Have you stopped to think about how many changes have taken place in this country in the last five years? There are many and they are affecting all of us. In fact it is a whole new world. Who would have thought that it would become necessary for our largest corporations like IBM, Xerox, General Motors, and many others to lay off numerous people in order to stay competitive in their sales of products? Who would have thought that the federal government would have a reduction in its work force? Who would have thought that many state and city governments would have to reduce their budgets for lack of revenue and in turn reduce benefits to their constituency? Who would have thought that many employers would start using temporary help rather than full-time employees?

All these changes are primarily the result of a lack of money and a lack of discipline on the part of politicians and managers in general. The other side of this equation is a lack of accountability on the part of many who refuse to accept responsibility for their own well-being and who are therefore unconcerned about the quality and manner of their performance in whatever type of work they do.

I am sure you are wondering why I am bringing all this up. I mention this because the whole new world does and will affect all of us in this country whether we are disabled or not. Indeed, it already is affecting us. The attitude of many people is very rapidly changing and their concerns for disabled people are not what they once were.

This attitude is beginning to be evident in dealing with Congress as well as on state and local levels. When you talk to members of Congress about increasing the budget for programs for the disabled, they ask whose program should be cut to provide this increase. In fact there is a big effort being made by Congress to cut many programs in order to reduce the federal deficit or to finance new programs the president is trying to get Congress to pass.

The federal government's concern to change the way it purchases and how much it can save on the cost of those purchases could affect how the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act is used in the future. Any changes could result in lost jobs for disabled people in workshops.

The downsizing of the federal government will inevitably result in the downsizing of some vending facilities in government buildings. It could change the way that the Randolph-Sheppard Act is being used.

As far as business is concerned it is interested in using the least amount of full-time employees to get the most done. That means employers will increasingly turn to the use of temporary help, either by having people work part-time or contracting with temporary agencies. This of course allows the employer to save money on fringe benefits. Also when work becomes slack it is much easier to let temporary people go. This trend toward temporary services could dramatically affect the employment picture for blind and disabled people.

Again, you may wonder why I bring all this up? Well, the main reason is ACB too must be part of this whole new world. The way ACB carries out it services to its membership may need to change in order to be a force in this whole new world and effectively meet the needs of its membership.

As I write this article I am getting ready to attend a meeting of the Long-Range Planning Committee. We will be discussing how ACB functions today and how this will fit in with the whole new world as we see it today. We'll attempt to visualize the future to the degree that we can. Committee members have done much research, and many people have been contacted for their input. I hope after this we can finalize our reports.

Changes for disabled people, I think, are much harder to make in many ways than they are for non-disabled people. Changes for us can mean investing much more effort and time as compared to others. But we must make whatever changes are necessary or we will be left out of the mainstream, and that we cannot afford.

Caption ACB President LeRoy Saunders addresses the convention.

Since the ACB national convention is such a major part of the schedule in July of each year, some people assume incorrectly that little else of importance to ACB members takes place then. In reality, the ACB staff members who took part in the 1994 national convention, which was the largest in the history of ACB, really "hit the ground running" on their return to Washington. Some of the issues and topics which demanded immediate attention included health care reform, reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, further development of the national information infrastructure or "information superhighway," detectable warnings and free matter for the blind.

The thrust of many decisions made at the recent ACB national convention regarding detectable warnings emphasized that uncooperative transit agencies such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority "just don't get it" when it comes to understanding the need for meaningful detectable warnings along platform edges. For that reason several dozen members of ACB affiliates from the Washington metropolitan area conducted a peaceful but very visible rally one Sunday afternoon outside the main Metro Center in downtown Washington. One of the purposes of the rally was to memorialize the three blind people who had been killed after falling from Metro or commuter rail platforms in the Washington area. Each attendee laid a flower beneath a wreath in memory of the three people and many others who had fallen, perhaps been injured but not killed, over the years. WMATA, while refusing to comply with ADA regulations issued by the Federal Transit Administration, has insisted unconvincingly that the granite strip which runs along each Metro platform edge is a suitable warning. That insistence and WMATA's obsessive attachment to its beautiful granite edge led to frequent chants that "granite is for gravestones." I am sorry to report that another national organization of blind people sided with WMATA a day or so later when that agency again insisted, among other things, that federally mandated detectable warnings along its platform edges are not necessary and, in fact, would be dangerous.

Among the international guests who visited the ACB national office recently were Ms. Joan Thompson, a member of the staff of the South African National Council for the Blind, Pretoria, South Africa, and Mr. Pecharat Techavachara, president of the Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind, Bangkok, Thailand. It was, indeed, enjoyable and informative to share information with Ms. Thompson and Mr. Techavachara. During the national convention in Chicago it was our pleasure to meet other members of the delegation from South Africa who were in this country attending the convention of the National Organization on Albinism and Hypopigmentation.

There is not enough space in this article to describe all of the activities that occurred in Washington during the last week of July in celebration of the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those activities, incidentally, had to be dovetailed in with many historic events surrounding the termination of hostilities in the Middle East between the nations of Israel and Jordan. One of the kickoff ADA events was a very well-attended press conference conducted by Attorney General Janet Reno to celebrate the signing of the ADA and to publicize the release of a series of TV public service announcements intended to educate the public regarding the ADA. The ACB director of governmental affairs and I gladly endorsed the release of the announcements, but had to point out that we thought they would have been better and more useful to blind and visually impaired people if the toll-free telephone number of the Justice Department (for the receipt of questions and complaints) had been announced audibly rather than displayed visually only. However, the climax of the week's activities took place when thousands of disabled and non- disabled citizens gathered by invitation on the South Lawn of the White House at a festive rally to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the signing of the historic ADA. Dozens of ACB members from throughout the United States were in attendance and ACB's director of governmental affairs, Paul Schroeder, was among the small group of dignitaries who were individually introduced as they came onto the stage shared by President and Mrs. Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore. The American Council of the Blind was the only blindness organization so recognized.

During his remarks to the assembled throng on the South Lawn of the White House on July 27, 1994, Vice President Gore, while speculating that the gathering that day was the largest one ever held on the White House grounds, said, among other things, "How do we measure the full effects of victories: one, in the courtroom? We may not measure them fully, but we feel them and they are there. Those victories set precedents that will guide us for generations. The only real mystery is why they took us so long. How could we ever have excluded a blind person from jury duty? ... Here in the White House when we communicate with people on the Internet and have a forum, the person who runs the White House forum is both deaf and blind." During his remarks, President Clinton said, among other things, "We do not have a person to waste, and that is why we are here today to rededicate ourselves to an America where every man, woman and child can reach the fullest of their God-given potential. ... The Americans with Disabilities Act stands for what is best in our heritage -- empowering Americans to build better lives for themselves. In that tradition I pledge as your president to see that this act is fully implemented and aggressively enforced in our schools, our workplaces, in government and in public places for the benefit of all persons with disabilities -- blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, persons with mental retardation, persons with mental illness, persons who are mobility impaired, all people who have problems that can be overcome. We must move from exclusion to inclusion, from dependence to independence, from paternalism to empowerment. ... The people who fought for the Americans with Disabilities Act originally had health care reform in the act and it had to be dropped because they knew this bill would be delayed for years if it had to deal with the difficult and complicated and politically explosive issue of health care reform. ... We must say we do not care about politics. There are Democrats and Republicans in this audience and independents in this audience; there are people here today who voted for all three people who ran for president the last time. I do not give a rip what your politics are, but I do want you to have health care." Following the ceremonies at the White House, it was our pleasure to host several dozen of the ACB members who were present for an informal luncheon at the ACB national office.

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Daniel Derechin to the ACB national office staff as our legislative assistant. Daniel, a 1993 graduate of Franklin and Marshall University, majored in anthropology and prior to joining the ACB staff was employed as a legal assistant by an outstanding Washington law firm.

It is, indeed, with regret that I announce the resignation of ACB's director of governmental affairs, Paul W. Schroeder, who will be leaving in a few weeks to accept a position as National Consultant for Technology and Telecommunications with the American Foundation for the Blind in Chicago. It is almost impossible to describe how much Paul will be missed because of his energy, analytical skills, outstanding communication abilities, impressive strategizing capabilities, sense of humor (especially as a fan of the Buffalo Bills) and cooperation as a team player. It is almost an understatement to say that we wish him well as he moves on to the next stage of his impressive career.

Captions ACB National Representative Oral O. Miller stands at a microphone. Paul Schroeder answers questions posed by conventioners --Photo by M. Christine Torrington.

Gentle, angry people recently voiced their feelings of outrage and sorrow while remembering friends who died or were injured as a result of falls from subway platforms. ACB members from Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland gathered around a wreath of commemoration on a Sunday afternoon in late July at Metro's Metro Center station. Participants focused on the lives that could have been saved, if there had been detectable warnings. They sang such songs as "We Are Gentle, Angry People" and "We Are Singing for Our Lives," they read poems, and they chanted and cried.

"It is a life-or-death struggle," said Pamela Shaw, vice president of the National Capital Area Chapter of the ACB of Maryland.

Regulations implementing the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act required that detectable warnings be installed in all key transit stations along edges of platforms by July 26, 1994. Such warnings aid the safety of all passengers, including blind and visually impaired people, because they can be easily seen by individuals with limited vision, felt underfoot or readily detected by a long white cane.

Transit authorities in most major metropolitan areas are well on their way to completing the installation of these critical safety- and independence-enhancing warnings. Recently the U.S. Department of Transportation granted the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority an extension of up to two years to conduct research and install detectable warnings in key stations. The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority, to date, has refused to install detectable warnings which comply with ADA regulations.

Shaw, who is also a member of the ACB board of directors, says there have been weekly meetings since the announcement of WMATA's deadline extension to organize a plan to educate the public, legislators and other blind people about detectable warnings. "We need to rededicate ourselves and channel our anger to work toward something positive," said Charles Hodge, ACB first vice president and president of the Old Dominion Council of the Blind, one of ACB's Virginia affiliates.

Placed near the wreath with red, white and blue carnations were a broken cane and a detectable warning tile symbolizing those individuals nationwide who have fallen to their deaths from transit platforms. Countless others have fallen and been injured. "It could have been any of us," said Shaw. The most recent injury was on July 22, 1994 in Philadelphia, Pa.

"There is a sense of commitment -- to persevere even more," said ACB board member Pat Beattie. "Our work is important. We need to educate the politicians, transit officials and other blind people that detectable warnings are safer." Captions Pam Shaw holds a bunch of flowers to lay down near the wreath. -- Photos by Sandra Pickett Paul Schroeder speaks into a bullhorn and Pam Shaw speaks along with him as they and others protest the lack of detectable warnings on Metrorail platforms. This wreath, the flowers beneath it, the broken white cane and tile of detectable warning placed near the flowers commemorated the deaths of several blind and visually impaired people in falls from subway platforms.

The American Council of the Blind named the recipients of four awards during the July 3 opening ceremonies of the 33rd Annual National Convention in Chicago.

Carl R. Augusto, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, was named the 1994 recipient of ACB's George Card Award. "These facts don't represent everything there is to know about this man," said Sharon Keeran, a member of the awards committee who read biographical information about Augusto as she presented the awards.

"What a thrill," Augusto said. "I met George Card, and I know a little about him. I know that he stood up for what he believed, and he took a leadership role in this organization during difficult times. So to receive an honor in his name is really a thrill. I treasure this most of all because it comes from what I believe are my true peers. ACB's partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind means a great deal to me professionally. But perhaps much more than that, the friendships I've gained with so many of you in the audience have meant a great deal to me personally." The Robert S. Bray Award was presented to Stephen Dwornik, a former NASA employee, and a member of the Public Outreach Solar System Exploration Working Group. With urging from Dwornik, the group decided to develop a solar system chart which provides large print and braille information about the planets and their orbital planes. Keeran said Dwornik's map includes a comparison chart which compares the planets to common objects to which blind and partially sighted people could relate. The sun, for example, is compared to a doorway. Using that standard, the earth would then be the size of an aspirin tablet. The map also includes information about the planets' distances from the sun and the number of satellites each planet has.

With help from Joe Wiedel, a renowned tactile map maker at the University of Maryland, and with financial backing from the Ball Aerospace Company, Dwornik and the public outreach group produced the first 200 maps. In the future, Dwornik plans to include taped information to accompany the braille map. Additionally, he plans to introduce "sound buttons" which would allow the map user to touch the map in various places and hear digitized information about the planets. According to Keeran, no federal funding was used to produce the maps.

Dwornik said his immigrant mother had encouraged him to pay America back in some way for what it had given him. "I thought my service in World War II did that," he said, "until I met the members of the American Council of the Blind."

Coincidentally, the day on which the award was presented was Dwornik's 68th birthday. Upon learning that, the convention spontaneously broke into song, singing "Happy Birthday."

Dwornik provided a history of the project and talked about its future, including relief globes of the planets. "The wonders of planetary exploration will literally be at your fingertips," he said. "We can take you on a trip down a Martian Grand Canyon that stretches the distance from Los Angeles to New York City up to the top of the largest volcano in the solar system, to the back side of the moon, ... you haven't heard the end of POSSE yet; we're just getting cranked up."

Billie Jean Hill presented the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award and the Vernon Henley Media Award. She began with a brief explanation of the activities of the board of publications. The 1994 recipient of the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award is Mary Jane Owen, a Washington, D.C., writer and frequent contributor to "The Braille Forum." She was recognized for her story "I'll Fake It Till We Make It, But How Long Will it Take?" in the May 1993 issue. "Braille Forum" Editor Nolan Crabb accepted the award in Owen's behalf. "It is time we stop feeling we have to keep our need for data access in the closet," Owen wrote in a prepared statement. "Data access must become as much a national priority as physical access. ... Too many of us are trying to reach our goals and fulfill our potential while traveling on muddy back-country roads while our sighted colleagues are finding the entry ramps onto the information highways. In offering this recognition, ... ACB reiterates we need innovative and creative strategies and technologies and we need them now."

Hill indicated that Kathy Nimmer and Stan Greenberg submitted contributions deserving of honorable mention for the Freeman Award. Deborah Kendrick is the 1994 recipient of the Vernon Henley Media Award for her book "Jobs to be Proud Of." The book was commissioned by the American Foundation for the Blind.

Kendrick said she is fortunate enough to love her work. "I think that's something all of us deserve," she said, "to have a job we love." She recalled her own experiences with Henley and her time as a member of the board of publications. "When Billie Jean came up with the idea, and the rest of us on the BOP worked to develop this award, I never dreamed that I would someday be receiving it. Thank you for this award and for allowing me to be among you."

Hill said the American Foundation for the Blind's recently introduced public service campaign, a hotel training video submitted by ACB member Cheryl Duke of Virginia, and a series of brochures submitted by Guide Dog Users, Inc., an ACB affiliate, were submissions worth mentioning. Captions Carl Augusto POSSE paid the ACB national office a visit in May. Pictured are, left to right, Joe Boyce, Steve Dwornik, Oral Miller, Nolan Crabb, Joe Wiedel, Sue Brand and Jesse Moore. Nolan and Sue hold up the map of the solar system. Mary Jane Owen

The American Council of the Blind is looking for an individual with a background in legislative/advocacy/civil rights work for a non-profit organization, preferably dealing with disability concerns.

Well-developed writing and verbal skills are essential. Primary responsibilities include: promoting and developing American Council of the Blind programs involving governmental action; advocating changes in existing law; conveying the position of the Council on pending legislative and administrative proposals; maintaining cooperative relationships with other organizations which have similar objectives; providing advice and technical assistance to affiliates and to blind individuals; keeping the membership informed about legislative developments; recommending actions to be taken and policies to be adopted by the Council; and performing other related work as assigned. A reasonable amount of travel is required.

Applicants should have a general familiarity with the public interest community and a commitment to progressive social and economic reform.

Minimum qualifications: Two years experience, J.D. optional. Send resumes, including salary history and requirements, by Nov. 1, 1994 to: Oral O. Miller, National Representative, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 720, Washington, D.C. 20005.

The 1995 convention of the American Council of the Blind will take place in Greensboro, N.C. The dates are Saturday, July 1 through Saturday, July 8. We will meet at the Holiday Inn Four Seasons, Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. This is one large facility where once again all convention functions will occur in one hotel. Several smaller hotels less than one mile away will be used for overflow sleeping rooms. There will be shuttle service available for convenient transportation. Sleeping room rates will be $47 per night single through quad. Reservations can be made now by calling (800) 242-6556. The hotel address is 3121 High Point Road, Greensboro, NC 27407. All room reservations including those at overflow hotels will be handled by the Holiday Inn Four Seasons. After the rush and commercialism of Chicago, you will welcome the southern hospitality of North Carolina. Greensboro is the third largest city in the state with a population of close to 200,000. It is located in the center of the state and is a part of the Piedmont Triad which includes the cities of High Point and Winston-Salem. The first settlers to move into this area were German, Quakers of Welsh and English descent, and Scotch-Irish mostly from the northern colonies. In 1771, the area was the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle when Gen. Nathaniel Greene made a stand against British troops. Although the Americans lost the battle, this encounter seriously weakened the British forces and they later surrendered at Yorktown. In 1807, the citizens of the area voted to establish a central government, and Greensboro was founded and named after its patriot commander Nathaniel Greene. The new town grew and prospered and it wasn't long until it became a center of education and economic opportunities -- which it is today.

Greensboro is located just off interstates 85 and 40. The Holiday Inn Four Seasons offers free shuttle service from the Triad International Airport 10 miles away. Airlines that provide service to this airport include American, Continental, Delta, United, and USAir. Greensboro can also be reached by Amtrak and Greyhound- Trailways bus service.

Plan now to attend an exciting and challenging convention in 1995. There will be a variety of things to do, and it's not too early to start planning now.

If you often reminisce about the New York that used to be, take a glance through David D. Carroll's "New York: A Feast of Memories." It will take you back to the days when "street person" meant an organ grinder and his monkey, when New York was more innocent than today.

Carroll, who is blind, moved from South Carolina to New York in the 1920s. He lived and worked there until the mid-1960s. His tone and style of writing in this book are, I believe, reflections of the tone and style of those times: the first line rhymes with the second, and other such things. The arrangement and selection of words shows the times as well.

His "Prelude" states: "You mean my olden, golden New York -- / Provider of the unobtainable,/ Lurer to the unattainable?/ A cask of memories you uncork:." His wife, Billy Price Carroll, is the book's illustrator. She has a pen-and-ink sketch of the Statue of Liberty next to the "Prelude," and 15 more in various places throughout the book.

Carroll's book begins with his memories, from "Broadway shows, Fulton markets" to the "Romantic Staten Island Ferry." He continues with such poems as "When Mortal Stars Cease to Shine," "When Honesty and Quality Were the Golden Policy," "When Ladies Whoop for Single Bed," and "King Barnum and Some Royal Georges." In "When Honesty and Quality Were the Golden Policy," he writes that the world could take a few hints from "John Wanamaker, Franklin Simon" and others: "... winners never lowered standards/ Despite the tempting money swirl."

He also reviews the time when dancing the Charleston was popular, wartime songs were often heard, and the stock market crashed in "Dance, Song and Chance." "Will that time ever come again?/ The answer ever is:/ If conscience goes, will there be sin?/ Does folly flourish without men?"

One of the more interesting poems is "Ponder the Imponderable." In it, Carroll tells readers that if they move to New York, they should not expect to know the city in a few years' time, nor should they kick what they know of it off "by going home somewhere." He advises readers to reflect on this thought: "To learn New York within a lifetime's spin/ Is to biograph Methuselah/ On a single weekend."

Carroll's book is full of interesting reminiscences about New York, from wartime memories to getting a bank loan, the first women to do such things as swim the English Channel and fly solo, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Lindbergh story, Grand Central Station, views of the city and its people from above, the "Normandie," and other such things. It's a book about the size of a 5 1/4-inch floppy disk, just right for reading on a bus, plane, train, subway or car. The poems are good, and the art goes well with them. I won't spoil the book for you by telling you more about it -- you'll have to check it out for yourselves.

"New York: A Feast of Memories," published by Skyward Publishing, is available in print for $17.50 in the United States, ($19.95 U.S. dollars in Canada). A cassette tape was in progress as of April. To order, call 1-800-247-6553, extension 101B.

CHICAGO--At its 33rd annual national convention at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, the American Council of the Blind, with the participation of U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.), awarded its 1994 scholarships to 20 outstanding blind students from throughout the country. The awards were given to students in academic and professional curricula at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Hundreds of qualified blind and visually impaired students applied for these honors. Seventeen of the winners and other students were able to attend the convention in Chicago with the assistance of a grant to the American Council of the Blind by the Regional Bell Telephone Companies. The winners were honored by Sen. Simon on Thursday, July 7 during the convention's plenary program. "What a marvelous thing you are doing," Simon said during the presentation, "in providing these scholarships and providing role models for everyone."

The Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship winners in the graduate category are Rebecca Rupp, of Cleghorn, Iowa and Behnaz Soulati of Iowa City, Iowa. Rupp will attend Mankato State University in Mankato, Minn., where she will study community counseling. Soulati is pursuing an M.A. in French literature at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

The Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship winners in the undergraduate category are Frank Lopez of Yucca Valley, Calif., Lori Miller of Warsaw, Ind., and Shawn Mayo of Peoria, Ill. Lopez is seeking his B.A. in vocational education at California State University-San Bernardino. Miller is a business major at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind. Mayo is earning her B.S. in psychology at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

The Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship winners in the freshman category are Ashish Anand of Staten Island, N.Y., Anna Schneider of Seattle, Wash., and Keith Wessel of Urbana, Ill. Anand will attend New York University in New York, N.Y., where he will study biochemistry. Schneider will be studying genetics at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash. Wessel will be studying computer science at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill.

The recipient of the Dr. Mae Davidow Memorial Scholarship is Patricia Davis of Ashland, Ky., who is working toward her B.S. in psychology at Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky.

The Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Arie Farnam of Somerville, Ore. Farnam is seeking a B.A. in Slavic languages at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.

The TeleSensory Corporation Scholarship, being administered by ACB for the eighth year, was awarded to Daniel Simpson of Lansdowne, Pa., who will be working towards his M.A. in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

The William Corey Memorial Scholarship was presented to Brian McCall of Yeadon, Pa., who is aspiring to earn a law degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

For the fourth year, ACB is presenting three scholarships funded by National Industries for the Blind. These scholarships were awarded to Michelle Ferritto of Ventura, Calif., Robin Smithtro of Camarillo, Calif., and Scott Meyers of Greenfield, Wis. Ferritto is a student at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles studying business administration. Smithtro is pursuing her B.S. in business economics at Willamette University in Salem, Ore. Meyers is a student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wis., where he is studying business management systems.

For the first year, ACB is proud to present five newly established scholarships. The Kellie Cannon Memorial Scholarship, funded by Visually Impaired Data Processors International, was awarded to Qiong Du of Media, Pa. Du is a computer science major at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa. The Xerox Imaging Systems Scholarship, funded by Xerox Imaging Systems, was awarded to Tonia Valletta of Nokesville, Va. Valletta is seeking her B.A. in religion at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

The Central Virginia Council of the Blind Scholarship, funded by the Central Virginia Council of the Blind, was awarded to Jun Yin of Fairfax, Va. Yin is a student of Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. studying business administration. The Arnold Ostwald Memorial Science Scholarship funded by a foundation established by the late Arnold Ostwald, a blind lawyer, was awarded to Timothy Cordes of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Cordes is aspiring to earn a B.S. in biology at Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Ind. The John Hebner Memorial Scholarship funded by the family of the late John Hebner, a founding member of ACB, was awarded to Dawn Flewwellin of Aberdeen, S.D. Flewwellin is seeking a B.S. in rehabilitation at Northern State University while working full-time as a cafeteria manager.

In addition to the above scholarship recipients, Kimberly Morrow, who was awarded the Scholarship in Memory of Anne Pekar in 1992, continues to receive the funds from that scholarship. Morrow, of Overland Park, Kan., is earning an M.A. in German from the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Applications for the 1995 ACB scholarships will be available in the late fall of 1994. For more information, contact the national office at 1-800-424-8666 between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Eastern time weekdays.

You may have received or may receive a statement of your earnings and an estimate of your possible future benefits from Social Security without having requested it. SSA is required by law to do this and is beginning a test program. SSA is sending a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement to approximately 600,000 randomly selected persons between the ages of 25 and 64 who are not currently receiving Social Security benefits. It is doing the test mailing to get ready for the required mailings beginning in 1995. During the test mailing, SSA is sending an additional 16,000 statements with a questionnaire requesting the recipient's reactions to receiving the statement without having asked for it. SSA says that the purpose of the test is to gauge the resources needed to manage future earning and benefit estimate mailing workloads and to obtain early public reaction to the statements. Next year, in accordance with provisions in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, SSA will begin mailing earnings and benefit estimate statements to approximately 6.7 million people who are age 60 and older and who are not receiving Social Security benefits based on their own earnings record. In each year from 1996 through 1999, SSA will send statements to individuals as they reach age 60.

Beginning in fiscal year 2000, about 123 million people between the ages of 25 and 64 -- the majority of the American work force -- will receive an earnings and benefit estimate statement from SSA every year. To make implementation of the huge workload easier, SSA is considering phasing in the mailing statements to younger workers from 1996 to 1999. The project is part of a major effort to help people age 25 or older -- not just those nearing retirement -- understand their financial investment in and potential benefits from the Social Security system.

The statements will show earnings for all work in jobs covered under Social Security from 1937 through 1992. Reported earnings and the estimated taxes paid on those earnings are listed. People receiving the statements are encouraged to review the information carefully and report any missing or incorrect earnings. The estimates of retirement, disability and survivors benefits that may be payable as shown on the statement are based on the individual's date of birth and work history.

If you are unable to read your statement because of vision loss, you should advise the Social Security Administration of that fact and request a statement in an alternative medium.

(Reprinted with permission from "Horizons," September 1994.)

The White House celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a major "do," as my southern friends say. However, did you notice that one key agency was not mentioned and was not on the platform? Did anyone notice that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was absent in toto?

If the Clinton administration is serious about the Americans with Disabilities Act, how could it totally disregard the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? Whether or not you like what EEOC does and whether you like the current/former officials personally, in political reality, on an institutional basis, EEOC must play a vital role if the Americans with Disabilities Act is to be fully and fairly administered. It's basic: EEOC has lead responsibility under Title I, Employment.

The Clinton administration sent the wrong message by not including EEOC in its remarks and on the podium. If there was room on the platform for the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, and their key subordinates, surely there was a place for someone from EEOC.

If health care is important to employees who are to share its cost, as the administration was rallying the troops to support, then some mention also should have been made of the litigation the EEOC is pursuing to end discriminatory health care benefits. Fighting health plans which discriminate against persons who are HIV-positive is one of the few discernible initiatives the administration has taken for persons concerned about AIDS.

Don't get me wrong. I like Attorney General Reno, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Deval Patrick, and Secretary of Education Riley. Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, has deep, strong ties to the community of persons with disabilities. But this was an ADA anniversary, not a rally for the Department of Education.

EEOC has more than 30,000 charges (complaints) under the ADA, which is at least 20,000 more than the Department of Justice. The local Washington, D.C. office of EEOC is also overwhelmed with work. It has more than 100 complaints of civil rights violations (including ADA) per investigator and, at times, per force of the size of its budget, operates more like a M*A*S*H* unit than a federal agency.

This administration has made clear that no agency is going to get any increase in funding, a point the president reiterated when he spoke. In practical terms, that means the backlog at EEOC is not going to be addressed and will only get worse as complaints continue to be filed as they must under the law.

The president has named a new chairperson of EEOC. An autographed copy of "Horizons" to the first person (not an EEOC employee) who can correctly identify the new chair. This appointment came more than a year after taking office. That too is appalling.

When the new chairperson is sworn in, let me suggest a two- pronged, short-term agenda:

First: Open a McDonald's on the first floor, moving the one from 17th and H streets NW. You'll be the closest McDonald's to the White House. Your ground floor entrance is accessible so you're off to a good start. When you begin serving, include information about EEOC on all trays and with all takeout orders. Make sure the information is also available in accessible formats and that you have qualified interpreters on duty, too.

President Clinton's appetite for fast food, especially McDonald's, is well-known. This way, when President Clinton has a yen or goes jogging, he can trot up the street to your store. Once you get the customer in your store, you sell him on your program. As Molly Ivins writes from Texas, that's good "bidness." From the way this administration has treated EEOC so far, this may be the only way this president ever gets near the agency.

Second: Learn to jog! If you can, try and jog with Clinton. He might even remember you after the swearing-in ceremony. It's the perfect time to lobby for your budget.

If you can't run with Clinton, try jogging with the Gores. Vice President Gore and his entire family run in the Race for the Cure!, the national fundraising 5k race/walk to fight breast cancer. Mrs. Gore was particularly effective in her remarks at the ADA celebration (as was Mrs. Clinton). The vice president has been known to tell the president to get with the program.

Jogging with Vice President Gore could well have long-term benefits. At the rate President Clinton is going, he is fast alienating many voters who expected more from him on these issues. At this writing President Clinton cannot count on their support in 1996. Jogging with Al Gore could well be jogging with the next Democrat who is elected president -- even if it is in the year 2000!

"Hello, McDonald's. I'd like to order an EEOC burger to go, large fries and a Diet Coke."

(Editor's note: The resolutions shown below are those deemed top priority by the board of directors for national office staff action. They are presented in their entirety.)

Resolution 94-01
REQUESTING ADDITIONAL STAFFING, TRAINING AND IMPROVEMENTS IN CLAIMS PROCESSING FOR THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

WHEREAS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking an unusually long period of time to determine initial eligibility for disability benefits and to resolve appeals from adverse decisions; and

WHEREAS, such delays work hardships on blind applicants and beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, social security district office staff display a lack of knowledge about rules and regulations applicable to blind applicants and beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, social security district office staff reflect a lack of sensitivity to the needs of blind applicants and beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, staffing for the social security offices has been drastically reduced over the preceding years and will probably be reduced further;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 8th day of July, 1994, that this organization ask Congress to remove budgetary restrictions on the administrative funds for the Social Security Administration (which are paid from the Social Security Trust Funds), and approve a significant increase in staffing for the Social Security Administration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urges the Social Security Administration to increase staffing and training to immediately reduce the current backlog and to ensure that applications for disability benefits be acted upon within 90 days from date of application; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization suggests the following changes in law to ensure that decisions are made by the Social Security Administration in a timely manner:

1. if eligibility determinations are not made within 90 days, the applicant be put in payment status, and the payments made while a final decision is pending not be recoverable by the Social Security Administration;

2. appeals of adverse decisions be resolved within 30 days of the filing date for requests for reconsideration, and 90 days for appeals to an administrative law judge; and

3. if reconsideration and administrative law judge decisions are not resolved within the suggested time frames, the applicant/beneficiary be paid until a final decision is reached at the appeals council level, without such payments being subject to recovery.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 94-04
ENFORCEMENT OF FREE MATTER REGULATIONS

WHEREAS, the free matter mailing requirement has afforded persons who are blind or visually impaired opportunities to access large amounts of information; and

WHEREAS, without this requirement these information access opportunities would be lost; and

WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service has issued regulations which clearly indicate what types of materials can and cannot be mailed using the free matter mailing policy; and

WHEREAS, United States Postal Service employees in various parts of the United States have misinterpreted these regulations in an arbitrary and capricious manner; and

WHEREAS, ACB has documented cases of such misinterpretation of these regulations and abuse of authority by local postal officials;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day of July, 1994, that a letter be sent to the United States Postmaster General, Marvin Runyon, asking that regulations governing the free matter mailing requirement be interpreted and enforced fairly and equitably throughout the entire nation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that along with this letter, ACB provide Postmaster General Runyon with documentation of cases where Free Matter regulations have been misinterpreted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution and enclosed documentation be sent to the appropriate Congressional committees charged with overseeing the activities of the United States Postal Service.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary Resolution 94-11
SUPPORT FOR H.R. 794

WHEREAS, census data, national polls and other studies have documented that citizens with disabilities are severely disadvantaged socially, vocationally, economically and educationally; and

WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities have faced many of the same discriminatory obstacles in developing small businesses as have groups previously recognized as "socially and economically disadvantaged" under the Small Business Act; and

WHEREAS, the nation's proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals; and

WHEREAS, these goals can be advanced by providing the maximum practicable opportunities for the growth and development of small business concerns owned and controlled by individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 794, the "Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993," would eliminate insofar as possible, discrimination against individuals with disabilities in obtaining capital and other production assistance; and

WHEREAS, this bill will amend the Small Business Act by providing a means by which to declare persons with disabilities to be "socially disadvantaged individuals;"

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day of July, 1994, that this organization supports passage of H.R. 794 and directs its officers and staff to take all appropriate action to achieve this end; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization instructs those working to implement the passage of this bill to seek to assure that the definition of disabilities incorporated into this bill is equivalent to the definitions in the Americans with Disabilities Act and in the regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary Resolution 94-12
ACCESS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES

WHEREAS, the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), which is scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress next year, provides public libraries with federal funds for projects or construction; and

WHEREAS, individuals who are blind or visually impaired have a right to fully enjoy and use their local public libraries; and

WHEREAS, libraries are likely to become one of the centerpieces of the new information infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, several steps could be taken to expand collections, ensure access to information and otherwise encourage use of libraries by individuals who are blind or visually impaired;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 8th day of July, 1994, that this organization urge Congress to amend the Library Services and Construction Act as follows in order to ensure that the needs of library users who are blind or visually impaired are addressed:

1. establish standards which ensure that new information technology (from Internet hookups and collection databases to the equipment necessary to use these services) is accessible to and usable by individuals with a variety of disabling conditions;

2. encourage the development of collections which include a variety of resources and media, including audio recordings, large print material, and described videos;

3. foster the provision of information about library and community services to the public through both analog (telephone) and digital (electronic) means;

4. direct that persons with disabilities, including individuals with visual impairments, be included on library advisory committees;

5. ensure that the availability of public transportation is considered in determining a site for the construction or expansion of a public library;

6. develop innovative outreach programs whose express purpose is to encourage participation in the services and activities of public libraries by people with disabilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to Congressional oversight committees for libraries, the President of the American Library Association, the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and other entities deemed appropriate.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

Resolution 94-13
STRENGTHEN ALA STANDARDS FOR NETWORK LIBRARIES

WHEREAS, the American Library Association is currently engaged in rewriting the standards that govern service provided by network libraries and by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLSBPH); and

WHEREAS, blind and visually impaired people will be substantially affected by the standards adopted that govern the way service is provided at network libraries and through NLSBPH; and

WHEREAS, the working group that is preparing these standards is currently seeking comments concerning the second draft of these standards prior to their final rewriting and proposed adoption by the spring of 1995;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, the 9th day of July, 1994, that this organization strongly urges the inclusion of the following elements within the standards:

1. a clear and unequivocal requirement that each network library establish an advisory committee of its users which is representative as to geography, ethnicity, gender and disability;

2. clear service standards that set time limits within the library that will govern how quickly applications for service, requests for books or other consumer-related service standards can be expected to be processed;

3. clear and forward-looking technological standards that will require libraries to work toward making on-line catalog functions and access to the information highway elements intrinsic to their future growth and accessible to all users; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers, Directors and staff of this organization join with their affiliate, Library Users of America, in seeking to assure that these elements be included in the standards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the committee currently at work on setting these standards.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary Resolution 94-14
RECOMMENDING A NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY INITIATIVE

WHEREAS, it is generally recognized that a major disadvantage faced by blind and visually impaired people is the absence of available, accessible transportation; and

WHEREAS, as a result, legislation, regulations and appropriations relating to public transportation are of paramount importance to blind and visually impaired people; and

WHEREAS, increased levels of public transportation may result in significantly expanding opportunities for employment for people who are blind or visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the regulations implementing the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act are sometimes limiting rather than increasing access to transportation for people who are blind and visually impaired; and

WHEREAS, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act will be reauthorized in 1997 with hearings beginning as early as 1996;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 8th day of July, 1994, that this organization requests the president and the board of directors to create and implement a transportation initiative whose objective will be to:

1. develop specific legislative outcomes toward which the American Council of the Blind's membership will work as regards amendments to existing laws and regulations or the introduction of new legislation as needed;

2. Provide the board and membership of ACB with an implementation strategy that can be used to work towards the legislative outcomes recommended; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the president shall use whatever methods are seen fit to implement this resolution, but shall include progress toward this end as a part of his presidential report at the 1995 convention of this organization in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary Resolution 94-15
URGES BANA TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFIED BRAILLE CODE

WHEREAS, work on the Unified Braille Code (UBC) is continuing with a time table that would lead to its completion in just three years; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Braille Revival League and the American Council of the Blind are vitally interested in steps now being taken toward the eventual release of a final version of this code;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day of July, 1994, that the Braille Revival League and the ACB strongly urge BANA to take the following actions:

1. since no samples have as yet been released of either the math or the computer code, that such samples be made widely available within sixty days;

2. that information on the progress of the committee charged with developing this code be made available to periodicals of major consumer organizations of blind people at least each quarter starting immediately; and

3. that BANA seriously consider the release of new literary braille samples to reflect changes that have taken place over the last year in the projected Unified Braille Code; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to BANA immediately.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary Resolution 94-20
INSTALLATION OF DETECTABLE WARNINGS BY WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind believes that installation of materials easily detectable underfoot, by cane or with low vision -- through the use of contrast in texture, color, resilience or sound on cane contact -- can greatly enhance the safety of blind or visually impaired persons by warning that they are approaching a dangerous drop-off or a hazardous vehicular way; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final rule requiring installation of such detectable warnings on rail transit platforms in key stations; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has stated that it considers the design of its rail platforms, which include a flat granite strip and flashing lights along the platform edge, to be unique and safe; and

WHEREAS, WMATA also expressed unsubstantiated concern that the detectable warning surface required by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines may constitute a hazard for passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and cited these concerns among the bases for requesting an extension of at least one year in order to conduct research to resolve concerns to WMATA's satisfaction; and

WHEREAS, WMATA has offered representatives of ACB an opportunity for input into the design of this proposed research, and a promise to install the material selected for detectable warnings on platforms in all stations, not just key stations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day of July, 1994, that this organization emphasize to WMATA that it include detectable warning material in its research which meets all requirements of the ADAAG, including contrasts in texture, color, resiliency or sound on cane contact, and agree to install an ADA- compliant surface if this surface continues to prove to be the most detectable by persons who are blind or visually impaired as well as safe for other passengers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization call upon WMATA to agree to present a comprehensive plan no later than January 26, 1995 for prompt installation of effective detectable warnings in all stations within its rail system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urge the Department of Transportation to continue to vigorously seek compliance by all transit rail systems in installing detectable warnings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the general manager of WMATA, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and any other appropriate public official and members of Congress.

Adopted.

Patricia Price, Secretary

The announcement of new products and services in this column should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services by the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be responsible for the reliability of products or services mentioned.

HORIZONS MOVED Horizons for the Blind has moved to 16A Meadowdale Center, Carpentersville, IL 60110. Its new phone number is (708) 836-1400.

89 TO WIN The winner of the U.S. Blind Golfers Association's National Championship is Pat Browne, with two scores of 89. This win made his 17th national championship title. The World Golf Tournament for the Blind & Visually Impaired will be held in late October 1994 in Perth, Australia. It will be an open 54-hole gross and net score event inclusive of B1, B2 and B3 eyesight categories. Green fees and accommodations will be covered by the Western Australian Blind Golf Association.

FUN AT DEEP CREEK LAKE

Target Inc. offers a year-round program at the Lodge at Sawmill Hollow, a 10-bedroom, seven-bathroom facility on Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. The fall schedule is as follows: Oct. 7-9, folk festival weekend, includes a trip to the Springs, Pa. Folk Festival, $190; autumn glory weekend, Oct. 14-16, $190; Halloween weekend, Oct. 28-30, bring your costume, $180; turkeyfest weekend Nov. 11-13, includes baking pumpkin and apple pies from scratch, $190; Christmas crafts weekend, Dec. 2-4, includes ornaments, centerpieces and cookies (bring your favorite recipe), $180. Prices include all meals, lodging, 24-hour supervision, transportation within Garrett County, and admission to events. Transportation from other areas is available for an additional fee. Sign up for space. Call (410) 848-9090 or (301) 387-8455.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired has received a grant from the Delta Gamma Foundation to support its scholarship program. It now has three additional grants available for 1994. There are two $500 awards for teachers in a program leading to a degree or certification in the vision field, and one $500 award for a graduate student continuing college study. Applications for either award may be obtained from the NAPVI office, P.O. Box 317, Watertown, MA 02272-0317. Completed applications must be received by October 15. General requirements include membership (individual or family) in NAPVI and enrollment in a college or teacher training program. Applicants must also submit a personal statement, college transcript and letter of recommendation. Students applying for the graduate scholarship must also submit a statement from a vocational rehabilitation specialist, teacher of the visually impaired, or physician, that is proof of visual impairment. NAPVI board members, their families, and previous award winners are not eligible. For more information, call the NAPVI office at (800) 562-6265.

NOD SEEKS CITIES

The National Organization on Disability is seeking nominees for its National Community Awards. A grand prize of $10,000 will go to the winning community; separate cash awards of $3,500, $2,500 and $1,500 will be given for first, second and third place winners, respectively, in two categories: communities with populations over 50,000 and communities with populations less than 50,000. Guidelines for entering the competition are available from NOD, 910 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20006, or by fax at (202) 293-7999. Entries must be postmarked by Oct. 31, 1994. Winners will be announced in December.

PLAYBACK CATALOGS

Seven revised four-track tone-indexed merchandise catalogs are now available from Playback Marketing. They include: 1) jewelry, trinket boxes and personal items; 2) household items; 3) collectibles -- bells, music boxes, and large and miniature figurines; 4) audio and accessories, tools and items for the car; 5) toys; 6) Christmas, and 7) a general catalog of more than 25 categories, some of which are drawn from the other tapes. Each tape costs $1; the set of seven costs $6. Write in any format to Playback Marketing, 1308 Evergreen Ave., Goldsboro, NC 27530; phone (919) 736-0939.

ACCESS BY GRAPHICS

The Graphic Artists Guild Foundation has developed 12 graphic symbols for use in ads, newsletters, program brochures, membership forms, floor plans and other material. The symbols and accompanying text were reviewed by more than 15 organizations representing people with various disabilities, and were developed in consultation with the design community to achieve clarity and standardization. The National Endowment for the Arts distributed 500 sets of symbols free. Copying is permitted; selling is not. The symbols are available on IBM or Macintosh disks and on slicks, and may be ordered from the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation for $12.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. New York residents must add 8.25 percent sales tax. Send orders to: Graphic Artists Guild Foundation, 11 West 20th St., 8th floor, New York, NY 10011-3704; fax (212) 463-8779.

ADA INFO

Several federal agencies and other organizations provide information about the Americans with Disabilities Act and informal guidance in understanding it and complying with it. The list of agencies, their phone numbers and some additional information follows.

Technical assistance: Department of Justice, titles II and III. (800) 514-0301; in Washington, D.C., (202) 514-0301. TDD-(800) 514-0383; in Washington, D.C., (202) 514-0383. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Title I. ADA documents, (800) 669-3362, TDD-(800) 800-3302; ADA questions, (800) 669-4000 (for TDD, use relay service). Department of Transportation, titles II and III. ADA documents and general questions, (202) 366-1656, TDD-(202) 366-4567; legal questions, (202) 366-1936, TDD-(202) 366-0748; complaints and enforcement, (202) 366-2285, TDD-(202) 366-0153; public transportation in general, (800) 527-8279. National Easter Seal Society "Project Action," (202) 347-3066, TDD-(202) 347-7385. Federal Communications Commission, Title IV. ADA documents and general questions, (202) 418-0500, TDD-(202) 632-6999; legal questions, (202) 634-1808, TDD-(202) 632-0484; complaints and enforcement, (202) 632-7553, TDD-(202) 632-0485. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, ADA Accessibility Guidelines. ADA documents and questions, (800) 872- 2253, TDD-(800) 993-2822; within Washington, D.C., (202) 272-5434, TDD-(202) 272-5449. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, titles I, II and III. ADA technical assistance nationwide, (800) 949-4232. President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, job accommodations. Job Accommodation Network, (800) 526-7234; within West Virginia, (800) 526-4698; ADA Work Line, (800) 232-9675. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, all titles of the ADA. ADA technical assistance, (800) 466-4232. The Arc, assistance in English and Spanish on accommodating people with mental retardation. Phone (800) 433-5255; TDD-(800) 855-1155. The Foundation on Employment and Disability, assistance in Spanish, Korean, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese, Tagalog, Hindi, Arabic, Armenian, Russian and Dine. Phone (800) 232-4955; TDD-(800) 232-4957. National Council on Disability; (202) 272-2004, TDD (202) 272- 2074. Other federal laws: Internal Revenue Service, information on tax code provisions. Tax code information, (800) 829-1040; TDD-(800) 829-4059. To order publication 907, (800) 829-3676; TDD (800) 829-4059. Within Washington, D.C., (202) 622-3110; TDD-use relay service. Department of Housing and Urban Development, technical assistance concerning the accessibility standards that apply to residential facilities under the Fair Housing Act Amendments. (800) 795-7915; TDD-(800) 927-9275. Department of Transportation, technical assistance concerning air transportation accessibility standards under the Air Carrier Access Act. ACAA technical assistance, (202) 366-4859; TDD-use relay service. Complaints and enforcement, (202) 267-5794; TDD- (202) 267-9730. Federal Communications Commission, technical assistance concerning telephone accessibility standards under the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act. (202) 634-1808; TDD- (202) 632-0484. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, technical assistance concerning accessibility standards that apply to federal contractors. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, (202) 219-9428; TDD, (800) 326-2577.

READ IT ON YOUR OWN

If you've ever experienced the frustration of buying a packaged food product, taking it home and finding a sighted person to read you the directions, General Foods USA has a solution for you. It offers package directions in one braille booklet, called "Product Packaging Directions." The book includes directions for Tang, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Shake 'n Bake, Stove Top, and other products. Everyone who orders this $10 booklet will receive an assortment of General Foods coupons. To order, contact National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA 02115; (617) 266-6160.

NTN AVAILABLE ALL WEEK

Narrative Television Network enables blind and visually impaired Americans to watch TV and understand what they can't see. NTN adds the voice of a narrator to the existing program soundtrack. Launched in 1988, it has grown to include more than 1,000 broadcast and cable affiliates, reaching 25 million homes in North America. Programming consists of a talk/interview show, followed by a narrated movie. It is available in the United States on Nostalgia Television, and in Canada on the Family Channel.

On June 1, NTN programming became available in Mexico, Venezuela, a number of Caribbean countries, and New Zealand. For more information, contact Jim Stovall at (918) 627-1000.

MITSUBISHI GRANTS

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation announced its first set of 1994 grant recipients. They are: Creative Adaptations for Learning, Great Neck, N.Y., received $25,000 for the development of tactile pre-reading materials to prepare young visually impaired people for braille literacy; National Lekotek Center, Evanston, Ill., received $18,000 to establish a model summer computer camp for children ages 4 to 12, and a continuation grant of $45,000 was awarded to United Cerebral Palsy Association, to be used to add five new communities to the "Tech Tots" program, which assists children at home and in school with the use of advanced technology and instruction.

MIDI NEWSLETTER

A new publication about MIDI -- musical instrument digital interface -- is scheduled for publication this fall. It will offer information to professional musicians and brand-new users, and include such features as telephone interviews with manufacturers and a question-and-answer forum. This newsletter is the product of a users' group formed under Friends-in-Art. The newsletter is available by paid subscription on cassette and disk. Submissions are welcome. Contact editor Jay Williams at 74 Belcher St., San Francisco, CA 94114. For subscriptions, contact Michael Mandel at 400 W. 43rd St. #20-L, New York, NY 10036. When you write, relate your experiences with MIDI and describe what kinds of articles would be most helpful to you.

NEW MAGAZINE

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners has received a grant from Paws With A Cause to publish a consumer- oriented quarterly newsletter for people who use guide, service or hearing dogs. Subscriptions are available in print, tape and braille. Indicate which type of dog you have. Submissions are welcome. For more information, contact Joan Froling, Editor, at P.O. Box 1326, Sterling Heights, MI 48311.

NTN HONORED

Narrative Television Network received special recognition at the International Film and Video Festival for "Creative Excellence in Recognition of Outstanding Audio Visual Productions," for its work in adding the voice of a narrator to existing TV and movie programs. This recognition is one of the world's highest honors in audio-visual competition.

OUR SPECIAL

"Our Special" is a magazine devoted to women's issues, edited by and for blind women. It's published by National Braille Press, and contains information on career issues, fashion, parenting, cooking, crafts, maternity, dating, health, etc. For more information, call or write to National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA 02115; phone (617) 266-6160.

RP CONFERENCE

Visions: 1994, the biennial national conference hosted by the Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation Fighting Blindness, will be held Nov. 18-20, 1994, at the San Francisco Hilton Hotel and Towers. Individuals, families and friends affected by retinal degenerative diseases, including RP, macular degeneration and Usher syndrome, are invited to attend. For more information, contact the foundation at (800) 683-5555.

HIKE AT OTTER CREEK

Are you interested in hiking? Joyce Rogers of Cincinnati organizes walks in the park and hikes for blind and visually impaired people as part of the Cincinnati chapter's activities. She and six others went on an overnight hike in Otter Creek Park near Louisville, Ky. The next hike was planned for Aug. 25, up Mount Le Conte, near Gatlinburg, Tenn. If any of you are interested in sharing your hiking or walking experiences, write to Joyce in print, braille, disk or tape, at 1121 Morado Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45238.

MUSIC REVIEW

"The Heritage Music Review," a monthly guide to early rock, blues, classic country, folk and traditional jazz, along with a performance calendar for the Seattle area, is now available on two- track audio cassette. Send checks or money orders for $15 payable to Heritage Music Review, c/o Doug Bright, 4217 Fremont Ave. N #5, Seattle, WA 98103; phone (206) 632-4389. Send correspondence in braille, cassette or print (no handwritten correspondence, please). Canadian orders must be sent in U.S. postal or bank money orders only.

TALKING WATCH

The Talking Watch 6645 is available in both English and Spanish from Etcetera Gifts. A female voice announces the time at the touch of a button. Turning a mode dial allows the user to hear the setting for hours, minutes and alarm functions. Returning the dial to normal keeps the watch from being reset. It has a round shape with large LCD readout, and comes with a long-life battery and a one-year warranty. To order, send check or money order for $9.99 plus $2.95 shipping and handling to Etcetera Gifts, 961 47th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

WORLD SERIES GAME

If you're going through professional baseball withdrawals, you might take solace in the World Series Baseball Game and Information System. It's now available for use on IBM and compatible computers with screen readers and synthesizers. It includes two baseball games, 83 teams, four ancillary programs and six information programs. Updates are released after each season, including the two pennant winners and improvements. The system costs $15; updates cost $5. For more information, contact Harry Hollingsworth, 692 S. Sheraton Dr., Akron, OH 44319; (216) 644- 2421.

NEED BRAILLE?

Adapt to Dot, a braille consultant and technical writing service, transcribes printed material into braille. Its projects include utility bills, bank statements, and similar products. It does brailling for individuals as well. Fees are negotiable. For more information, call (317) 783-7941, or write Adapt to Dot, 2709 Napoleon, Indianapolis, IN 46203.

ARKENSTONE CATALOG

Arkenstone, Inc., has a new, updated catalog called "Shared Visions," which describes Arkenstone's product line and includes information about a new category of orientation tools. If you would like a new catalog, call Arkenstone at 1-800-444-4443. Braille and audio tape versions are available. Arkenstone also has available a system called First Reader that allows individuals with visual disabilities to obtain a complete reading system for under $1,400 or components to add to their existing products. Products available include: the complete First Reader, which is a PC, voice synthesizer, screen access program and Arkenstone Reader with reconditioned scanner and hardware, for $1,375; the First Reader with the above configuration and a new HP IIp scanner, $1,875; Arkenstone Reader with reconditioned scanner, $500; Arkenstone HOT Reader with reconditioned scanner, $700; Arkenstone Reader with new HP IIp scanner, $1,000; and Arkenstone HOT Reader with new HP IIp scanner, $1,200. There is a limited number of systems available. Arkenstone provides a 30-day, money- back guarantee and one-year warranty for units purchased. For more information, call Arkenstone at the number above.

WGBH WINS APOLLO

Descriptive Video Service of Boston, Mass., recently received the American Optometric Association's 1994 Apollo Award, given in recognition of DVS's distinguished service to the visual welfare of others. DVS is a nationwide service providing blind and visually impaired people with video description. Pictured here is ACB member Laura Oftedahl, DVS's development manager, accepting the award from Dr. Daniel Houghton Jr., the AOA's president.

BEATLES FAN CLUB

This one's for all you Beatles fans out there. Penny Frazier wants you to know there's a new fan club, called The Come Together Beatles Fan Club. Dues are $10 yearly. For more fan club information, write to the club at P.O. Box 1793, Lakeside, CA 92040. Also, she would like to know how fan club members would feel about getting the club newsletter on cassette. The response rate will determine whether this will happen. Send tape or braille letters to Penny Frazier, 16031 Pioneer Blvd., Apt. F6, Norwalk, CA 90650. Include a self-addressed mailer if you want your tape returned.

NOW AVAILABLE ...

Seedlings Braille Books for Children's 1995 catalog is now available. There are 32 new books in it, including print-and- braille books with sound buttons to push for preschoolers, print- and-braille easy readers like "Nate the Great and the Sticky Case," and award-winning fiction for older children, such as "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli. To receive a free catalog, or for more information, call (800) 777-8552, or write to Seedlings, P.O. Box 2395, Livonia, MI 48151-0395.

WORDPERFECT

Arts Computer Products has the best seller WordPerfect 5.1 tutorial on four two-track tapes. Regularly $55, it now costs $25 including shipping charges. To order, send your name, address and payment to Arts Computer Products, P.O. Box 604, Cambridge, MA 02140, (800) 343-0095.

KMART CATALOG

On July 1, Kmart launched its first "Home Health Care" catalog featuring 300 products at more than 1,660 Kmart pharmacies nationwide. Items include daily living aids, kitchen and dining devices, leisure and recreation, wheelchair accessories and mobility assists. Pick one up at your local Kmart store.

SKI FOR LIGHT

The 20th annual international Ski for Light week will be held Sunday, Feb. 5, 1995 through Sunday, Feb. 12, 1995 at The Inn at Silver Creek, Granby, Co. You need not possess supreme athletic prowess to enjoy a week of outdoor fun and socializing with other blind and visually impaired people from throughout the nation. No knowledge of skiing is required. The total cost of the week, about $550, includes double-occupancy room, board, ground transportation to and from Denver International Airport and a small registration fee. Ski for Light provides use of cross-country skis, boots and poles to first- timers who do not have equipment. The application deadline is November 1. For more information, contact Larry Showalter, SFL Applications, 206 Vista Dr., Gahanna, OH 43230; (614) 478-7898.

Caption: LauraOftedahl

Here is a brief summary of the content of the resolutions passed at the 1994 annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. It is through the process of writing, debating and finally approving resolutions that ACB policy is established by its members in a democratic convention.

Resolutions 94-03 and 94-24 were defeated by the membership. Resolutions 94-07 and 94-22 were ruled to be out of order. Resolution 94-23 was referred to the Visually Impaired Data Processors International. Resolutions 94-30 and 94-31 express thanks to the host affiliates, the convention hotel and the volunteers who assisted with the convention.

Resolution 94-01 requests Congress to increase staffing and training and to improve claims processing within the Social Security Administration. The resolution notes that applicants for disability benefits from SSA face long delays in eligibility determination, and office staff who often lack sufficient knowledge about SSA programs. ACB calls upon Congress to loosen restrictions on SSA to allow more staff to be hired. In addition, time limits should be set for the determination of eligibility and the consideration of appeals. Since this resolution was deemed to be a priority, it is reprinted in this issue.

Resolution 94-02 concerns dog guides in Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities. Vendors and trainees in the Randolph-Sheppard program using dog guides have pointed to program policies and procedures which have resulted in situations where dog guides were not allowed in vending facilities. The resolution calls for these practices to be stopped immediately, and commits ACB to work with its affiliate, Guide Dog Users Inc., to bring about modification of these federal policy guidelines and their interpretation to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Resolution 94-04 concerns the widely reported incidents of misinterpretation of regulations which guarantee the mailing of certain items as free matter for the blind. ACB is directed to continue its efforts to ensure that U.S. Postmaster General Marvin Runyon fairly and equitably enforces the regulations governing the free matter mailing requirement.

In resolution 94-05 ACB continues its long tradition of forceful advocacy on behalf of information in accessible formats: braille, large print, cassette tape and computer disk. In this resolution ACB calls upon the IRS to, among other things, make all filing forms, including every type of return and schedule, available in braille, large print, cassette tape and computer diskette formats. The resolution also asks the IRS to make selected brochures which provide general filing information to taxpayers available in these accessible formats. The IRS will be expected to process all such requests within time periods comparable to the time it takes to process requests from the general public.

Three resolutions passed at the 1994 convention dealt with detectable warnings. Resolution 94-06 expressed the organization's outrage at the abuse of federal authority by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation in acting to postpone for three years, rather than 18 months, the implementation of the ADA regulatory requirement for detectable warnings. The action came despite a lack of evidence to support the alleged concerns about the safety of detectable warnings for people who use wheelchairs or who have other mobility impairments. The resolution calls upon the federal agencies to complete research on the use of and need for detectable warnings in environments other than rail transit and act immediately to address the safety and access needs of blind pedestrians by requiring installation of a standardized detectable surface where pedestrian walkways cross hazardous vehicular traffic ways, at reflecting pools and at stairs.

In resolution 94-08 the organization expresses support for the concept of combining fax technology, volunteer or employed staff and the standard voice telephone to bring about the availability of rapid response time reading services for blind or visually impaired individuals.

Resolution 94-09 calls for standardized phone listings for ADA- required paratransit services. It is often hard for individuals who are new to communities or who are visiting cities to find the number for the paratransit (or demand-responsive) service. This resolution urges the Department of Transportation to require all providers of paratransit to list their telephone numbers under the information heading "ADA Paratransit," along with any other listing they may choose to use.

The subject of resolution 94-10 is commendation to congressmen John Dingell (D-Mich.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Fields (R- Texas) and Jim Slattery (D-Kan.) for their efforts to ensure the accessibility of the National Information Infrastructure for people who are blind or visually impaired. The resolution particularly commends their work which resulted in the passage of legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 3626 and H.R. 3636, which included landmark language requiring telecommunications equipment and networks to be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities and which also embraced the potential inclusion of video description in television programming.

In resolution 94-11, the council expresses its support for passage of legislation designed to open up small business opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The legislation, H.R. 794, known as the "Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993," would provide a means by which individuals with disabilities can be made eligible for small business loans.

Enjoyment of, and access to, public libraries is the subject of resolution 94-12. It notes that many steps could be taken by libraries to foster use and enjoyment by blind and visually impaired patrons. This resolution addresses local, public libraries, not the NLS program, and it is reprinted elsewhere as one of the priorities for action.

Resolution 94-13 concerns the standards for NLS network libraries which are currently being revised by the American Library Association. The resolution provides input to the working group that is preparing these standards and it is also reprinted in this issue.

The membership turned again to transportation in resolution 94-14. It calls upon ACB to create a transportation initiative to develop specific legislative or other solutions to increase transportation options and opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. The complete text of the resolution is reprinted under the article on priorities.

Resolution 94-15 asks the Braille Authority of North America to take steps to make samples and information about the current efforts to revise the Unified Braille Code available. This resolution is also considered a priority, particularly because it should be considered by BANA so quickly. It is reprinted elsewhere.

Responding to the possibilities created by legislation to promote the "information superhighway," the ACB membership approved resolution 94-16 which addresses video description. It urges Congress to require that new television programming be accompanied by video description and to encourage the inclusion of video description in existing programs when feasible.

Resolution 94-17 responds to forces at work which could result in the consolidation of National Industries for the Blind (which oversees employment opportunities for blind persons under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act) with another larger organization concerned with all other people with disabilities under that program. ACB is now on record as opposing that consolidation.

Two resolutions concerned various threats to consumer choice under the Rehabilitation Act. In resolution 94-18 the organization expresses its vehement disagreement with interpretations by federal officials that rehabilitation agencies providing services to blind persons cannot receive federal assistance because these agencies are not "integrated." Specifically, this resolution states, "This organization rejects and opposes interpretations of the Rehabilitation Act -- or policy guidance based on that act -- which emphasize integration without equal regard to consumer choice, the value of specialized services and the unique needs of persons who are blind or visually impaired."

Resolution 94-19 concerns the subject of the pending reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (known as IDEA). This resolution calls for this legislation, which ensures special education services, to be amended significantly to ensure that blind children receive the education and services they need. Specifically, the resolution calls for choice among educational placements based on the unique needs of the child allowing the provision of alternative placement options which include the regular classroom with supports, special classes, resource rooms and residential schools. The resolution also calls for an assurance that braille will be taught and provided to all children for whom it is appropriate. Other specific recommendations include enhanced availability and accessibility of technology, ensure the provision of orientation and mobility services and daily living skills, ensure that federal funds continue to support training of personnel to provide specialized instruction and services to blind and visually impaired persons and require the use of video description in educational and other videos produced with federal funds and enhance other means of making multimedia material more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Finally, ACB affiliates are urged to work with parents, students, and state and local education agencies to monitor and improve educational opportunities and services provided to persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Resolution 94-20 is the second of three resolutions concerning detectable warnings. It calls upon the transit system in Washington, D.C. to complete research quickly and prepare to ensure the safety of passengers. The resolution is reprinted in the article on priorities.

In resolution 94-21, the council asks the American Blind Golfers Association to extend its services and adapt its program to include persons with low vision.

Resolution 94-25 reflects ACB's long-standing opposition to consolidation of job training funds used to provide rehabilitation and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The resolution specifically opposes legislation, which may be considered next year, calling for consolidation of vocational rehabilitation funds with other federal job training programs. ACB's special interest affiliate, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, is responsible for bringing this resolution forward and is committed to working to protect the Randolph-Sheppard program.

The second resolution concerning vocational rehabilitation and the importance of choice of services is resolution 94-26. The resolution opposes attacks on consumers' rights to choose employment settings, including workshops. It points out that while integration is an important part of the Rehabilitation Act, an individual's ability to become integrated into the community is dependent on employment, and that many jobs in workshops are high- profile positions which enable individuals to have substantial interaction with the general public.

The third resolution concerning detectable warnings, resolution 94-27, urges the Department of Transportation to require the installation of detectable warnings along passenger transit tracks which are level in pedestrian areas. Many cities have light rail systems where the tracks are level with streets or pedestrian plazas and these tracks are difficult to detect, thereby making them a hazard.

The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America led ACB in passing resolution 94-28 which expresses thanks to the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind for its meritorious work toward improvement of the blind vending programs across the nation.

Resolution 94-29 reaffirms ACB'S support for Recording for the Blind Inc.'s request for federal funding of $4.5 million. The resolution points out that the additional $1 million is needed to continue in its mission provide taped texts for blind and severely visually impaired students as well as to produce other electronically based texts and engage in other advanced projects.