Jane Ferrita; members at large, Thelma Crumpler and Darlene McElroy. ** Missouri Hires New Executive Director The Missouri Council of the Blind recently hired Jennifer Parker of St. Louis as its new executive director and Lowell Newsom as its new field service representative. Newsom will also handle fund-raising. ***** COMMITTEE NEWS Fitness Equipment Equity Task Force to Hold Open Conference Call The Fitness Equipment Equity Task Force (FEET) invites ACB members to participate in its January conference call on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. Eastern. We'd appreciate hearing about specific experiences, concerns, design ideas, and any other input to aid pursuit of our mission to promote the availability of equipment that can be used successfully by people with limited or no usable vision. We also are collecting ideas on how to advocate for more accessible fitness centers. Treadmills, rowing machines, and elliptical machines are prominent in our discussions, but our agenda need not be limited to those particular devices. To join our conference call, dial (605) 475-4825 and enter the access code 661001#. ***** 2010-2011 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE SOON! The American Council of the Blind annually awards approximately 20 scholarships ranging in amounts from $1,000 to $2,500 to college students (undergraduate, graduate and vocational) who are legally blind, maintain a 3.3 GPA and are involved in their school and/or local community. Applications may be submitted beginning Jan. 1, and all materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 1. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the upcoming academic year. To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an on-line application, visit www.acb.org. For more information, please contact the ACB national office at (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666. ***** AN UPDATE ON THE BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP by Bonnie Rennie "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," as the song says. What could be more enjoyable than a leisurely day spent shopping, window-shopping, or taking in a chick flick with your girlfriends? Whether it's the good times or the tough times, life often goes better when we share them together. We wanted to provide an update, especially on our contact information, for the Breast Cancer Support Group. The ACB Women's Concerns Committee is still sponsoring this group by phone. It has been meeting on the first Tuesday evening of the month since December 2008. The group offers a safe and comfortable place for women living with the dual experience of having vision loss and a history of breast cancer. The three group facilitators or moderators, Lori, Linda, and Bonnie, welcome you to this group. We are all long-time ACB members and social workers with much experience conducting groups. Since the group is member-driven, we talk about what the members in attendance want. Laughter, encouragement, and the sense that you do not walk through this alone are all common experiences. If you are a woman living with vision loss and breast cancer, and you would like to join this lively, friendly group, please take note of the updated contact information. We meet on the first Tuesday evening of the month. The time is 8:30 to 10 p.m. Eastern time (5:30 to 7 p.m. Pacific). Dial (605) 475-4850. Follow the voice prompts and when requested, use the group ID 727660 pound sign. You will be asked to state your name and location, which helps the rest of the group know who is attending, and importantly, helps promote confidentiality. If you have questions, contact Lori Scharff at (516) 887-1336. For a somewhat more detailed description of the group and what it may be like to attend, please refer to the article "A Taste of Support" in the June 2009 issue of the Forum. We regret that the conference call group call-in number is not a free call. Those women who do join us, we believe, will have a positive and helpful experience. ***** ACB RADIO IS HERE FOR YOU! by Debbie Hazelton As ACB Radio approaches its 10th birthday milestone in December, it is still a best kept secret with all it can do for you and your affiliate! While you may be aware of one or more of ACB Radio’s five streams, we believe ACB Radio is still a largely untapped resource. Perhaps this article will serve as a good introduction for some, and a review for others, out of which can come a wide variety of new talent, opportunities, information and more. As ACB Radio is getting ready to roll out a 10-year birthday celebration during the last week of December, we want you to know that even now, with much ground work done, there is still a plethora of ways in which you, our readers, listeners, members and affiliates can continue to shape the direction and content of ACB Radio. ACB Radio can help you and others in your affiliates gain so much more from listening to its streams. There are new friends to find, new skills to learn. We can learn yet more from the advocacy of others, the projects of affiliates. While there is much content already on ACB Radio with our five streams, there is still room for many more shows, topics, conventions and announcements. We want to hear from you! We want you to involve your affiliate projects! If you’re doing a fund-raiser with something to sell, why not announce it on ACB Radio? If you’re having a convention or large activity that involves one or more speakers, why not stream it? If the technicality of it all is new or overwhelming, we can help. During the last 10 years, ACB Radio has gone a long way to build five streams, and yet it is still a vastly unused, undiscovered resource, and we want to change this! You can help. ACB Radio is fun! For some, it is a thrill to find out that it is possible to broadcast and play favorite music. And still, ACB Radio is here to be a mouthpiece for ACB! We want you to get involved. This is a resource that is here for you and all of ACB! There are many people who only know of one or two of our five streams. ACB Radio is working hard to see that all of our streams are cross-promoted. Currently, Treasure Trove, our stream for old-time radio, is our most popular stream. Yet we know from how busy our Mainstream channel is at the time of our national convention that it is also popular for those who know of its availability. There are some people who only know of our Interactive stream, which is our music stream for live DJs. Our Café stream fills in when there is not a live DJ available, and the Café stream is a lovely place to become more acquainted with the music of blind musicians. Our World stream will likely be a place for more live programming, such as conventions and other special programs. There is so much more ACB Radio can do for you, and we look forward to an ongoing and growing partnership. Feel free to call upon us for help, or to brainstorm ideas. We are here to help! If you need help putting together an announcement you’d like to have on the air, or if you have the text and want us to create a promo, we’re here to help! Write to support@acbradio.org. We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you grow our many wonderful affiliates through ACB Radio! ***** MY ACB CHRISTMAS PRESENT by William Benjamin This year I get to look forward to a very special Christmas present. It is all the more special because it is from ACB to me -- and from me to ACB. I spent the entire day and evening on Christmas Eve, strutting around the house in anticipation. How much does this present mean to me and how much does it mean to ACB? Presents are the best when they are personal and full of good intentions. On Christmas morning I was up early and out in the living room, having trouble containing my glee. The lights were on and Christmas music playing in the background and me full of wonder for the moment I would open it. Then there were all the other packages under the tree that somehow had much less meaning compared to my ACB surprise. After some hot chocolate and a danish, it was time to approach my present. It was just one envelope lying on the branches, but it had been placed there in plain view because it was so important. This was a present that must be kept track of because it was so valuable. As I held it in my hand, I thought about how important it was that ACB would bestow this gift to me. I also thought about how the biggest and best surprises come in small packages. Finally I thought about how really important gifts last for years and years and stand the test of time. As I opened the envelope, I took my time to relish the moment. A true feeling of satisfaction came over me as I lifted the flap to reveal the inside. Now it was time to grasp the prize and lift it out. Here it was: confirmation that they had received my information and added my name to the list of contributors for the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program. Anyone who is a contributor knows what I am talking about. The greatest gift of all is one that we give and not receive. It would be hard to overlook the importance of this gift. You can have half of your donation go to ACB and half go to your affiliate. You can have it come right out of your account each month, any amount that you like. Also, the gift goes to support scholarships, advocacy and a range of programs, like "The Braille Forum." Here is my Christmas wish for you. It is that you will give this gift as well. I also hope that you are grateful for what you have and are willing to share it with others in the American Council of the Blind. We really do have it pretty well compared to the blind in other countries, so let’s all do our part to contribute to ACB. ***** HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to info@acb.org, or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering’s mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date. ** HADLEY HOLIDAY CARDS The Hadley School for the Blind is selling its annual holiday cards to support its free education courses. This year’s greeting, written in braille and print, reads, "Wishing you peace, happiness and the spirit of the season." The photo is an oil painting of a whimsical Christmas tree with a snowy white background. The design is embossed for people who are visually impaired to enjoy. A box of 25 cards is $28 plus shipping. Custom imprinting is available for an added charge. Cards will be available until Dec. 17. To order, visit www.hadley.edu/holidaycards or call 1-800-323-4238. ** GOT BRAILLE? The Parents & Friends Association of the California School for the Blind is selling T-shirts and sweatshirts that honor Louis Braille to raise funds for some of the school’s extracurricular activities. Their past fundraisers have enabled activities such as class field trips, school carnivals, ski trips and goalball programs. The front of each shirt reads, “Got Braille?” On the back it says, “Happy Birthday Louis! Louis Braille 1809-2009 Blind innovator who gave reading and writing to the world.” All shirts are solid black with white puffy writing and braille. Shirts are a 50/50 poly/cotton blend. T-shirts go for $12 each, sweatshirts for $20, plus $4 per shirt for shipping. For more information, contact Staci Gonzales at (510) 794-3800 extension 216 or at sgonzales@csb-cde.ca.gov. ** OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE … National Braille Press now offers tactile American flags for $5 each. The stars and stripes are tactile; the red stripes are indicated with a braille “r” and the white with a “w." Flags measure 7 1/2” x 9 1/2”. These flags also include The Pledge of Allegiance in both braille and large print. Flags are available in contracted and uncontracted braille. To see one for yourself, visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/FLAG.html. For more information, call NBP at 1-800-548-7323. ** DVDs FOR SENIORS WITH VISION LOSS Two new DVDs are now available through AFB’s Senior Site. "Better Lighting for Better Sight" discusses ways to enhance vision, including different types of lighting, positioning of lighting, contrast sensitivity, and control of glare. It provides suggestions on how to choose the right light for the person and the task. “Preventing Falls by Adapting Your Home” suggests simple and inexpensive changes that can be made in the home to dramatically lessen the chance of a fall, whether it be in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. Each video retails for $49.95 through www.afb.org/store. ** FEEDBACK WANTED ON DESCRIBED MOVIES Job de Reus, a graduate student in the Netherlands, has created a web site exclusively for people with low or no vision that seeks feedback on the suitability of described movies. The web site, www.suitablemovies.com, is unique because it includes no text, just hidden code that can be read only by screen-reading software. Job’s database includes all described movies in the U.S. and the UK and a rating system for their usability for blind viewers. To share your feedback on any described movies and help Job with his project, visit www.suitablemovies.com. ** NEW MONEY IDENTIFIER Orbit Research has developed a new money identifier for people who are blind. The iBill is small enough to attach to a keychain or lanyard. When U.S. currency is inserted into the machine, the denomination can be either spoken or indicated by tone or vibration for privacy. The iBill runs on a single AAA battery and has a one-year warranty. It can also be upgraded to accept currency design changes. The iBill retails for $99. For more information, call 1-888-606-7248 or visit www.orbitresearch.com. ** iPHONE APPLICATION FOR THE BLIND Serotek has created an iPhone application specifically for people who are blind. The iBlink Radio application gives users access to all known radio stations, reading services and podcasts for people who are blind or have low vision. This application can provide access to daily newspapers, popular magazines, and special interest recordings. To learn more, visit www.serotek.com/iblink. ** ACCESSIBLE TALKING DARTBOARD The Audio Dart Master is a fully speaking electronic dartboard available through Sam Jasmine of Access Education. This newly designed board features human voice announcements of every hit, inside and outside indicators, large buttons, talking menus and game instructions, and more. The games offered are various countdowns, high score, golf, baseball, and cricket. Sam also offers a PVC portable stand with roll-out carpet and tactile toe line. For more information, visit www.audiodartmaster.com or call (763) 383-0077. ** BRAILLE WRITER DESIGN WINS AWARD Perkins Products/Perkins School for the Blind and Product Development Technologies, Inc., were honored in the 2009 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA®) sponsored by "BusinessWeek," the Industrial Designers Society of America, Target and Autodesk for the Next Generation™ Perkins/APH Brailler®, developed in collaboration with the American Printing House. The IDEA competition is a celebration of the year’s most innovative and exciting product and product concept designs and one of the world’s most prestigious and recognizable design competitions. The brailler received a Silver Award, one of only 47 such designations out of 1,631 entries. ** YOUTH EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITY Global Explorers provides educational tourism experiences for youth of all physical abilities ages 14-21 through its Leading the Way program. The program integrates science, service, leadership, and culture, resulting in a life-changing adventure. Far more than just a fun trip, each expedition involves preparatory curriculum prior to travel and a service leadership project post travel. Two trips are planned for 2010: Rim to River Expedition: Grand Canyon, Ariz., July 6-20, 2010 and Yucatan Leadership Program, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, July 10-18, 2010. For additional information, e-mail LeadingTheWay@GlobalExplorers.org; call 1-877-627-1425; or visit www.GlobalExplorers.org and click "Leading the Way." Braille, screen reader friendly and large print materials are available upon request. ** GOLDEN REFLECTIONS BOOK Michael Yale has written his second book, “Golden Reflections; My Master’s Secrets.” The story is told from Vargus’ perspective, Yale’s Seeing Eye dog for 12 years. Vargus says, "Do you have any idea how frustrating it is being on the wrong end of a leash with a hippie, for twelve years? What about living under the stoned hands and harsh rules in a dogtatorship?” “Golden Reflections" is available in print or on audio CD as an MP3 file. For more information, contact Mike Yale, 3 Burrow Pit Lane, Huntsville, Ontario, P1H 1X3 or phone (705) 789-1546. ** RESOURCE FOR BIOPTIC DRIVING The Low Vision Centers of Indiana have developed a new web site for people who experience vision loss but want to continue driving with bioptic assistance. The site is designed as a resource for professionals who are seeking additional expertise and potential drivers who want to learn more about the bioptic driving technique. With the help of telescope-like devices, individuals who have poor central vision but good peripheral vision may be able to drive independently. To learn more, visit www.biopticdrivingusa.com. ** RADIO READING COMING TO CHINA Minnesota State Services for the Blind's (SSB) Radio Talking Book (RTB) is helping China establish its own radio reading service that will serve as many as 3 million blind or visually impaired people in that country. The project is being sponsored by China-based TCL Electronics and the China Charitable Federation (CCF). CCF intends to establish a nationwide service using the same technology and radios developed for the RTB and serve from 200 to 500 cities. To learn more about this venture, visit http://cszh.mca.gov.cn/article/english/. ** SPIRITUAL STORIES NEEDED Anyone interested in sharing a story of rejection or alienation from the church in which you could not use your gifts adequately should contact Lindy Morelli on her web page, www.alabasterheart.org, or via phone, (570) 341-5858. ** FREE BRAILLE MAGAZINE "The Higher Way" is a free Christian magazine, available in braille. It is published quarterly. If you are interested in subscribing, call (503) 777-1741 or send e-mail to subscriptions@apostolicfaith.org. ** CAREERS IN HOSPITALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE Individuals seeking careers in the hospitality industry and customer service professions may want to learn more about the National Statler Center’s Careers in Hospitality Program. The center offers this class to blind, visually impaired and disabled people at its Buffalo, N.Y. campus, attracting students from throughout the U.S., North America and abroad. The 10-week course provides training in hospitality, tourism, travel and customer service preparedness; the Microsoft Office suite; and personal job-search assistance to place graduates in fulfilling career positions. For more information, contact Jeff Pease at (716) 888-4516 or at www.statlercenter.org. ***** HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP ** FOR SALE: One-year-old Compaq Presario desktop PC with Windows Vista Home Premium, 500-gig hard drive, Intel Pentium dual processor, 2 gigs RAM, 17" flat-screen monitor, CD/DVD read-write drive, USB ports, card readers, Microsoft Office Professional 2003, and JAWS 9. Can send it with music, movies, text and audio books. Asking $500 or best offer plus shipping. Contact Irena Franchi, 301 174th St. #2206, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160; phone (305) 932-8856; or e-mail gracewellness@gmail.com. ** FOR SALE: Braille globe, about 4 feet high and 4 feet around. Used for teaching; heavy duty. Made in 1954, in excellent condition. Price negotiable. Contact Judith Michels at (313) 535-5188 or e-mail judithmichels@att.net. ** FOR SALE: Braille Note in excellent condition with carrying case, headphones, and compact flash card included. Asking $1,500 or best offer. Talking scientific calculator with charger, case, headphones, and manual on cassette. In excellent condition. Asking $200 or best offer. Tadi talking voice organizer with AC adapter, and print and CD manual. In excellent condition; rarely used. Asking $125 or best offer. Braille labeler with two rolls of labeling tape. Asking $30. 39-inch folding cane with rubber grip, gently used, but in great condition. Asking $35. All prices include shipping. Will accept cashier's check, money order, or personal check; items will not ship until check clears. Contact Shelley Richards at cutie10212002@msn.com or call (856) 577-3564. ** FOR SALE: Perkins braille writer in good condition with leather cover. Asking $175 or best offer. Call Caitlin at (517) 227-1122. ** FOR SALE: One wooden checkers game in good condition. Asking $30; money orders only. If interested, contact Nancy Ryder at owenryder@sympatico.ca or (319) 217-8385. ** FOR SALE: King James Old and New Testaments on DVD, CD (MP3), and cassette. Contact Joe Kelly at (903) 794-4852. ** FOR SALE: Compaq laptop with full keyboard, 160-gig hard drive, 2 gigs RAM, 15.6"-wide screen, Windows XP Professional, JAWS and ZoomText, Microsoft Word. Like new. Asking $550. Professional dual CD player for DJs, Danon 4500, in very good condition. Asking $300. QSC Professional amplifier model RMX2450, almost new, for DJ or band. Asking $375. Contact Jose at (818) 220-6256. ** FOR SALE: Braille Lite. Asking $300. Perkins braille writer. Asking $550. Contact Dwain at (773) 597-4263. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT MITCH POMERANTZ 1115 CORDOVA ST. #402 PASADENA, CA 91106 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT KIM CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVE. WATERTOWN, MA 02472 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT BRENDA DILLON 313 OVERRIDGE COVE HERMITAGE, TN 37076 SECRETARY MARLAINA LIEBERG 632 S. 189TH ST. BURIEN, WA 98148 TREASURER MIKE GODINO 104 TILROSE AVE. MALVERNE, NY 11565-2024 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER GRAY 94 RAMONA AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 ACB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, IL Berl Colley, Lacey, WA Marsha Farrow, Summerville, GA Michael Garrett, Missouri City, TX Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA David Trott, Talladega, AL Cammie Vloedman, Oklahoma City, OK Ex Officio: Marcia Dresser, Reading, MA BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Paul Edwards, Chairman, Miami, FL Marcia Dresser, Reading, MA Judy Jackson, San Antonio, TX Jenine Stanley, Columbus, OH Ken Stewart, Warwick, NY Ex Officios: Michael Malver, Minneapolis, MN Ron Milliman, Bowling Green, KY