THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large print, half- speed four-track cassette tape and computer disk. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to: Nolan Crabb, THE BRAILLE FORUM, 1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Submission deadlines are the first of the month.

Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Patricia Beattie at the same address. If you wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the council's continuing work, the national office has printed cards available to acknowledge contributions made by loved ones in memory of deceased people.

Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will and Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you may contact the ACB National Office.

For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 6 p.m. to midnight Eastern time Monday through Friday. Washington, D.C., residents only call 331-2876.

(Editor's Note: Your April issue arrived later than usual due to the late-breaking story which immediately follows. President Paul Edwards generously agreed to forgo his column this month to ensure that sufficient space and prominence could be given to the following story.)

The caller to the ACB national office was frustrated. He was on the verge of a full-blown rave; that was apparent in his voice.

"I've worked for these people since I got out of college," he almost yelled into the phone. "Now the company's going to change operating systems; they're about to begin using Windows NT, and I'll likely lose my job. Please tell me there's some good news out there." In fact, there are some NT access solutions that might help the caller somewhat, but none of them offers truly adequate access.

Until now, the "good news" regarding real access to Microsoft Windows products has been almost nonexistent, but that could be changing.

At the annual Technology Access Conference sponsored by the California State University-Northridge Center on Disabilities late last month, Microsoft very quietly discussed developments that could improve access to its software products by blind computer users. But not all is sweetness and light, and the members of the American Council of the Blind Information Access Committee who were highly visible at the conference warn that Microsoft could still change its mind and even take no action at all despite the discussions.

This journey toward potentially better access apparently began with a trip Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates took to Spain recently. While there, he visited the headquarters of the Spanish organization of the blind known as ONCE. ONCE is a progressive, active organization and often takes a world view regarding affairs that affect blind people. In addition, ONCE is an organization of considerable financial means. Because of its diverse holdings and investments, ONCE is the single largest purchaser of Microsoft products in Spain.

While in Spain, Gates apparently got a firsthand introduction to the world of adaptive technology, and that introduction allowed him to focus on the issue in an up-close and personal way. That one-on-one exposure to synthetic speech, braille displays, and yes, apparently some Spanish money, seems to have jump started some new access initiatives like nothing has done before.

"The Braille Forum" has learned that Microsoft initiated a kind of joint technology agreement whose members include Microsoft, ONCE, Eurobraille, a French adaptive technology company, and Baum Electronics, a German-based designer and developer of Screen Power as well as a number of braille displays. Contracts were quietly agreed upon among these organizations, and programmers in Redmond, Wash., and elsewhere began working on the design of access tools that would give screenreader developers a great deal of help in designing better and more robust screen readers.

The major component of the joint technology agreements is the development of access tools which offer additional information to screenreader developers about the actual operating system. This additional information could serve as a shortcut to developing screenreader software. Assume for a moment that screenreader developers are like interior decorators who must tastefully and appropriately decorate a new operating system house or office. Until now, the interior decorators have had to engage in deep exploration in order to get information about the floor plan of the house. That has forced screenreader developers to become detectives of sorts, literally digging into the operating system house to determine the exact nature of the floor plan. That kind of digging, according to one screenreader manufacturer who asked not to be identified, creates software clashes and crashes. It also results in a significant drain of resources and time for the screenreader designers. The alternative is to dig less deeply into the operating system house, and recognize that some of the interior decorations, so to speak, won't be as precise as they might be otherwise. This additional information which could come about as a result of the joint technology agreements would allow screenreader developers to focus on development of different aspects of their products.

The Microsoft discussions at CSUN were so low key that the casual observer might have missed them altogether. The low-key nature of the discussions probably stems from a great desire at Microsoft not to build false hopes among blind users of its products. The company was badly burned when it released a version of its popular Internet web browsing software which did not achieve the level of access gained in a previous version. The severity, suddenness and strength of that outcry may have come as a surprise to Microsoft officials. Their caution probably indicates they're not willing to go through an exercise like that again.

Things appear to have changed at Microsoft where the company's attitude toward accessibility is concerned. In late February, it hosted "Accessibility Day" during which Gates spoke. "This is about providing technology access to people who truly depend on their computers in their personal and professional lives," Gates said. "We want to address accessibility issues at every stage of product development, resulting in products that are easier to use and, ultimately, more empowering for all customers."

One component discussed at "Accessibility Day" and at CSUN is the inclusion of some basic screen magnification technology in Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.0. This magnification utility apparently will be better than the current magnification options available in Windows 95. Its major purpose is to serve as a short-term or emergency magnification solution which could be used if a visually impaired operator isn't using his or her own computer. It is not designed to replace third-party magnification software such as that developed by Ai Squared. Also announced for NT 5.0 was a mini screenreader that will allow blind users to install new software and troubleshoot existing software. This screenreader will be separate from existing screen reader technology already in use.

While there was no mention of the joint technology agreements at "Accessibility Day," Gates pledged top-level commitments to accessibility. He alluded to a five-point accessibility plan which was unveiled at the CSUN conference. The plan includes: 1. Strengthening promotion of accessibility through the Designed for Windows logo program. Under the terms of the Designed for Windows Logo Program, other software developers couldn't use the Microsoft Windows logo unless their products included some accessibility features. 2. A significant increase in the number of Microsoft employees focused on accessibility issues; 3. Adding specific guidelines for the company in addressing accessibility in its products; 4. Increasing communication between the disability-advocacy community and Microsoft product groups; and 5. Achieving measurable improvements in the accessibility of key Microsoft products.

As part of its five-point plan, Microsoft has established a Blind Access Review Board which will provide the company with feedback regarding the accessibility of its products; it has also announced the implementation of an advisory council designed to strengthen Microsoft's relationship with ACB and other consumer organizations.

ACB's role:

While the Microsoft discussions took everyone on this side of the Atlantic by surprise, ACB's Information Access Committee has been involved with Microsoft on an ongoing basis. "They know who we are," said Debbie Cook, the chair of the committee. "We don't have to force ourselves or plead to be invited to meetings where accessibility is discussed. They're very good at coming to us and including us. The committee has no plans to sigh with relief and say its job is done. That's far from true."

As an example of the committee's ongoing vigilance, Cook suggested a scenario where procurement officers would buy future versions of Microsoft operating systems, see that they included screen magnification and some kind of screenreader software, and fail to buy the more sophisticated screenreader technology or screen enlargement software that will still be needed. "I don't think I'd want my procurement officer to buy that for my screen access," Cook said. "You may be able to run notepad or something, but it won't talk in Office 97." She said the committee will work to educate procurement officers and others as to the limits of the Microsoft screenreader, assuming it is implemented at all.

ACB's information access group will almost certainly have to monitor the progress of these pending features as well. "We're going to continue to work back and forth with Microsoft and the screenreader developers, with major procurers and other organizations to try to ensure that there is a good checks and balances system."

Cook said while the ACB committee could rant and rave and write demanding letters, it would get nowhere by so doing. "One of the things we've been doing all along is being in communication with Microsoft and to a lesser extent with other players like IBM and Corel."

Cook said the committee also had to work closely with other disability groups to ensure that they feel included in the accessibility quest. She said anger on the part of other disability groups could do much to damage access for blind users. Cook is a member of Techwatch, a cross-disability committee sponsored by the National Council on Disability. ACB is also a member of an information access task force. The other members include the American Foundation for the Blind, National Industries for the Blind, and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. ACB First Vice President Brian Charlson chairs that task force.

"We must stay active and involved," asserted Christopher Gray, a member of the information access committee and an ACB board member. "The fact is that we've been burned in the past by Microsoft, as have the screenreader developers. Microsoft Active Accessibility hasn't been as successful as anyone would have liked, and we've been promised things in the past that simply didn't happen. I think what we have to do is throw our weight behind these new developments and let Microsoft know that we view this as a positive thing if it all comes together."

As for the desperate caller to the ACB national office, we can only encourage him to read "The Braille Forum" for additional stories about this and related issues in coming months. We can provide what information we have about the far-from-perfect NT solutions of today and hope that Microsoft's movements toward access aren't too slow, too little, and too late to affect the caller's tomorrow.

Advocacy victories are not always accompanied by flashing fireworks and screaming headlines, but, in fact, often take place hardly noticed or appreciated except by the people whose lives are affected. The American Council of the Blind is responsible for countless victories of this type which demonstrate again the effectiveness of members, officers and staff members working together. Just a few days ago, for example, a member in Louisville called the national office in disbelief after she had been informed by Trans World Airlines (TWA) that she could not travel with her professionally trained guide dog without first furnishing a certificate as to the dog's good health not simply proof of rabies vaccination. I consulted with her and explained that the Air Carriers Access Act, the controlling federal law in such situations, and the regulations issued thereunder did not authorize the airline to make such a requirement and that she should seek resolution of the issue by the means prescribed in the regulations. Within two days, she happily called back to inform us that TWA had begrudgingly agreed and made reservations for her. Likewise, a few weeks ago I had an opportunity to speak at a Capitol Hill press conference hastily scheduled by another advocacy organization in opposition to a bill which was for the seductively stated purpose of verifying the citizenship of voters in federal elections. Indeed, the "devil was in the details" because the bill would have given the responsibility for the verification to federal agencies which physically and legally do not have the information and, worse still, would have thrown up insurmountable barriers to voter registration by many disabled people. Among the other organizations speaking against the bill were the League of Women Voters and the American Association of Retired Persons. Two days later, after the defects had been pointed out, the bill was removed from the "non-controversial fast track" and sent back for further study. Another example of ACB working in cooperation with mainstream organizations on a national issue for the benefit of blind people!

The advocacy successes mentioned in the preceding paragraph bring to mind another reality that deserves repeating and repeating and repeating namely that ACB members must play active roles as advocates on local issues. Recently a caller ranted on and on to a polite staff member, who could hardly get a word in edgewise, about reductions in local bus service in his town and the fact that the American Council of the Blind had not stepped in to correct the situation. It was finally ascertained, after the staff member got a few words in, that the caller had hardly lifted his hand to protest the changes, educate himself about applicable regulations, enlist the assistance of other concerned people in the community, or do many of the other things that could have been done. We as consumer advocates must be willing to step forward and speak in our own behalf when local issues affect us or our colleagues! As a matter of fact, for the past several years I have been an active member of a citizens' transportation rights coalition in my neighborhood in the District of Columbia and our primary concern has been the reduction or elimination of (guess what!) local bus service. In fact, my activities have already resulted in my receiving hate mail from admittedly selfish citizens who want the buses removed from their streets, over which they have been running for more than 50 years. By the way, the hate mail was not in accessible format.

A national organization of disabled people such as ACB is often called upon with virtually no notice to comment on rapidly changing developments. Recently, for example, the national office had all of an hour at most to prepare for the arrival of a Channel One News crew and interviewer focusing on the efforts of disabled golfer Casey Martin to get permission to ride on a golf cart from place to place while competing in tournaments of the Professional Golfers Association. Since the time of that interview, the U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of Martin but the PGA has appealed the decision. Time for preparation was not a factor as we recently met with representatives from the U.S. Treasury Department who were seeking our input regarding the design and possible minting of a new one-dollar coin. In fact, an active local member who was assisting as a volunteer in the office that day was able to participate in the process also. A few days later at a highly publicized press conference the Treasury Department generously commended ACB for the knowledgeable input it had provided.

Modern communication and transportation systems have reduced the world to the extent it is now not merely possible but desirable to exchange information with our counterparts in other nations. Recently, for example, we were pleased to host in the national office a meeting with a delegation from Japan headed by Mr. Chuji Sashida, head of the National Institute for Vocational Rehabilitation. Mr. Sashida, who has visited the ACB national office several times over the past 15 years, and his colleagues were especially interested in obtaining and/or sharing information regarding the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, computer and technology accessibility, publication practices and vocational training issues. A few days later what was intended to be a brief visit by two American physicians interested in obtaining information about ACB turned into an interesting and hopefully productive discussion regarding resources in the USA that will assist them as they conduct a medical service training program in Kyrgysztan, a central Asian republic which was formerly part of the Soviet Union. Any discussion of conditions in such nations as Kyrgysztan always makes us appreciate just a little more the services, programs and life we have in the USA.

The fact that advocacy for the well-being of blind people will not be the same without Kathleen Megivern was a theme often heard recently at a downtown Washington dinner conducted to wish her well as she left her position as executive director of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) to join her husband in Cleveland. As cruel fate would have it, however, we learned more recently that their plans have changed and that they may remain in the Washington area after all.

Although a separate article will probably be included in a future issue regarding the recently completed 1998 ACB national legislative workshop, held in conjunction with the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Training Institute of the American Foundation for the Blind, it is worthwhile to note that approximately 75 ACB members participated in this year's workshop. Several others, including ACB officers and staff members, also played major roles in several of the panels that dealt with important topics such as rehabilitation, education and services to the older blind. The varied format of the leadership training institute included two hilarious but very interesting role-playing problem scenarios followed by questions from the audience. Perhaps we will be able to prevail on ACB President Paul Edwards to re-create, for a while anyway, his character, Billy Bob, the political appointee who admitted right away that he was not biased by knowing any of the facts about any of the subjects which the committee under his direction was about to consider. The subject under consideration was the proposed closing of an imaginary state school for the blind. Other familiar names in work for the blind also created very entertaining but believable characters who espoused positions that we encounter all too often in the field of advocacy.

I'm pleased to announce the selection of D. Alfred Ducharme to the position of Director of Governmental Affairs of the American Council of the Blind. Ducharme a member of the American Blind Lawyers Association as well as the professional bars of both Massachusetts and Georgia comes to ACB from the Georgia Advocacy Office, which provides protection and advocacy services to disabled people. He is a Massachusetts native, a graduate of Boston College law school, and a winner of an ACB scholarship while an undergraduate. Alfred joined the staff March 23, 1998, and he "hit the ground running." We are confident that ACB members and everyone else in the field of blindness will enjoy meeting and working with Alfred as he focuses his interests, skills and energy on the always changing, never quiet, complicated and ever-expanding legislative and regulatory arenas.

One of the problems in planning a convention at a popular tourist destination like Orlando is the difficulty in securing the services necessary at a reasonable cost. Hotel rooms are scarce and expensive; admission prices to the better-known tour sites appear unreasonable, and there is little flexibility when planning activities. However, it is always the goal of the ACB convention committee to keep costs at a minimum for convention attendees.

This year, the Clarion Plaza Hotel, where all convention activities will take place, had all rooms reserved by early October 1997. The Quality Inn Plaza, the overflow hotel, still has a number of rooms available Saturday, July 4, with departure on Thursday, July 8. The cutoff date for reservations at the Quality Inn is June 15. Rates at the Clarion are $55 per night plus tax and at the Quality Inn Plaza, $51 per night plus tax, for up to four people per room. The Clarion Plaza is located at 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819-8114; phone (800) 366- 9700. The Quality Inn Plaza, 9000 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819; phone (800) 999-8585.

Because the Quality Inn Plaza, the overflow hotel, has all rooms reserved from Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, and Thursday through Saturday, July 9-11, additional rooms have been secured at the Best Western Plaza International for July 2-11, 1998. The rate is $85.50 per night plus tax for up to four people per room. The hotel is located at 8738 International Dr., about four blocks from the Clarion on the same side of the street. For reservations, call (800) 654-7160. Be certain to ask for rooms blocked for the American Council of the Blind.

In reviewing the reservation list for the Clarion, the main convention hotel, we note that a number of people have reserved multiple rooms. It is important that rooms that are not going to be used be canceled promptly so that they can be reserved by other convention attendees. Last year at the Adam's Mark in Houston a number of rooms went vacant because they were canceled at a very late date. Transportation

There is a trolley system that operates every 15 minutes on International Drive daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. It is called I-Ride, and there are signs posted at street corners. The trolleys are air-conditioned, provide low-cost transportation to the many attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping from the Beltz factory outlets to Sea World. Overnight tour

As stated in the March "Braille Forum," the overnight tour this year is to fabulous and historic St. Augustine. This tour will depart the Clarion Plaza Hotel at 8 a.m. Friday, July 3. It will arrive in St. Augustine by 10 a.m. with information and entertainment provided on the way. First there will be a brief stop at the information center, then the group will board the train for a narrated tour of the city. Next is lunch at the Seafare restaurant, open only for our group. After lunch it's on to a narrated tour of Fort Castillo de San Marcos. Here you will learn how the fort was built and how it resisted all attacks. After this it's check-in time at the Ramada Inn, where your luggage will await you at your room. After a rest period, it will be back to the restaurant for an early dinner to be followed by a narrated night tour of the city which will include stories of adventure and history. You will go to the place and stand on the spot where these events actually took place. Then it's back to the hotel for the night, where a snack will be available before you turn in.

In the morning, July 4, there will be a continental breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., then the buses will be loaded to go to the Fountain of Youth. Here you will learn how the new world was discovered and sip from the fountain if you dare. Also, there will be a stroll through the park and gardens. Next it's lunch time again at the Seafare restaurant, then some time for shopping for souvenirs and so forth at the many stores on St. George's Street, then a visit to Flager Memorial Church where you will enjoy an organ recital, tour the church and learn its history. After that it's board the buses for your return to Orlando, arriving around 6 p.m.

Those taking this tour must be at the bus pickup site at the Clarion at 7:30 a.m. Friday. Buses will leave promptly at 8 a.m. If you are late, you will miss the tour and there will be no refund.

The cost of this fabulous tour is $179. If you sign up when the buses are departing and there is room, the cost will be $200. This cost includes transportation by air-conditioned motor coach, some entertainment on the way, admission to all tour sites, one night's lodging double occupancy, lunch both days, dinner Friday evening, and a continental breakfast Saturday morning. If you must have a single room on Friday night, be prepared to pay an additional $63.

Reservations are required for this tour. Please contact ACB's Minneapolis office at 120 S. 6th St., Suite 1005, Minneapolis, MN 55402; phone (612) 332-3242. Reservations are being accepted now and will only be confirmed when full payment is provided by Visa or MasterCard number or check or money order made payable to ACB Convention 1998. Each motor coach will include several volunteers, and there will be an ACB person in charge, but individual guide service will not be available unless you secure and pay for your own guide.

This tour will include a good amount of walking. The motor coaches are not wheelchair accessible. However, if a wheelchair user can board the bus without help, the chair can be stored in the luggage compartment of the bus. At St. Augustine, all tour sites are accessible except for the second level of the fort. Other tours

Additional tours during the 1998 convention will include an Orlando city tour Saturday, July 4, repeated Sunday, July 5. This tour will include a narrated description of downtown Orlando, where tourists never venture; a drive through some of the aristocratic areas; a visit to Winter Garden and a relaxing ride on the Winter Garden boat tour, and much more. Lunch and some time for shopping will be included.

Other tours will include visits to Universal Studios, Sea World, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Splendid China, Gatorland and the Kennedy Space Center. At some of these sites, special small groups are planned so that items can be touched and observed closely. Guide dogs cannot be permitted on some rides at the Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. Splendid China at Kissimmee has authentic displays, some of which can be touched, of China's history and culture. Some are authentic and made to scale. Gatorland will be described in detail by a guide and there are shows and small alligators that can be held. Dogs, they tell us, are one of alligator's favorite foods. Walkways, however, are safe and well-protected.

Wednesday evening away from the hotel will be at Church Street Station, Orlando's downtown number-one nighttime spot for dinner, shopping and entertainment. Included are Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium (Dixieland band); the Cheyenne Saloon (country and western music); the Orchid Garden (rock and roll); and Phineas Fogg's Contemporary Dance Hits. A mystery dinner theater is planned for Saturday night, July 11.

Airline reservations

Because Orlando is popular with tourists and our convention includes the Fourth of July, flight plans should be made early if you want the best rates and choice of times. Remember to call AAA Travel, (800) 259-9299, for all your travel needs.

Most active ACB members are aware that there is an equally active student organization within ACB known as NABS or the National Alliance of Blind Students. However, few folks in ACB know exactly who initiated NABS back in the mid-'70s. After searching for nearly two years to discover who might take credit for founding NABS in 1974, no one has really come forth and volunteered the complete story. Seems like someone out there in the ACB general membership might want to get some of the credit and explain it all to the present NABS leadership, BEFORE the planned 25th NABS Anniversary Celebration that is shaping up for the 1999 ACB convention in Los Angeles.

The idea for a 25th anniversary celebration for NABS sprouted in Greensboro in 1995. Waiting in the hotel coffee shop until our rooms opened up, Bernice Kandarian, Roger Petersen and I were swapping ACB stories over breakfast. Suddenly, Bernice mentioned how surprised she was that NABS did not have a celebration to commemorate its 20th anniversary during the Chicago convention the year before. I was also surprised, but for a different reason: no one that I knew who was involved with NABS had ever mentioned any history of the group. Wondering about NABS' past, I asked Bernice and Roger what they might know about the origins of the student affiliate.

It was an interesting tale that Bernice wove. Apparently, several young ACB members who perceived a need to address their academic and political frustrations as students sought to do so through the avenues that were already in place within ACB. Lack of access to educational programs for students with visual impairments appears to have been the unifying force in the creation of NABS.

The idea of a student group may have had its inception as early as 1972. It has been difficult to determine who did what and when the ACB leadership was brought into the picture. And this is where you might be able to assist me.

We know that many present ACB leaders and members were involved in the formation of NABS: such names as Scott Marshall, Michael Byington and Mac Riley come up quite often. Bernice and Roger also noted several other past and current ACB members who took part in the first meetings that founded NABS. But after the last couple of years and several requests for assistance in my quest to discern NABS' beginnings, no one has offered me a detailed chronology or set of ACB members that may be responsible for the founding of NABS. And now WE NEED THE REAL STORY!

If you or anyone you know was involved in the formation of NABS back in the 1970s, could you call me, write me, send me a tape or at least in some darn way, accurately inform me about the founding of NABS? If you can assist the present NABS board in this search for information, PLEASE call or write Rob Cook, 25th Anniversary Chairman, P.O. Box 521, Weaverville, CA 96093-0521; phone (800) 873-0684. If you want details on the proposed NABS 25th Anniversary Celebration, call Rob at the number above or NABS president Mike Gravitt in the evenings at (412) 344-2313.

We of the ACB Radio Amateurs are looking forward to the 1998 ACB national convention in Orlando.

We are still working on having an ACBRA breakfast on the morning of Sunday, July 5, at a facility not associated with the hotel in order to keep down the expense to those attending. I'll provide additional information on the breakfast as it is available. We will have the annual meeting on the afternoon of Thursday, July 9. Please do keep a spot open for ACBRA. As always, the ACBRA communications two-meter frequency will be 147.48 mHz. simplex. It would be best to call on the hour OR half hour, plus or minus five or ten minutes.

Elections will take place during the annual business meeting, and we will be voting on a revision of the ACBRA constitution. Also, as could be understood, where there are hams, there will be lots of eyeball QSO's about on-air experiences, equipment, etc.

I've sent the dues and membership information to the ACB national office: we have 68 members, or three delegate votes, on the convention floor. Last year, we had 62 members, or 2 votes.

Last, but definitely not least, I just received from the FCC the new club license bearing the vanity call of W3ACB.

If you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator, contact us. Maybe we can be of some assistance to you. Also, if any of you would like to recommend any radio equipment, HF, VHF, or UHF, usable for blind hams, communicate with me about it. Membership dues may be sent to: Margie Goodell, treasurer, 5000 S. Quaker St. #108, Tulsa, OK 74105. You may contact me at: Robert R. Rogers, president, K8CO, e-mail [email protected] home address 1121 Morado Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45238; phone (513) 921-3186 home, (513) 762-4022 office.

Barbara Duncan, a long-time member of the Arkansas Council of the Blind, recently received the Jositta Wilkins Courage Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. This award is given to someone with a disability who displays outstanding public service. The award was named for state Representative Jositta Wilkins, who helped create the King Commission in 1993.

Duncan was diagnosed with glaucoma at age seven and lost her eyesight during childhood. With the loss of her sight came the loss of her dream of becoming a nurse. Instead, she began helping others in different ways. She is presently the executive assistant for constituent services for Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

After her graduation from the Oklahoma School for the Blind, she went on to Northwestern Oklahoma State University and obtained a degree in sociology and speech. She eventually earned her master's degree in social work at the University of Arkansas- Little Rock.

She began working as a braille instructor at Lions World Services for the Blind. Then she worked for Bill Clinton, who was attorney general at the time, following him to the governor's office, where she still works.

Duncan has dedicated her life to serving others. She focused on what she had, not what she lacked. She saw that you don't have to be perfect to do a lot of good. And she lit the way for others who need help but couldn't see how to do it.

The American Council of the Blind, a national membership organization, is seeking an executive director.

The executive director directs and oversees the daily operations of the American Council of the Blind in accordance with the policies, procedures and priorities established by the national board of directors. He/she is based in and supervises the organization's national office in Washington, D.C., as well as provides leadership in efforts to monitor national policy and legislation and other activities that impact the work of ACB on the national level. The executive director reports to the board of directors through the ACB president.

The executive director has the authority to hire, supervise, evaluate and dismiss staff operating in the ACB national office. He/she will coordinate all fiscal management activities with the assistant treasurer in Minneapolis; develop and supervise the annual ACB operating budget within written policy parameters of the Budget Committee; oversee special documentation, such as reports, memoranda, resolutions, and proposals, necessary for the implementation of policies established by the board of directors, or in fulfillment of other organizational obligations; direct efforts to secure grants, bequests, gifts, memorial contributions and other such gifts; represent ACB before national legislative, regulatory, or other bodies affecting national policy toward blind and visually impaired people; serve as primary contact with affiliated organizations serving blind and visually impaired constituencies; and undertake special projects at the direction of the ACB president.

Preferred skills and experience include: excellent written and verbal communications skills; strong analytical abilities, particularly in relation to national policy issues affecting blind and visually impaired individuals; sound organizational and administrative skills, including day-to-day supervision of a diverse complement of staff; and familiarity with contemporary data processing systems. Ability to utilize the internet and familiarity with access technology are preferred. Candidates must also possess strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to address effectively specific issues and concerns with policy implications proposed by ACB constituents, and at least six years of supervisory experience. Experience with a national non-profit organization is preferred. Salary range begins at $65,000.

Candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample no later than June 15, 1998 to the Executive Director Search Committee, c/o American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 720, Washington, D.C. 20005. Applications may be accepted after that date if the position has not yet been filled.

When ACB leaders came together in Orlando, Fla., in mid- February for the annual affiliate presidents meeting, they came prepared to connect with new ideas and with one another to share solutions to common problems.

They learned about making the right connections to the Internet, to old and new affiliate members, and even to those who could provide money for affiliate projects.

The meeting began with introductions and a brief report from ACB President Paul Edwards. (See "President's Message," March 1998.)

After brief reports from Convention Coordinator John Horst and from Michael Gravitt, president of the National Alliance of Blind Students, the group turned its attention to raising money and how to get the attention of those who have money. Lorraine Zamora, Vice President for Resource Development at the American Foundation for the Blind, stressed the importance of direct-mail fundraising. "It takes time and teamwork and a lot of energy and willingness to make things happen," she cautioned. She reviewed six basic truths of fundraising.

First, organizations are not entitled to support; they must earn it.

2. Fund-raising isn't about raising money so much as it is about raising friends. People won't give to an organization unless they know something about it.

3. People don't voluntarily reach for their checkbooks. They have to be asked.

4. You can't decide to raise money today and then get it tomorrow. Fundraising takes time and consistent effort.

5. Donors must be treated with respect, just as customers are in a business.

6. People give to people; requests for money should come from a volunteer within the giver's peer group.

She said the United States is by far the most giving country in the world where individual giving and volunteerism is concerned. Zamora encouraged affiliates who use volunteers to treat them well and give them a sense of importance. "Volunteers want to make a difference. If you're not making a difference [as a volunteer,] why do it?"

She said four steps to getting started in good fundraising include:

1. Identify: Develop a donor mailing list.

2. Solicit: Ask donors to give.

3. Recognize: Acknowledge and thank them for their gifts.

4. Cultivate: Stay in touch and get them to give again.

She encouraged the use of reply cards and envelopes. According to Zamora, September through December are excellent months to solicit; February through May are also moderately good time periods for fundraising. January is less productive, and June through August are the worst months of the year in terms of giving.

Following Zamora's presentation, ACB leaders focused on affiliate rights and responsibilities, with a discussion of a draft of an affiliate rights and responsibilities document. There was discussion about appropriate discipline, and how affiliates should deal with those who fail to abide by their responsibilities.

The group also discussed the importance of not forcing an overabundance of formality on affiliates.

Discussing how affiliates connect to the national office and how the office connects with the affiliates wasn't the only agenda item that dealt with connections. ACB First Vice President Brian Charlson and board member Chris Gray talked about the importance of Internet connections and ACB's status on the Internet.

Gray and Charlson demonstrated new developments in the ACB web site, including an audio file of President Paul Edwards' remarks at the convention in Houston.

Gray said emphasis continues to be placed on frequent updates to information on the web pages. He said future issues of "The Braille Forum" will be downloadable in their entirety from the web site. That hasn't been possible until now.

Gray said greater affiliate involvement with web pages would also be part of the ACB web site. He said while ACB staff and volunteers can't build complicated web pages, they can provide some assistance to affiliate leaders.

From access to the Internet, the group turned its attention to access to the environment with a presentation from Julie Carroll, chair of ACB's Environmental Access Committee.

There was much discussion regarding audible traffic signals and their ongoing importance. In fact, Carroll's presentation garnered more animated participation on the part of those in attendance than nearly any other. Talking signs, audible signals, accessible ATM's, and detectable warnings along subway platform edges will remain a focal point for ACB activities for some time to come, according to Carroll.

Some of the discussion focused on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's desire to install detectable warning strips 18 inches away from the platform edge so as not to cover the granite edge already in place. "Are we going to accept this or continue to fight?" Carroll asked. She expressed the concern that if detectable warning strips are placed too far from the platform edge, they won't be useful to blind travelers. She proposed the scenario that people could actually stand on the detectable warning strip, thus covering it and rendering it useless. The group seemed to want to press on with the fight for detectable warnings on platform edges.

Following Carroll's presentation, Mark Richert, former director of advocacy services, briefly reported on his activities. He called for training of advocates in different regions of the nation. These regional advocates could assist affiliates in those regions when issues arose that required immediate advocacy that the national advocacy director might not be able to provide as quickly. He urged affiliate leaders to delegate calls to those who may have some expertise in a given area.

During the Sunday session, ACB leaders talked about ways their affiliates have done outreach. Those methods ranged from state fair exhibition participation to toll-free telephone numbers and widely disseminated brochures.

Group members also focused on the importance of membership development and talked about such things as the importance of membership applications and dues notices. Sandy Sanderson, former president of the Alaska Independent Blind, stressed the importance of membership incentives. He gave the example of a library of descriptive video tapes from which only members could borrow.

In his report, ACB Executive Director Oral Miller stressed the importance of affiliate leaders being involved in such upcoming events as the national awards nomination process and the Congressional internship program.

"It's extremely important for this program to be viewed as a pilot program this year to be successful. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a fantastic program and I'm convinced it's going to be successful," Miller said.

He briefly discussed some fund-raising options for the national organization, and expressed his appreciation for the sentiment of ACB members regarding his wife's recent heart attack. He indicated that she is recovering from the January heart attack and is also appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of ACB members.

Listeners then focused on a panel which dealt with tips for planning conventions. Sanford Alexander, president of the Kansas Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, an ACB affiliate, stressed the importance of picking the right city for a convention and of entering into multi-year agreements with hotels whenever possible.

He also urged his listeners to beware of other events that might be occurring at the same time in the convention city and plan conventions so they don't conflict with major sporting events or other distractions where possible.

Deborah Grubb, co-chair of ACB's membership committee, stressed the importance of giving awards, but cautioned against giving them too frequently.

Kim Charlson, who also co-chairs ACB's membership committee, said the first 20 or 30 Bay State Council members in good standing receive $20 discounts on the price of their convention hotel rooms at state conventions.

Tom Tobin, president of the ACB of Ohio, urged affiliate leaders to focus on program content that would attract members. Social opportunities like a free breakfast are also important factors in bringing affiliate members together.

Once ACB leaders had a handle on how to plan conventions that get people to attend, they focused on how to deal with the difficult people who inevitably attend with a presentation from ACB board member Pam Shaw.

She said the chair of any meeting needs to be as impartial as possible. When dealing with bullies, one should stand up to them when necessary, but do so without yelling or arguing. One could say, "I disagree with your assessment" or "In my opinion ... "

Shaw described some of the personality types who attend meetings, including whiners, perfectionists, nice people who agonize over making decisions, disagreeable people who can't find anything positive in the plan, clams who don't say a thing until after the meeting, and know-it-alls who attempt to control the meeting. She offered strategies for these and other personality types. The group did some role play where some of the strategies were demonstrated.

CAPTION

Debbie Grubb talks about access to voting in Baltimore County during the voting rights panel discussion in Houston. (Photo copyright 1997 by Jowdy Photography.)

(Editor's Note: In its recent meeting, the Board of Publications of the American Council of the Blind determined that reports of the activities of ACB's Board of Directors should be included in The Braille Forum as soon after the occurrence of the board meeting as possible. To that end, it agreed that its ex- officio representative to the Board of Directors should write an account of the board's activities. This report is intended to serve only as an accounting of the meeting, not as an official record. Minutes for the board meeting are presently being prepared by the ACB secretary.)

On Sunday, February 15, at 1 p.m., the ACB board first convened in executive session to discuss personnel-related issues and to review budgetary proposals for personnel salary and benefits packages. The public meeting of the ACB board of directors convened at 3 p.m. All board members were present, except for Sue Ammeter and Dawn Christensen, who were both excused. The board approved the minutes of the September 20-21, 1997 board meeting.

The remainder of the Sunday session was devoted to reports of the president, executive director, and ACB committees. In his report, John Horst outlined details for the Orlando convention as far as facilities and tours. Efforts are well under way to make the 1998 convention a great success. He announced that the regional National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired conference will be taking place toward the end of ACB convention week. This will be a tremendous opportunity for ACB and its special-interest affiliates to share resources and information with NAPVI members. The board also reviewed and accepted a very favorable proposal to return to the Adam's Mark Hotel in Houston for the convention in 2002.

The Monday morning session opened with a major announcement from ACB Executive Director Oral O. Miller. He announced his intention to submit his resignation from the position of executive director for ACB. His retirement will take place September 1 or 45 days following the hiring of a replacement, whichever is later. He also stated that he would continue to work with ACB in a contractual capacity specializing in the area of access to sports and recreational activities for blind and visually impaired individuals, an area that he has worked in, both nationally and internationally, for many years. The executive director position description will be updated and distributed nationally in search of qualified applicants.

The board reviewed the proposed 1998 operating budget for ACB and discussed specific line items and amounts. The board then approved an operating budget of approximately $1.3 million which will fund ACB's many programs and services, and further expand and enhance services to members.

In response to the need of ACB to address and meet the varied special needs of those who have other or additional disabilities beyond blindness, who attend conventions and other ACB activities, the board adopted a reasonable accommodations policy. A committee consisting of Pamela Shaw, Sue Ammeter and Patricia Beattie worked very hard to consider all aspects of special needs and to determine what ACB was realistically able to do, both financially and with staff and volunteers, to assist those with special needs. This policy may be used by affiliates concerned with addressing the issue of reasonable accommodation for those attending their conventions and other activities.

An ad hoc committee charged with the review of a request for ACB assistance in a particularly time-sensitive legal action occurring in California was granted $5,000 to begin preliminary research and examination of this alleged employment discrimination case. In related action, the board further authorized ACB's Advocacy Services Committee to work on the development of guidelines to aid ACB in its provision of legal assistance to individual members.

Have you read the annual article about Friends-in-Art the one that appears in May in which Showcase details are interwoven with the week's chronology of events? Gets complicated, doesn't it? By writing our annual story now, we have more time and perhaps space in which to inspire new performers and encourage those who have performed previously to take part. Writing it now also allows us to chip away at some misconceptions.

What Is The Showcase?

It's your show whether you are a performer or part of the audience. It's a whammy and a whisper and a WOW! It's the presentation of artists in any performing medium, giving their best to an audience of expectant listeners. It's an audience comprised of people who wouldn't miss a Showcase, as well as some curious newcomers. Is it classical? Is it country? Is it gospel? Is it drama? Is it poetry? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. It's oldies and original compositions. It's poets reading works from funny to profoundly serious. It's comedians with audio description of costumes and gestures. It's opera and cowboy songs, with cloggers and clarinettists, dulcimers and omnichords. It's contemporary Christian and biting satire. It's what you in ACB bring to it. One year, we had three comedy monologues. Last year, even the comedians all sang. One year, we featured four creative poets. Last year, none showed up. Variety is the spice of the evening, a blend of the new and familiar in a show that must, above all, be entertaining. The Chorus

A rather new tradition is now in the Showcase. Initiated a number of years ago by John di Francesco and his core group of California singers, the chorus is now part of what we do every year. Harvey Miller and Gordon Kent have led the chorus for three years, Gordon having arranged the songs as well as conducting. Peter Altschul will do the same this year. We put together a cassette bringing out each part and a lyric sheet and mail them to participants in recent choruses, so that parts can be learned before the convention. Time permits only two rehearsals. These are for blending and polishing, hearing your part in the close harmony. If you want to sing and have not before, request a tape packet by contacting Janiece Petersen, 1629 Columbia Road NW, Apartment 800, Washington, DC 20009, or call (202) 667-2747. Chorus rehearsals take place in the FIA suite immediately after the Mixer, 6 o'clock sharp, and Monday evening at 10. Of course, it's ambitious, but, if you're an ensemble singer, it's too much fun to pass up. Preparation

The Showcase for the Performing Arts has its year-round components, the chorus part recording being just one of them. For you who wish a five-minute performing spot in the Showcase, it's time to choose material that shows you at your best. We always say that a performer should prepare two selections; not that you will do two, but because someone else might have one in common with you. If everyone prepares two things thoroughly and to his or her own satisfaction, those putting the show together will suggest one or the other, depending on the pacing of the show. We have to look at flow, energy, contrast, variety and the total picture.

How about that five-minute limit? Every year, we stress that this time period must include introductory remarks. And every year, intros on performance night stretch out a little, or someone decides that the audience should join in on a chorus. Let's say we limit the program to 20 performers. Imagine you are performer number 20. You don't want the show to run late or the audience to get sluggish or start to leave. Five times 20 is 100 minutes, one hour and forty minutes. Beginning at 8:00, we would have everyone leaving at 9:40. Right? Wrong. When shows run with that kind of precision, it's because they're not live, most of the time. Add to this the simple fact that, even with the help of volunteers in placement, even though we alert performers to their position in the show, things happen. A blind accompanist isn't sure that the soloist is at the mike. A no- show causes a shift in the schedule. A cued tape doesn't respond at the press of the button. A guide dog makes a comment, and we have to chuckle. Now, add in applause, the emcee's intros, a short break, etc., and we're past 10 o'clock. Does the show start on time? Don't we wish. Last year, our audio equipment arrived at 7:00 instead of 5:30. And that's just one example of an unexpected delay. Again this year, we will do our best to start promptly at 8:00. On-site Steps for Performers

1. Register at the Mixer.

2. Come to the rehearsal/audition at the scheduled time.

3. Get to the Showcase and report your presence to the emcee.

1. The Mixer. Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 is really a social time, but we also need you to register for the Showcase. This means finding the people handling registration and providing them information such as your name, the kind of performing you do, name of selection, whether you need an accompanist who plays well by ear or a sighted accompanist that plays note for note, or you have a taped accompaniment. 15-minute sign-up slots run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. If you know you're on a tour that runs late, take a late sign-up time. Those requiring a sighted accompanist should bring their music to the Mixer, so that the accompanist can preview it before rehearsal. Note: Such accompanists may not be asked to transpose.

2. Rehearsal. When you arrive at the rehearsal, be sure to let the masters of ceremonies know you are in the room. Remember, many of them will not see you. If you are using a tape, bring it with you and be sure it is properly cued. Such tapes should be high-bias chrome (TDK or Maxell, for example). We try to work with three performers every 15 minutes. Problems such as needing to start over, changing keys, etc., always slow us down. We never record the rehearsal not possible, not necessary, but we do time material, and we do listen. Yes, we listen, even when people run into mikes, knock guitar cases over or talk to us. At the rehearsal, you will be advised as to the form of notification for this year. If more than 20 people audition and we keep the show at 20 performers, a number of factors will determine the final set of the show. If we cannot find you with the telephone, voice-mail, etc., call the suite, come to the delegation or to the luncheon. We want all people to know as soon as possible whether they are a part of the final performance.

3. The Showcase. Performers are always asked to arrive at 7:00, so we can seat people in order, line up the chorus, do microphone tests and do other things that can't happen before 7 p.m. When you arrive, report to the masters of ceremonies. If you do not report, you will be considered absent. Present yourself as you would like to be in a picture. We will be photographing during the Showcase. Volunteers who act as escorts to and from the stage will have a list of performers in the order of the show. They will be looking for you, to get you seated in a way that will move the show along.

Party

Another tradition is a party after the Showcase to celebrate everyone's success. It is definitely for FIA members in the audience as well as for Showcase participants.

Recording

FIA has recorded the Showcase for the Performing Arts for a number of years. In 1994, we went to digital recording (DAT). We duplicate those cassettes commercially and have them available for sale in the coming years. Therefore, you will find Showcases from '94 through '97 on sale at the '98 convention. This year, we will also produce and sell a CD, with a title something like "Best of ..." or "FIA Treasures." Memorable performances are selected by members of the FIA Performing Arts Committee. Of course, we have more than enough for one CD, so others will follow.

Coda

As you see, production of the FIA Showcase is a year-long process. Developing choral arrangements, editing last year's recording, preparing for the recording of the next Showcase, finding technicians, auditioning, convening the chorus, setting the show all are labors of love producing a delightful outcome.

CAPTION

Janiece Petersen sings "Love Changes Everything" during the 1995 Friends-In-Art Showcase in Greensboro. (Photo copyright 1995 by Ken Nichols.)

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.

The Chapel of the Four Chaplains will hold a charity golf tournament May 18 at the Ashbourne Country Club in Cheltenham, Pa. (a suburb of Philadelphia). All blind veterans and other blind people are invited. The tournament will benefit the chapel's building fund. A continental breakfast will be served at 7:15 a.m.; the tournament will start at 8 a.m., and there will be lunch and dinner afterward. Forms are available from Ted Marchese, 220 Ryers Ave., Cheltenham, PA 19012; phone (215) 663-9053.

At its 1998 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute, the American Foundation for the Blind presented its Access Awards and Kay Gallagher Award. The winner of the Kay Gallagher Award is Gena Harper, a first vice president of investments, senior investment consultant, and certified investment management analyst at Smith Barney. The recipients of the Access Awards are: Blockbuster, for making a selection of described videos available to its blind and visually impaired customers; the Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care Unit of Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., for providing employment opportunities for visually impaired people; SoftQuad, Inc., for its HoTMetaL Pro software that allows Web page authors to check the accessibility of their pages; 3M, for providing access to employment for blind people via its partnership with National Industries for the Blind; and the National Federation of the Blind's Newsline, for providing blind and visually impaired people nationwide with instant access to a variety of daily newspapers.

Trees really do grow in Brooklyn. If you want to touch and smell them for yourself, go to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Fragrance Garden. It was created specifically for the visually impaired. Visitors can touch, taste and smell a variety of flowers, bushes and herbs planted throughout the garden. Markers offer information in print and braille. And for the true touch- and-smell experience, you can wash your fingers in the small pool with aquatic plants. For directions and hours, call the Brooklyn Botanic Garden at (718) 622-4433.

Guide Dog Users, Inc. has its 1998 catalog available. It includes useful and attractive products for the guide dog and its handler, such as food bowls, harness signs and pouches, jewelry, and more. The catalog is available in braille, large print, cassette, on 3.5-inch IBM-compatible disk or via e-mail. For more information, contact Jane Sheehan, Treasurer, Guide Dog Users, Inc., 14311 Astrodome Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245; phone (301) 598-2131 or toll-free (888) 858-1008, or e-mail [email protected]

Albert "Abe" Schwartzberg is a relatively new PC user who is looking for mutual support and exchange of information on the combined use of screen readers and screen magnification. He is trying to learn Microsoft Office 97 Professional Suite, Visual Basic, etc., and is currently trying out JAWS for Windows 3.0 with MAGic and Zoomtext Xtra. Contact him at (412) 422-9090, or e-mail him at [email protected]

Access USA's The Braille Factory produces braille tags and stickers to help consumers identify their products. Print-and- braille DuraBraille (TM) tags are tough and long-lasting. Some examples of uses include: room numbers, push/pull, phone numbers, smoking and no smoking signs, tissue/waste, salt and pepper, sodas, vending machine tags and more. BrailleOn (TM) stickers identify things in print and braille; they do not last as long as the DuraBraille tags. Some examples of uses include: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, mouthwash, soda cans, canned goods, jellies and jams, milk, and many more. For more information, or to request a catalog, call the company at (800) 563-1687, or write to The Braille Factory, P.O. Drawer 160, 242 James St., Clayton, N.Y. 13624. Make sure you include your name and address in your request.

The California Cane now has 20 percent more carbon fibers than before, according to a recent press release from the company. This cane is light and strong, for the beginner as well as the expert traveler. Call California Canes at (714) 489-1973 for pricing information and other products, or write the company at 26511 Quail Run, Suite 123, Dana Point, CA 92629; e-mail [email protected]

If you have not yet received your 1998 catalog from Ann Morris Enterprises, please phone the company and request it in large print, cassette, or computer disk. It includes more than 175 new items, including an indoor/outdoor talking thermometer, talking countdown timer, flameless lighter, modified recorders, and more. Call (800) 454-3175 or e-mail [email protected]

Abacus Attack is a new educational game for blind and visually impaired students. Players roll braille dice and move their playing pieces around a magnetic braille and large-print game board answering math questions divided by grade level (grades 1 through 6). Computations may be done with the optional abacus or any math device of your choice. Play with two to six players, including sighted friends and family. To order a game without an abacus, send a check for $70 plus $10 shipping and handling to Mostly Mobility, 7100 Route 183, Bethel, PA 19507. To order the optional abacus, add $15 to the total. Allow six weeks for delivery. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (717) 581-0994.

If your Perkins brailler is sluggish, Alan Ackley can fix it. He was trained at Howe Press and uses only factory parts. He has restored more than 1,500 braillers from more than 40 states and Canada. For fast turnaround, reasonable charges, and guaranteed work, ship your brailler to Ackley Appliance Service, 627 E. 5th St., Des Moines, IA 50309; phone (515) 288-3931; e-mail [email protected]

The United States Organization for Disabled Athletes (doing business as America's Athletes with Disabilities) recently named Deborah J. Bonsack as its executive director. The organization's national headquarters has relocated from New York to the Washington, D.C. area; its regional offices in New York and Chicago will continue to handle fundraising. Bonsack has more than 20 years of non-profit and management experience, including serving as director of global field services for Special Olympics International; her background also includes management development and strategic planning positions with Texas Special Olympics and the City of Austin. For more information, contact USODA/AAD, P.O. Box 5899, Takoma Park, MD 20913-0899; phone (800) 238-7632, or e- mail [email protected]

The Mid-Tennessee Council of the Blind has two new braille T- shirt designs available. One features a small cameo picture of Louis Braille and the saying "Louis says you can do it in the dark" (available in black only). "Living life hands on" is available in teal and purple. Both designs have the braille and print alphabets in puffed paint on the back. T-shirts are short-sleeved, 50-50 cotton and polyester; sizes large, extra large, and extra extra large. Send $16 check or money order (including shipping) to the Mid-Tennessee Council of the Blind, c/o Elizabeth Hopp, 3135 Tyree Springs Rd., Hendersonville, TN 37075. Be sure to specify size, color and message desired. For more information, call (615) 356- 4940.

A new method is now available to make tactile graphics. It's called Pictures In A Flash. Any image can be drawn or photocopied onto capsule paper and then processed by PIAF. For more information in the USA, contact Humanware Inc., 6245 King Rd., Loomis, CA 95650; phone (800) 722-3393, or e-mail [email protected] In Canada, contact Aroga Technologies Ltd., 1611 Welch St., North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3G9; phone (604) 986-7999 or (800) 561-6222, or e-mail [email protected]

"So You Have Macular Degeneration" is a new booklet written by Jean M. Smith, director of a support group for visually impaired people. It tells how she adjusted to her vision loss from age- related macular degeneration. The book is available from the author; write to Jean M. Smith, 7 College Row, Brevard, N.C. 28712, or phone (704) 884-6352.

HumanWare now has the Braille Companion available. It's a personal organizer with speech output and an ergonomic braille keyboard. Its built-in software is an enhanced version of Keysoft, the software used in the Keynote Companion. Braille Companion also has forward and back translation capabilities, as well as the option of sharing files with other PC's via the optional disk drive. For more information, contact Humanware Inc., 6245 King Rd., Loomis, CA 95650; phone (800) 722-3393, or e-mail [email protected]

Candle in the Window, a small national non-profit organization that aims to build individual skills and a sense of community among people with visual impairments, will hold its 12th annual conference September 3-7 at Camp Courage, about 60 miles west of Minneapolis. Its focus will be on issues related to status how the unequal distribution of power affects interactions with non- disabled people and with each other, as well as reducing individual and collective effectiveness. The conference will explore how status impacts personal relationships, interactions with the world of work, and reactions to conflict. There will be plenty of time for swimming, hiking, eating, singing, quiet reflection, and hanging out. It costs about $220 (there is a $15 discount if you pay a $35 deposit by July 15); there are a few scholarships available, as well as a payment plan. For more information, contact Kathy Szinnyey at (502) 895-0866 or e-mail [email protected]

The American Foundation for the Blind was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the UPS Foundation to support AFB's National Braille Literacy Mentor Project, according to a press release from AFB. The project connects educators who teach braille reading and writing with braille experts throughout the country who are willing to serve as mentors. This gift is the third in a three-year, $75,000 pledge made in 1995. For more information on the project, contact Frances Mary D'Andrea at (404) 525-2303; e-mail [email protected]

If you like to swim, fish, go to the beach, and do lots of other things, you might want to go to Oral Hull Park's summer camp. Two summer camp sessions for blind and visually impaired adults are planned: July 18-25 and August 22-29. Cost is $300 per week. For more information, write to the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind, P.O. Box 157, Sandy, OR 97055; phone (503) 668-6195.

The Columbia Lighthouse has a Windows tutorial available called "Opening Windows 95." The program was designed for blind and low- vision adaptive technology users by Doug Wakefield, according to a press release from the lighthouse. The taped tutorial provides step-by-step training in: taking phone messages in Notepad; organizing and updating information on the computer; using the functions of a new application; entering text, retrieving files, and moving information from one application to another; and using shortcuts to streamline a Windows system. The tutorial is available through the Columbia Lighthouse on three cassettes with a workbook diskette for $59 including shipping and handling. A large print or braille keyboard guide is also available for an additional $10. To order, or for more information, contact the Technology Department at the Columbia Lighthouse at (202) 462-2900 extension 3004 or (202) 462-4784; e-mail [email protected]

Dates for Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students '98 are set! Camp will be held Sept. 26-Oct. 1 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. The program is seeking students from throughout the United States and overseas. Some funding is available for students. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs are available for blind and visually impaired students in grades 4-6, 7-12 and college-bound students grades 10- 12. Some programs are mainstreamed; siblings and friends of blind and visually impaired students can attend this week also. Space Camp for Blind Adults will be held Oct. 2-4. The cost is $500 for all programs except the college-bound program, which is $710. The cost includes programming, lodging and meals from Saturday lunch through Friday breakfast. Tuition and registration deadline is August 15. All forms, documents, scholarship information, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the website. For more information, go to http://www.tsbvi.edu/spacehome.htm or e-mail [email protected] If you do not have internet access, contact Dan Oates, West Virginia School for the Blind, 301 E. Main St., Romney, WV 26757; phone (304) 822-4883.

Research Grant Guides now has its own web site at http://www.researchgrant.com The site includes "A Grant Seeker's Guide to the Internet," a description of the company's grant- related guides, and more. All directories are $59.50 per copy plus $6 shipping and handling. For more information, check the web site, or contact the company at Dept. 3A, P.O. Box 1214, Loxahatchee, FL 33470; phone (561) 795-6129.

If you're bored with modern TV's great visual effects, try picking up a radio program. Audio Treasures has such shows as Jack Benny, The Shadow, Suspense, Gunsmoke, Lone Ranger, and many more. Call toll-free (888) 723-4642 for a catalog.

The Stoaway Pet Dish is a collapsible pet dish that is light, durable and waterproof. It folds and rolls to the size of a magic marker and is held closed with an attached elastic band. It is mildew and stain-resistant, and machine washable and dryable. (Moderate temperatures and mild cleaners are recommended.) Each bowl is $12.50. All orders must be prepaid. Send your name, address, phone number and check or money order to Capable Canine Company, c/o Heppe, 68 Gilman St., Hartford, CT 06114-2536; phone (860) 296-4922, or e-mail [email protected] A portion of each sale goes to Guide Dog Users of Connecticut.

For the past 18 months an ACB ad hoc committee has worked on a project to address the Long Range Plan, Section II, Action 1 which states, "Develop a clear list of affiliate rights and responsibilities and take steps necessary for its dissemination and implementation." The committee considered a number of questions associated with the rights and responsibilities of ACB affiliates and the relations between ACB and its affiliated organizations. The result is a working draft of a list of affiliate rights and responsibilities. Before the ACB board of directors and the ad hoc committee move toward adopting this document, we must have your input.

We strongly urge you to initiate discussions about the document and/or the issues it addresses during any spring conventions or your next board meeting which occurs before the ACB national convention in July. We suggest allowing a minimum of two hours for these discussions. Some issues raised by this document may well be discussed on either the acb-l or the acb-leadership Internet mailing lists between now and the convention. We encourage your affiliate president or his/her representative to find a way to join these discussions as well.

The current draft of the list of affiliate rights and responsibilities is draft five. It has been discussed at length by the ACB board last September and at the affiliate presidents meeting in February. This draft has been distributed to the affiliate presidents; however, if you do not have it as of this publication please request a copy from the national office as soon as possible. Either the adoption of this document or implementation of some of the issues contained in it will occur at the ACB national convention in July. Please make sure your affiliate's representative is prepared to support your perspective on this document at that time.

Please take careful note of the opening statements in the list of affiliate rights and responsibilities. They are essential to your understanding of the document and the impact it may have on ACB and its affiliates. To heighten your interest, those statements are repeated here. "This document describes the intrinsic, fundamental qualities of rights and responsibilities exchanged when membership is offered and accepted in the American Council of the Blind. It is meant to serve as a guideline for all parties concerned including the ACB board of directors, the ACB national office, state and special-interest affiliates and individual members. It takes into account that ACB is, in legal fact, an association of independent entities brought together by mutual consent to address issues of common interest and importance. In our relationships with each other we choose to abide by certain principles, agreements and traditions without giving up individualized sovereignty or equality."

At times during the course of this project it seems as if more questions have been raised than answered. For example, one very serious issue which has yet to be resolved is: Should there be or can any effective enforcement provisions be included in this document? The intensity of discussions on this issue reflect the diversity of ACB's membership and the role "enforcement" has played in our history. Many in ACB would like to find the middle ground between the options of never taking any disciplinary action and only having one choice of action regardless of how minor the infraction, namely expulsion of an affiliate. The ad hoc committee discussed setting up treaties in a United Nations type structure with actions appropriate to the infraction. While this seems a valid approach, we chose not to include this concept for various reasons.

The members of the ad hoc committee are either former or current presidents of their respective affiliates and have significant background in affiliate leadership. Please feel free to contact any member of the ad hoc committee regarding your discussions. The committee members are: Sanford Alexander, Kansas; John Brockington, Georgia; Nelson Malbone, Virginia; Mitch Pomerantz, California and Frank Welte, California. While you should feel free to discuss these issues with committee members, any comments you may have should be sent to me. Comments may be submitted to the committee in your choice of media by June 1. Please send comments to Diane Bowers, 10220 E. 32nd Street, Apt. 427, Tulsa, OK 74146; e-mail [email protected] or call (918) 628- 1113.

FOR SALE: Rarely used Epson LQ-550 dot matrix printer in good condition. Includes cable and manual. Echo PC external speech device. Epson XT 20 meg computer and monitor, including WordPerfect 5.0, Vocal-Eyes, DOS version 3.3, and Duxbury. Not fancy. Good for word processing. Contact Bill Lewis, 3509 E. 2nd St., Wichita, KS 67208; phone (316) 681-7443.

FOR SALE: Romeo braille printer with all cables, software and manuals. $1,200 plus shipping. Also, RCA dual cassette stereo with AM/FM radio and CD player, $150 plus shipping. JVC CD player with radio, $200. Small AM/FM stereo radio and dual cassette and record player, $75. ASAW screen reader for Windows, $300. For more information on these items, write in braille or on tape to Carol Meeks, 841 N. Main St., Jacksonville, IL 62650; phone (217) 245-6524, or e-mail [email protected]

FREE TO GOOD HOME: Individuals who are interested in the older model Optacons which are in reasonably good repair can contact Gaylen Kapperman, Special Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; phone (815) 753-8453; fax (815) 753-9250; e-mail [email protected] We do not want money for these devices. First come, first served; there are five Optacons with visual displays and tracking aids available.

FOR SALE: Spectrum color CCTV. 11-inch by 15-inch screen. Asking $2,000. Call (334) 365-1817 and ask for George or Nancy Waggoner.

FOR SALE: Braille 'n Speak 640 with cables and cassette tutorial, $995. Call (812) 339-5400 (evenings) or e-mail [email protected]

FOR SALE: Kurzweil reader. Rarely used. Comes with all cables, manuals, and original packaging. $2,500 or best offer. Call Allan Golabek at (203) 743-9238.

ACB wishes to thank its many members and friends who gave so generously in response to our fall 1997 letter requesting support for ACB's ongoing programs and services. This partial list of donors reflects only those people who gave us their approval to publicly acknowledge their gifts.

Jack Crawford, Somerville

Mr. and Mrs. John Granger, Talladega

Joel Marler, Montgomery

June Milam, Birmingham

Mike Parker, Mobile

Julie L. Herring, Anchorage

Sandy Sanderson, Anchorage

Lynne Koral, Anchorage

Elena Harper, Prescott

John E. Lane, Mesa

Valarie Lintz, Phoenix

Norman Loeber, Show Low

Michelle Musil, Phoenix

Stanley Olivier, Sun Lakes

Edward Josef Schuler, Arizona City

Monty Ball, Little Rock

Davis Duty, Ft. Smith

Leroy and Mary Johnson, Springdale

Lorene Denney, Clinton

Hazel C. Jordan, Little Rock

Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Almy, Huntington Beach

Beatrice Bel, Half Moon Bay

Kevin Berkery, Burbank

Ralph Black, Sacramento

Regina Chavez-Berlin, Albany

Michael Chin, Corning

Bianca Culbertson, Carmichael

Ann P. DeLint, Cerritos

Winifred Downing, San Francisco

Virginia Gong, Union City

Philip Hallford, San Diego

Greg Hill, Rio Linda

K. Hillhouse, Books Aloud, San Jose

Constance Hubbard-Schoeman, La Canada

Byron G. Jay, Riverside

Katherine Jenkins, Redwood City

J. Henry Kruse, Albany

Judy D. Larson, Castro Valley

Eugene Lozano, Jr., Sacramento

Jill O'Connell, Carlotta

Ms. Teddie Remhild, Anaheim

Melva C. Rhodes, San Luis Obispo

Peter Schustack, San Luis Obispo

C. Carroll Stough, Long Beach

Lawrence Swenson, Penngrove

Technologies for the Visually Impaired, San Francisco

Tim Tomasello, San Ramon

Jinger Valenzuela, Glendale

Barry and Flora Weintraub, Los Angeles

Wendy Cody, Lafayette

June E. Englehorn, Littleton

Nellie Garcia, Wheat Ridge

Marge Gallien, Colorado Springs

Theodore Ruskin, Littleton

Maureen Carr, Branford

Anna Godrie, Fairfield

Bernard W. Kassett, Tolland

Barbara Lombardi, Shelton

Louise A. Manginello, Hartford

Ellen M. Telker, Milford

Harry W. Wenz, Fairfield

Alice and Al Capodanno, Wilmington

Stewart H. Wiggins, Wilmington

Virginia Cerello

Roberta Douglas

Oral O. Miller

Frank A. Bartola, Winter Park

Gladys Burck, West Palm Beach

Evelyn Dellavolpe, Ocoee

Denyse Eddy, Winter Park

Marion Eiermann, Orlando

Herbert C. Eiermann, Orlando

Nancy Gould, Delray Beach

Carther Graham, Tallahassee

Virginia Graham, Daytona Beach

Debra Hietala, St. Petersburg

Jack Landress, Lake Worth

David Lang, Ormond Beach

Ruth and Clinton Moore, Port Charlotte

Grace C. Moulton, Tallahassee

Nigel Ricards, Boca Raton

Michael Romeo, Stuart

Jeanne and Don Sanders, Clearwater

Fred Scheigert, Vero Beach

Ronald D. Scouten, Lakeland

Henry B. Stern, Lake Worth

Mike Hall, Flowery Branch

Juanita Mathews, Savannah

Mrs. Paul Moss, Roswell

Thomas H. Ridgeway, Macon

Therese Sprinkle, Atlanta

Charleen Y.K. Doi, Honolulu

Hisaka Stone and Goto, Attorneys, Honolulu

Makia Malo, Honolulu

Clara Bowie, Carbondale

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn

Trudy Carroll, East Alton

David L. Crawford, Vandalia

Elsie Haug, Chicago

Sally Hering, Lake Bluff

Mr. and Mrs. George Hoy, Chicago

Heidi A. Kimbel, Rock Island

Alison King, Geneva

Dennis Mijia, Highland

Natalie F. Miller, Evanston

Donald G. Morrow, Chicago

Maureen Ryan, Chicago

Terry-Ann Saurmann, Arlington Heights

Gail Stamps, Evansville

George Vlasak, Franklin Park

Carol Warren, Peoria

James J. Barnes, Crawfordsville

Rev. Maurice Brockman, Indianapolis

John, Debra and Erin Fountain, Paoli

Paul J. Hums, Mishawaka

Mary McMichael, Bloomington

Joseph J. Neff, Indianapolis

Mike and Dolly Sowder, Bedford

Dr. and Mrs. C. William Trubey, Bluffton

Ray and Jackie Warren, Indianapolis

Linda Dietrich, Fairfield

Marjorie A. Hansen, Mason City

Roger H. Larson, Eagle Grove

Frank Strong Jr., Des Moines

Thomas J. Basgall, Salina

Betty Christian, Wichita

Don L. Cox, Wichita

Donald D. Enos, Wichita

Marilyn G. Lytle, Wichita

Glenna and Howard Morrow, Overland Park

Kathryn Hynes Smith, Manhattan

Donald and Billie J. Flannery, Lawrenceburg

Gladys Hall, Louisville

John S. Llewellyn, Louisville

Thomas Lutes, Bardstown

Susan B. Robertson, Louisville

Charlotte Himel, Covington

George Roderick, Augusta

Audrey S. Koch, Rockville

The Leading Edge, Severna Park

Gladys E. Loeb Foundation, Silver Spring

Francis and Sheila McKeown, Baltimore

Doug Slotten, Chevy Chase

John and Eloise Sutton, Salisbury

Andrea E. Bader, Boston

Gilbert J. Busch, Jamaica Plain

Brian Charlson, Watertown

Virginia Dean, Cambridge

Donna Fanelle, Medford

Al and Betty Gayzagian, Watertown

Robert Gildea, Arlington

Edward Heartz, Brookline

Natalie Lamken, Northhampton

Shemaya Laurel, Holyoke

Angela Mannerson, Salem

Laura Oftedahl, Watertown

Dennis Polselli, Framingham

Judy Savageau, Worcester

Robert W. Florine, Kalamazoo

Margaret M. Hunerjager, Niles

Elizabeth M. Lennon, Kalamazoo

Frederick T. Neumann, Lansing

H. Kirkland Osoinach, Cross Village

Betty J. Petersen-Neumann, Lansing

David Russell, Marysville

Donald J. Schichtel, Grand Rapids

Edward D. Bender, White Bear Lake

Bruce Elving, Esko

Marlena L. Haugen, St. Paul

Jack and Sharon Hicken, Duluth

Dale and Diane Mevissen, Duluth

Linda Oliva, Minneapolis

David W. Schmidt, Maple Grove

Max Swanson, Minneapolis

Mike and Elaine Vining, Minneapolis

Vernon P. Williams, Burnsville

James Paul Duffy, Gulfport

Elton Moore, Mississippi State

Jettie Norris, Tupelo

W.R. Sallis, Jackson

Kathryn Hames, Ballwin

Ann Murphey, Rolla

Edith M. Schmutzler, West Plains

June Smith, St. Louis

Mildred Taylor, Crane

Jean VanWinkle, Springfield

Mrs. R.M. Lockwood, Bozeman

Elizabeth C. and Harvey G. Robe, Missoula

Don and Vivian Pohlmann, Hastings

Tammy Bennett, Winnemucca

Janis Riceberg, Las Vegas

Dr. Richard W. Bleecker, Jersey City

Dennis Hartenstine, Red Bank

Judith Rose-Valente, Oak Ridge

Lisa Valvano, Edison

Joseph Zesski, Mt. Laurel

Lonnie Lanning, Albuquerque

Fred Mansfield, Santa Fe

Eric Blair, New York City

Joan O. Brown, Rochester

Harriet J. Burke, Red Hook

Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Cronin, Lawrence

Inez and Tom D'Agostino, New York City

James Dinnigan, Maspeth

George Downey, Long Island City

Josephine Durham, Mineola

Robert Fearon III, Oneida

Jacob Goldfein, New York City

Karen Gourgey, New York City

Richard Hutcheson, Potsdam

A. Leo Imerti, Long Island City

Elizabeth Juvet, Bethpage

Alice Lockwood, Brentwood

David R. Nelson, Kenmore

Mary Randall, Astoria

James V. Ricciardi, Oyster Bay

Margaret Ricciardi, Oyster Bay

Philip G. Rich, Albany

Paul and Mary Sauerland, Hicksville

Ken Stewart, Warwick

Miriam Vieni, Westbury

Janet Wettenstein, Rochester

Jessie Ballew, Winston-Salem

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kee, Burlington

Norma F. Krajczar, Moorhead City

Judith K. Redfield, Clemmons

Fanny L. Seville, Bismarck

Richard and Gina Bird, Parma Heights

Donald Brucker, Columbus

Dawn M. Christensen, Holland

Stanley Doran, Columbus

W.C. Evans, Bellevue

Rea R. Fellows, Columbus

Kent Lions Club

Jack R. Linville, Columbus

Catherine Manghelli, Lima

Jim Oyer, Columbus

Anera and David Shell, Cincinnati

Ruth J. Spillan, Columbus

Jane Strohmeier, Cincinnati

Brian White, Columbus

Lillian Alexander, Tulsa

Libby Cahalan, Edmond

Wanda Eller, Tulsa

Nancy J. Mayberry, Tulsa

Patricia Palmer, Henryetta

Mary Chambers, Portland

Margaret Alvarez, Tigard

Cathy Bickerdike, Keizer

Harvey W. Gibbens, Salem

Mildred S. Gibbens, Salem

Drs. Hamada, Matti & Assoc., Grants Pass

Teena Hazel, Pendleton

Sherri Jackson, Ashland

Carol McCarl, Salem

Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Menning, Salem

Gerald and Carolyn Patrick, King City

Margaret Reznicsek, Salem

Paulette Stokes, Portland

Ellen Werthaiser, Brookings

Donald F. Allison, Shade Gap

Richard C. Bechtel, Haverford

Connie L. Bortfield, Lancaster

Tom Brozena, North Wales

Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Demanop, Havertown

Jeffrey Ermold, Doylestown

John Figliomeni, Childs

Mary E. Frizzi, Pittsburgh

Janice Hargick, Shenandoah

Kathleen M. Huebner, Philadelphia

John Horst, Elizabethtown

Evelyn Kaufman, Philadelphia

Merlin Stacy Keller, Wexford

Jerold G. Klevit, Jenkintown

Marita Mathews, Pittsburgh

Anna Mary McHugh, Ashley

Pearl M. McMichael, New Brighton

Mary Jane Nester, Shenandoah

Shirley Nyland, Munhall

Anna B. Porter, Lancaster

Don Schreiber II, Harrisburg

Mary Smith, Reading

Patsy Jones, West Columbia

Ted Kneebone, Aberdeen

John Adams, Elkton

Cindy Adams, Elkton

Robert K. Armstrong, Memphis

Herb and Gwen Jared, Knoxville

Carrie Byars, San Antonio

Coastal Bend Area Council of the Blind, Corpus Christi

Jo Cassidy, Cypress

Dennis Gerron, Dallas

Ron Graham, Copperas Cove

Duncan Holmes, Fredericksburg

Larry Johnson, San Antonio

Janet L. Jones, Houston

Joyce Jones, Houston

Bernice Klepac, Houston

Oleva "Bo" Randall, Richmond

Arne Schonberger, El Paso

McLeod Stinnett III, Dallas

Ronald B. Bradshaw, Woods Cross

John H. Freebairn, Salt Lake City

Nadeen Hackwell, Ogden

Ernest Heyborne, Cedar City

Theda S. Imlay, Salt Lake City

Ora G. Peterson, Provo

Cindi L. Vega, Salt Lake City

Eugene M. and Eileen B. Wood, Salt Lake City

Joann Nichols, Brattleboro

Michael Richman, South Burlington

Patricia M. Beattie, Alexandria

Robert Burke, Charlottesville

Kathleen M. Carr, Falls Church

Eunice Fiorito, Alexandria

Leslie Henson, Richmond

Charles Hodge, Arlington

Nancy Jenkins, Richmond

Milly Lillibridge, Arlington

Betty Y. Mehalko, Quinton

Sandra G. Neuzil, Reston

Everett and Cynthia Roberts, Woodbridge

John Sours, Arlington

S. Steiger, Hampton

Roy and Mabel Ward, Richmond

Sue Ammeter, Seattle

Doris Blevins, Spokane

H. Marie Campbell, Kent

Barbara I. Harville, Richland

Julia C. Lynch, Seattle

Rhonda L. Nelson, Auburn

Teri Reinkens, Pasco

Bill Van Winkle, Richland

Terry P. Waldron, Spokane

Donna Brown, Romney

Charles J. Varney, Crum

Rosale H. Alsbury, Appleton

Richard B. Berres, West Bend

Helen A. Broeren, Madison

Virginia and Adrian DeBlaey, Milwaukee

Bernice Dern, Sheboygan

Walter Johnson, Milwaukee

Donald Lehmann, Kenosha

Velma Mitchel, Prairie du Chien

Eugene Persohn, Green Bay

Vivian Wiedeman, Superior

Sue Ammeter, Seattle, WA

Ardis Bazyn, Cedar Rapids, IA

John Buckley, Knoxville, TN

Dawn Christensen, Holland, OH

Christopher Gray, San Francisco, CA

John Horst, Elizabethtown, PA

Kristal Platt, Omaha, NE

M.J. Schmitt, Forest Park, IL

Pamela Shaw, Philadelphia, PA

Richard Villa, Austin, TX

Carol McCarl, Chairperson, Salem, OR

Kim Charlson, Watertown, MA

Thomas Mitchell, North Salt Lake City, UT

Mitch Pomerantz, Los Angeles, CA

Jay Doudna, Lancaster, PA

Ex Officio: Laura Oftedahl, Watertown, MA

PRESIDENT
PAUL EDWARDS
20330 NE 20TH CT.
MIAMI, FL 33179

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
BRIAN CHARLSON
57 GRANDVIEW AVE.
WATERTOWN, MA 02172

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
STEPHEN SPEICHER
825 M ST., SUITE 216
LINCOLN, NE 68508

SECRETARY
CYNTHIA TOWERS
556 N. 80TH ST.
SEATTLE, WA 98103

TREASURER
PATRICIA BEATTIE
906 N CHAMBLISS ST
ALEXANDRIA VA 22312

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
LeRoy Saunders
2118 NW 21st St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
ELIZABETH M. LENNON, Kalamazoo, MI