THE Braille Forum Vol. XXXI December 1992 No. 5 Published By The American Council of the Blind PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY LeRoy F. Saunders, President Oral O. Miller, J.D., National Representative Nolan Crabb, Editor Nicole Willson, Editorial Assistant National Office: 1155 15th St., N.W. Suite 720 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 Fax: (202) 467-5085 THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large type, half-speed four-track cassette tape and MS-DOS 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. Those much-needed and appreciated cash contributions, which are tax deductible, may be sent to Brian Charlson, Treasurer, 1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The ACB National Office has available printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. 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 Tel. 296-3552. Copyright 1992 American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: Some Thoughts On A New Administration And Congress A Look Ahead To 1993 News Briefs From The ACB National Office Looking Forward To San Francisco AFB Announces Migel Medal Winners Report Calls For Major Overhaul Of Supplemental Security Income Program Blindness And Jury Duty My Two Weeks In Court Service With A Smile Commentary United States Blind Athletes Win In Barcelona Affiliate News Make Your Own Connection With Brytech, Money Talks Black Cats And Elephants Here And There High Tech Swap Shop PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE SOME THOUGHTS ON A NEW ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESS by LeRoy F. Saunders Well, the election is over and we have a new incoming President, as well as several new people in both houses of Congress. ACB now has its work cut out for its staff and members. We must now meet the real challenge of informing these newcomers of our needs and help them become familiar with the issues which concern us. We must contact these people as soon as possible and help them recognize ACB as a valuable resource. The staff in the Washington office is putting a plan together in order to accomplish this. There are two upcoming meetings which should be attended by as many people as possible. Both of these meetings will occur shortly after the 103rd Congress gets underway and the President will have appointed people to several government positions. The first meeting of importance is one for our state and special-interest affiliate presidents, which will be held on February 7 and 8 in San Francisco. By that time, we will be able to include some issues involving the new Congress as well as areas of concern in some of the other agencies which have newly-appointed directors on that agenda. The other meeting I refer to will be the Legislative Seminar sponsored by ACB and the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America March 21 to 23 in Washington, D.c. Those attending should arrive on Saturday so they can get discounted airline rates. The seminar will actually start on Sunday. On Monday, participants will contact their senators and representatives on the Hill. Attendees will finish by around noon on Tuesday. We especially need people who have newly-elected Congressmen to attend this seminar. Make your plans to attend these very important meetings. Things will certainly be different in Washington, D.C., with this many new people arriving in January. In the past, Congress has made the excuse that it couldn't get anything accomplished even though one party controlled. The president has said he couldn't get anything done because his party wasn't in control. It will be interesting to see what our new president will use for his excuse if he can't follow through on some of the promises he made during his campaign. At least he can't say his party isn't in control in Congress. I think the American people are going to make some hard demands and expect him to follow through on the commitments he made to them. I'm certain he will implement programs designed to stimulate our economy as soon as possible. Containing the cost of health care and making it available to the more than 40 million people in this country who don't have it is certainly going to be an important issue he'll have to face. It will be an issue of real concern to ACB--one which we will constantly monitor. There certainly needs to be a health care program developed so that everyone who needs care can get it. It also has to be extended to our elderly people who need adequate care in a convalescent home. From an economic standpoint, their families are now being destroyed because of the enormous cost of such care. The biggest concern regarding these two issues is how to pay the inevitable bill for these much-needed programs. There is no such thing as a free lunch. That is what we will find when the bill comes due for proper health care in this country. I expect all of us will have to share the cost to provide this health care. It may be in the form of additional taxes. I had the pleasure of attending the Migel award ceremonies in New York City. The Migel Medal is given annually by the American Foundation for the Blind to a professional worker in the field of blindness and to a volunteer in service for the blind. This year, the award winner in the volunteer category is Margarine Beaman. We know her as the lady who puts those braille and large print numbers on our hotel rooms every year at the convention. It was my personal pleasure to have the opportunity to present this prestigious award to Margarine at the ceremony. No person I know is more deserving of this award. (See "AFB Announces Migel Medal Winners" this issue.) This is the last issue of the Braille Forum you will receive this year. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a most happy and successful holiday season. Remember there is still plenty of work for all of us to do to make life better for all blind people in this country. With all of us working together, I'm sure we can meet the challenges set before us in 1993. A LOOK AHEAD TO 1993 by Paul W. Schroeder Director of Governmental Affairs After so many politicians campaigned successfully on themes of change and renewal, what can we expect in 1993? A few possibilities are beginning to emerge, though the final shape of Presidential and Congressional initiatives will not be known until sometime in January. Here is a profile of some of the positions of President-elect Clinton along with a summary of the expected changes in the 103rd Congress. THE POSITIONS OF PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON The theme of the Clinton campaign was the title of his best-selling book "Putting People First." Much of the book, and the campaign, focused on general statements about the national economy. However, Governor Clinton also spoke and wrote about numerous specific goals and issues such as health care reform, transportation and communication policy. Some of the ideas which are likely to be of interest to people who are blind or visually impaired are summarized here. In his book, Governor Clinton pledges to "Work to ensure that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is fully implemented and aggressively enforced--to empower people with disabilities to make their own choices and to create a framework for independence and self-determination." Governor Clinton will have an opportunity to demonstrate this commitment when he chooses his Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Department of Justice and the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These two federal agencies have a large role in enforcement and implementation of the ADA. Health care reform was a hallmark of the Clinton campaign. He has said he is committed to "Provide all Americans with affordable, quality health coverage, either through their workplaces or through a government program." The Clinton prescription generally falls under the health care reform category known as "pay or play." This kind of plan continues to depend on employers providing health insurance purchased from health insurance companies, along with a government-financed insurance for those not covered by employers. The plan would include cost controls, universal coverage, prohibition against denying insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions and expanded long-term care and home-based care. A Health Standards Board made up of consumers, providers, business, labor, and government would set overall health spending budgets and establish a core benefits package. The basic package would include physician care, inpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, basic mental health care, expanded preventive treatments such as pre-natal care, mammograms, and routine health screenings. Local health networks made up of insurers, hospitals, clinics, and doctors, would be established in an attempt to end the costly duplication of services and encourage the shared use of health resources. A set amount of money would be allocated to these networks as an incentive to control costs. Support for increased access to personal care services has also been mentioned by the Clinton campaign. Governor Clinton has also stressed support for innovation in telecommunications and other information technologies along with increased support for federal transportation spending. In "Putting People First," Clinton commits his administration to a policy which would establish "A national information network to link every home, business, lab, classroom, and library by the year 2015." This network would "put public records, databases, libraries, and educational materials on line for public use to expand access to information." In addition, Governor Clinton says he will support technological research by making permanent the research and development tax credit for companies that invest in new and innovative technologies. Vice President-elect Al Gore is also a strong advocate of technology research. While in Congress, Gore was the sponsor of legislation to establish electronic access to government documents and information. Governor Clinton's positions on transportation stress technologies such as high-speed rail and greater discretion for communities so that they may spend more transportation assistance dollars on mass transit. Clinton has said he would work to renovate our nation's railroads, create a high-speed intercity rail network and develop a high-tech short-haul aircraft. While education has often been discussed, the educational needs of children with disabilities have not generally received much attention. Governor Clinton has said that he would "Work to ensure children with disabilities a first-rate education, tailored to their unique needs but provided alongside their classmates without disabilities." These efforts would apparently include support for increased funding for special education services, improved enforcement of laws which guarantee children with disabilities the right to a high-quality public education, efforts to enhance integration of children with disabilities into their schools' regular activities and expanded early intervention programs in health care and education, such as Head Start. Governor Clinton has also pledged to work to enhance job training for people with disabilities as part of his focus on national adult education, job training, and apprenticeship programs. The Clinton policies include a plan to promote lifetime training by requiring every employer to spend 1.5 percent of payroll for continuing education and training for workers. Finally, Governor Clinton has said that he would support several pieces of legislation which were considered during the last session of Congress including removal of the Social Security earnings test limitation placed on older Americans. He also stated that he would sign the following bills which were vetoed by President Bush: the Equal Remedies Act, which lifts caps on damages for women, people with disabilities, and religious minorities in employment discrimination cases; the Family and Medical Leave Act, which will give American workers the right to take twelve weeks of unpaid leave per year in order to care for a newborn child or sick family member; and the Motor Voter bill, which would make it easier for people with disabilities to register to vote. THE 103RD CONGRESS When the House of Representatives convenes in January, almost one quarter of its members, 110 to be exact, will be freshmen. The Senate will welcome 11 new members. This Congress is the most diverse yet with 54 women (including four new women in the Senate), 40 African-Americans, 19 Hispanics, 9 Asians and Pacific Islanders and an American Indian in the Senate. Party affiliation in the House will undergo a modest change as Republicans increased their number by nine resulting in an overall makeup of 259 Democrats, 175 Republicans and one Independent. In addition, 19 seats shifted from the traditionally Democratic Northeast and Midwest to the more conservative South and far West. The new Congress will be different than its predecessors, but the changes may be muted by the fact that most of the institution's leadership is returning and they are fighting hard to consolidate their power. Three very powerful House Committees lost a significant number of members: the Appropriations Committee will lose a record 19 members, Ways and Means will lose 13 members and 12 members of the Energy and Commerce Committee will not be returning next January. Of these committees, Appropriations may see the greatest change in Committee and Subcommittee leadership. Several subcommittee chairs and ranking minority members will not return and the Committee Chair and Ranking Minority positions may also change next year. (Ranking Minority is the term used to describe the highest ranking member on a Committee from the minority party.) With renewed emphasis on domestic issues, several committees will play key roles in the new Congress. The Education and Labor Committee with primary responsibility for education and job training programs should gain more attention. Few major changes in Committee leadership are likely with William D. Ford, D-Mich., and William F. Goodling, R-Penn., maintaining their positions as Chairman and Ranking Minority member respectively. The Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles health, transportation and telecommunications legislation, and other issues, will likely continue to feud with other Committees over jurisdiction on these issues. Michigan Democrat John D. Dingell remains as chair, though the Committee will get a new Ranking Minority member. Norman Y. Mineta, D-Calif., will be the new chair of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Committee will also get a new Ranking Minority member. The powerful Ways and Means Committee which dominates tax policy, Social Security issues and has a strong voice in health care issues lost few of its leaders. Dan Rostenkowski, the feisty Chicago Democrat, will remain as the Committee Chair. Over on the Senate side, more incumbents were reelected, meaning fewer large shifts are likely in committee membership. However, in a body which thrives on seniority, jockeying for key positions has already begun. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, will leave his position as Ranking Minority on the Labor and Human Resources Committee to take that position on the Judiciary Committee. Nancy L. Kassebaum, R-Kan., will assume Hatch's place as the Ranking Minority member on the Labor panel. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., will take the Chair of the Committee on Environment and Public Works which handles transportation issues among other legislation. Moynihan is much more interested in transportation issues than his predecessor. New York's other Senator, Republican Alfonse M. D'Amato, will take the Ranking Minority position on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee which will play a key role in urban infrastructure issues and any intent to redesign coinage or currency. To stay abreast of the fast moving events in Washington be sure to call ACB's "Washington Connection" at (800) 424-8666 on weekends and between 6:00 p.m and midnight on weekdays. NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ACB NATIONAL OFFICE by Oral O. Miller, National Representative Many of the receptions and similar functions which ACB national staff members attend become somewhat routine after a while, but there was nothing routine about the dinner and reception sponsored by the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind at the Canadian Embassy in Washington recently. As a starter, for example, each guest was greeted at the entrance by a handsomely dressed "Mountie" attired in the traditional scarlet jacket, black riding pants and broad-brimmed hat of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. After meeting Ambassador and Mrs. Burney, the visitors were given an opportunity to meet a man-sized beaver or moose (actually men dressed in such costumes.) The beneficiary of the evening-long function, which included a silent auction for extremely attractive vacation trips and gifts, was the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, which has continually expanded and enhanced its service programs in recent years under the direction of its recently-retired Executive Director, Charles Fegan, and its new Executive Director, Charles McElroy. The American Council of the Blind was represented at the affair by second vice president Charles Hodge and ACB National Representative Oral Miller. During October I had two rare opportunities to speak directly to employers and many other community leaders in the Philadelphia area concerning the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. More specifically, at two separate meetings sponsored by a large rotary club and by a Lions club and a suburban newspaper jointly, I discussed the employment implications in particular with representatives of, among others, two national pharmaceutical manufacturers, one large national fast food chain and one of the leading national mail and delivery services. The corporate officials present were comparatively well-informed initially and offered several realistic suggestions during discussions on such touchy matters as the extent to which accommodations made for the benefit of disabled workers may violate collective bargaining agreements. How often have we all either complained about or at least wondered about the content and thrust of the aid which the American government extends to other nations? Not until recently was serious attention given to input from knowledgeable disabled people in this country as to ways in which such aid could benefit disabled people in other countries. Commendations are in order for the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities for sponsoring a recent workshop for the purpose of eliciting such input from the American disability community! It is hoped that the cooperation between American organizations of disabled people and providers of international aid will grow even closer in coming years. In October come the annual harvest, football season, and ACB state affiliate conventions! In recent weeks it has been the pleasure of ACB staff members to take part in the very stimulating conventions of the Oregon Council of the Blind, ACB of New York, Old Dominion Council of the Blind, Missouri Council of the Blind, ACB of Ohio, and the Connecticut Council of the Blind. Each featured a very interesting program relating to both local, state and national issues and each gave the staff members present an opportunity to learn of the real concerns of ACB members throughout the country. Participation in such conventions is invaluable also as a means of determining how ACB as an organization can better assist its affiliates and its members. "The accessibility which you have just described as being required by the ADA is exactly the opposite from what is available in the court system in my state," said one of the lawyers or court officials in attendance at a recent workshop which it was my pleasure to address. The workshop, sponsored by the American Bar Association, focused on the accessibility concerns of disabled and elderly people and the statement quoted at the beginning of this paragraph was actually made by one of the attendees. In short, in many communities there is an enormous amount of educating and implementing to be done and it is essential that disabled people prepare themselves to the maximum possible extent to serve as knowledgeable advocates. Articles appearing in "The Braille Forum," reports disseminated via the "Washington Connection" and "ACB Reports" as well as state convention and national convention presentations are some of the best ways to become educated and to remain educated concerning the rights of disabled people. The next issue of "The Braille Forum" will contain a report on the third international assembly of the World Blind Union, held recently in Cairo, Egypt. LOOKING FORWARD TO SAN FRANCISCO by John A. Horst, Convention Coordinator In 1993, the 32nd Annual National Convention of the American Council of the Blind will be held in San Francisco, actually a mere 14 miles outside the city. However, there will be daily transportation downtown for all convention attendees. You won't want to miss this opportunity to tour this great city and the San Francisco Bay Area. The natives assure us that the temperatures are very pleasant in July--mostly in the high '60s. Of course, the breezes are blowing off the ocean and bay and the fog rolls in every evening. But San Francisco is alive and vibrant and offers many attractions to visitors. Tourism is its number one business. The dates for the 1993 convention are July 3 to 10. The hotels are the Airport Marriott--the lead hotel--telephone (415) 692-9100, and the Airport Westin, (415) 692- 3500. Both hotels are first-class modern facilities with four-star ratings. Free transportation from the San Francisco airport is provided by both hotels, and free parking is available. Room rates are $45 per night for single and double and $55 for triple and quad. Reservations can be made now by calling either hotel. The Marriott is holding 550 rooms and the Westin will hold 250 for our convention. Room reservations should be made before June 11, 1993. After that, rooms will only be offered on a space- available basis. The ACB Board of Directors will again be meeting at the convention hotel for their winter session. The date is Saturday, February 6, 1993. As usual, several committees and the boards of various special-interest groups will also meet. President LeRoy Saunders has also announced a meeting of state and special-interest affiliate presidents for Sunday afternoon and evening, February 7, and Monday morning, February 8. Room reservations for the February meetings should be made promptly with the Airport Marriott Hotel. The reservation deadline for these mid-year meetings is December 31, 1992. Convention rates will apply. All meeting rooms requested and any special arrangements should be made through Patricia Beattie, assistant convention coordinator. She can be reached at her home telephone by calling (703) 521-4144. During working hours, you can leave a message on her machine and your call will be returned. Laurinda Steele, with the assistance of the local California Council of the Blind personnel, will be operating the information desk Friday evening through Sunday evening in the hotel lobby. The information desk was an important part of our 1992 mid-year meetings. We very much appreciate Laurinda and those who will be assisting her in providing this service in 1993. The San Francisco Airport is located just minutes from the convention hotel. There is a direct telephone line to the hotels in the baggage pickup area. If you can't find the direct-line phones, you may call the hotel for pickup at the regular number. The vans operate every 10 minutes. A taxi will cost about $6. Again in 1993, ACB will be contracting with International Tours, Inc. of Muskogee, Okla., as our official travel agency. This agency has provided excellent service during the last two years. It also has provided free tickets and income to ACB from profit sharing. In planning for all your travel as a member of ACB, we urge you to use this travel service. Call (800) 847-7676 and ask for Michael or Nancy. Oklahoma residents call (800) 722-9822. International Tours of Muskogee has negotiated a special agreement for ACB with Delta and is working on agreements with other airlines. They provide the lowest cost tickets available. The convention committee, assisted by Robert and Ruth Ann Acosta, Socorro Queen, Chris Gray, and others from California, are planning great tours before and during the 1993 convention. Under consideration at this time are a trip to Reno, Nev., Alcatraz, the Exploratorium, (a museum where many items can be touched), a dinner cruise on the bay, an excursion to gold country, a day at the Great America Theme Park at Santa Clara, tours of San Francisco, perhaps a beach party, tours of wineries and more. Check "The Braille Forum" each month for updated information. Come to San Francisco in July 1993. A fabulous convention is being planned. The California Council of the Blind has established a great host committee with many talented people to work with the convention committee. We're working together to improve facilities and services and eliminate discomfort. You, your family, and friends won't want to miss a dynamic convention in 1993 in the San Francisco Bay area. If you're making a list of New Year's Resolutions, resolve now to come to the 1993 convention, and make it one of the resolutions you keep. AFB ANNOUNCES MIGEL MEDAL WINNERS Margarine G. Beaman, a pioneer in making public places accessible to blind people and a well-known part of ACB's national conventions, was the recipient of the American Foundation for the Blind's 1992 Migel Medal, according to a press release from AFB. The award was presented in a reception and ceremony in her honor on November 6 at the Doral Park Avenue Hotel in New York City. McAllister Upshaw, first executive director of the Greater Detroit Society for the Blind, received a Migel Medal, according to the press release. McAllister received the professional award while Beaman received the award in the layperson category. McAllister headed the Greater Detroit Society for 20 years. "Margarine Beaman became known as 'the lady from Texas who was brailling the world' long before the Americans With Disabilities Act mandated accessibility. Now her vision and accomplishments stand as perfect models for ADA compliance," said AFB's President and Chief Executive Officer Carl R. Augusto. "I can think of no one more deserving of AFB's highest honor." "I was just overwhelmed," Beaman recalled in a telephone interview. "When AFB called me, they asked if I knew why they were calling. 'I assume you need more things brailled,' I said. I just had no idea this was going to happen." Beaman said the Migel award ceremony allowed her to "meet a lot of new people who gave me a lot of suggestions." "I was certainly pleased to be the one to present the award to Margarine Beaman," said ACB President LeRoy Saunders, a member of the American Foundation for the Blind's board. "She's been such an important part of our conventions in recent years; I was indeed honored to present her with the award." Saunders praised Beaman's ongoing dedication to access for blind and visually impaired people. "You can't help but be impressed with the energetic way Margarine gets the job done. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that she put large print and braille signs up throughout the hotel before she left," he quipped. "We have a lot of work to do where access is concerned," Beaman said. "I notice it everywhere I go. There may be raised print signs without braille in some cities and braille signs without large print in others. Access for the blind just isn't happening fast enough." REPORT CALLS FOR MAJOR OVERHAUL OF SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM A panel of experts appointed by Social Security Commissioner Gwendolyn S. King called for a major overhaul and upgrading of the Supplemental Security Income Program, the federal income security program for poor, elderly, blind and disabled Americans. The group, chaired by Arthur S. Flemming, proposed 50 changes in the program, including increasing benefits "to finally lift the persons who are elderly, blind and disabled out of the poverty to which current policies condemn them," Flemming said. SSI now guarantees beneficiaries an income of $5,064, which is less than 75 percent of the $6,810 federal poverty guideline. A majority of the experts propose raising benefits over five years to 120 percent of poverty, more nearly in line with many other federal programs, such as food stamps, school lunch subsidies, the Medicare buy-in, and low- income energy assistance. "Rather than lifting the elderly and disabled out of poverty, SSI rules now keep them deep below the poverty guideline. We are unanimous in believing that the original idea behind SSI was to lift people out of poverty, not keep them there," Flemming said. Flemming served as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Eisenhower. A majority of the experts propose abolition of "anti-family provisions that penalize widows when their children and grandchildren try to help them survive on their poverty- level incomes," according to Flemming. Under current rules, SSI benefits are cut one third if a beneficiary moves in with a family member or friend to help reduce food and housing costs. The report spoke of such rules as "demeaning" and Flemming said that the rules should be repealed to "enable people who are aged, blind or disabled to live their lives with dignity." Citing a backlog of 762,000 unprocessed applications for disability, the report called for an immediate increase in Social Security staffing. "People are dying in abject poverty while overworked, understaffed Social Security offices try for months to get to reviewing their applications for help," Dr. Flemming said. The Administration's 1993 Budget would result in a backlog of disability cases of 1.4 million, which would increase very significantly the delays in handling the cases. High on the list of recommendations was an increase in the size of the nest egg that beneficiaries are allowed to set aside for emergencies. "Right now, if you have $2,001 set aside as an emergency fund to repair a leaky roof or replace a broken furnace, you are denied any help. That's a disgrace. Requiring a person to wipe out their small nest egg doesn't protect them from poverty. It forces them further into poverty," Flemming said. A majority of the experts supports allowing savings of $7,000 instead of the current $2,000 limit, with the limit for couples rising from $3,000 to $10,500. This would bring asset limits more in line with other federal programs, Flemming said. Most of the experts propose that in disability cases, no applicant should be turned down without the opportunity of a face to face meeting with a claims examiner. This would allow elimination of the costly requirement of reconsideration review by claims examiners, and would permit appeals to go directly to an administrative law judge. Putting the price tag for improvements in the SSI program at $38.8 billion by the fifth year, Flemming said after-tax income of the wealthiest one percent of Americans rose 102 percent from 1977 to 1989, and could be tapped as the source of some of these funds. "I believe it is only fair to ask the upper one percent to share a small portion of their wealth with the poorest of the poor," Flemming said. The report contains an announcement that Social Security Commissioner King is immediately appointing a group of fiscal experts to identify funding options to implement the report. The new group, also chaired by Flemming, will report within six months. The report called for increased work incentives for Americans with disabilities to get themselves off beneficiary rolls and onto payrolls. Most experts also supported extending these work incentives to older beneficiaries, as well. They also called for extensive streamlining of the rules to make it easier for people to apply. Flemming said that reducing the red tape involved in processing massively complicated applications would make the program less expensive to administer. SSI currently provides benefits to more than 5.4 million aged, blind and disabled Americans, including approximately half a million children with disabilities. At least 3 million eligible poor Americans are missed by the program's limited outreach or turned away by complicated application rules, according to Flemming. To address this problem, a majority of the experts urged that five percent be added to the Social Security administrative budget and earmarked for expanded outreach. The SSI Modernization Project was created in 1990 by the Commissioner of Social Security, Gwendolyn S. King, to conduct a full examination of the SSI program and to propose improvements. The experts, headed by Dr. Flemming, held public meetings in Baltimore, Washington, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Montgomery and Falls Church, Virginia. The chairman and other experts met with Social Security employees in all 10 regions of the country and state disability determination officials in five states. Fifteen thousand citizens contributed written comments or oral testimony to the experts. (For more information on this report, please contact Arnold Bennett, (202) 628- 3030.) BLINDNESS AND JURY DUTY by Chick Crampton In the 1960s, when I was legally blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa and managed my own contracting business, I was called to jury duty in Orange County, Fla. I ran my business single handedly and didn't want to take the time off. Despite 15 minutes of arguing with the judge who took excuses from duty, he refused to excuse me. However, when I told him that I was legally blind, he said, "Why didn't you tell me that in the first place? Get the heck out of here!" In the 1970s I was called again. Not being too busy and wanting to do my civic duty, I told the jury supervisor that I really wanted to serve. Being obviously blind by then with my white cane, I asked her assurance that I wouldn't be dismissed because of my blindness. She assured me repeatedly that I would be able to serve. After two days of being called into the court and not being selected, I was finally sent into court with about 25 other prospective jurors. The judge immediately ordered the courtroom cleared. I was told in a loud voice that the judge wanted to see me individually. As I approached the bench, the judge called me by my first name and asked me if I remembered him. I indeed recognized him as a man I had known quite well prior to his becoming a judge. He told me in no uncertain terms that I could not serve on his jury because I was blind. I left the courtroom and went home, after telling the jury supervisor what I thought of her assurances. The next day, after reflecting on the situation and talking to people at the American Council of the Blind, I called the judge and asked him to cite the statutory authority for dismissing me. He said that although there was no such statute, the presiding judge had the authority to bar anyone whom he thought could not do an adequate job. My blindness put me into this category. I saw no way to fight it. In 1991, I was called by Seminote County, Fla., where I now reside, to serve as a juror. This time, I got into line with those who wanted to plead for an excuse or declare why they could not serve. The understanding judge told me that he saw no reason why I couldn't serve, but that once again, it was up to the presiding judge. He also said the lawyers on both sides had the prerogative of dismissing a certain number of prospective jurors without stating any reason and I might be among those dismissed. Being totally blind by this time, and having plenty of free time, I took my chances and remained. I was selected as a prospective juror. There were 12 of us from whom six were to serve. I made it, but not until after I had been questioned by both lawyers as to whether I could understand evidence, some of which would be visual. Did I believe I could understand it with a good oral description? Oozing self confidence, I replied in a loud, clear voice, "Certainly." The trial proceeded and I was probably more alert than most of the jurors, as I wished to live up to my "Certainly." The result was that we as a jury and I as an individual did a fine job and were commended by the judge. All in all it was a fascinating experience and I was very happy to prove that a blind person is as capable as a sighted person of serving on a jury and carrying out civic responsibility. Although prejudice against the visually impaired persists, we are, perhaps, making some small progress. MY TWO WEEKS IN COURT by Rhonda Nelson (Reprinted with permission from "Newsline," the newsletter of the Washington Council of the Blind, Second Quarter, 1992). I did not share my brother's amusement when, while going through my mail, we discovered a summons for two weeks of jury duty in King County Superior court. My reaction tended more toward "expletive deleted." However, upon further reflection, it occurred to me that this was my civic duty, and perhaps even privilege, as in some jurisdictions blind people are not allowed to serve on juries. Also, the idea of two weeks away from work was pretty attractive, and jury duty would definitely be a learning experience. Besides, they probably wouldn't put me on any case that was very difficult or unpleasant anyway. It turned out that I would have some surprises in store, particularly regarding that last assumption. My first surprise upon arrival in court was a pleasant one: the availability of a Braille copy of the juror's handbook. The basic information was helpful, as was that contained in an orientation film which we new jurors were shown. After the overview, it was simply a matter of waiting for my name and number to be called to go to a courtroom as part of a potential jury pool; this didn't take long to occur. Forty of us were sent to a case, and from our group a twelve-person jury plus two alternates would be selected. We were informed that the case dealt with allegations of assault and attempted robbery, just the kind of trial in which I wasn't very anxious to be involved. But I remained confident that I would probably be one of the 26 people not chosen to stay on the case. The process of jury selection was fascinating. In what is called "voir dire," the attorneys, by questioning jurors collectively and individually, attempt to find a group of people whose knowledge, attitudes and experiences will be most likely to result in a verdict advantageous to their clients. For example, as this case involved a gunshot injury, there were questions regarding familiarity with weapons and knowledge of emergency room medical procedures. At the end of the questioning, the judge specifically asked me how I would deal with visual evidence. I indicated that the preponderance of my information would need to come from verbal testimony. As it appeared there were going to be several exhibits to view, I wouldn't have been surprised to be challenged, meaning removed from the case. The prosecuting and defense attorneys each were allowed a certain number of these challenges, whereby they could request that individual jurors be dismissed. The way it seemed to work was that those of us in the first 14 positions (apparently just due to the random order in which we had been called) would stay on the case unless challenged; if one of us was removed, one of the alternates would take our place. I was in position number 13. Suddenly, and somewhat to my dismay, the challenges were completed, and I was still there. I hadn't wanted to be on a criminal case, but here I was. Oh, well, maybe I was an alternate and wouldn't have to help render a verdict. Wrong again. As it turned out, I was one of the 12 jurors who decided the case. Two young men were being tried for attempted robbery and assault of employees leaving a Silo store to make a bank deposit of the day's receipts. No money was actually obtained, but one employee was shot, resulting in a partially collapsed lung. Upon completion of the testimony, there was little doubt regarding conviction for first degree attempted robbery. Nor was there much doubt that the accomplice was as guilty as the individual who actually perpetrated the crime. Our difficult deliberation issue was whether to convict on first or second degree assault. Eight jurors favored conviction for first degree, but since the verdict had to be unanimous and four of us had doubts, we ended up convicting on the lesser charge of second degree assault. It was a sobering experience to attempt to fairly weigh the testimony and evidence received, discuss one another's viewpoints, and come up with what we determined to be a correct verdict. And as for that physical evidence previously discussed, I did have an opportunity in the jury room to handle one of the pieces, a 44 Magnum. But lest I leave you with the impression that the whole experience was serious and difficult, the cribbage tournament three of us had during breaks in the trial before we actually began deliberating was a lot of fun, and did help ease the tension. As for my verdict regarding jury duty: it was a fascinating learning experience. If called again, I would be glad to serve. Hopefully, if any of you are summoned, you will find the process as interesting as I did. And by the way, the timing even worked well. I went to the case the first morning I reported to court and we delivered our verdict the Friday afternoon of my second week there. SERVICE WITH A SMILE by Shirley Taylor (Reprinted with permission from "Newsline," the newsletter of the Washington Council of the Blind, Second Quarter, 1992). In 1975, through much work by the organized blind, the legislature in Washington State passed a law allowing blind persons to serve on juries. Since that time, many have exercised that right. My turn finally came the first week in June, when I was called to jury duty in the Shoreline District Court. I imagine that the Superior Court would be more interesting and challenging, but one serves where one is needed. There was one advantage for me, however. The court is only five blocks from my home, so there were no transportation problems and I could walk home for lunch every day. The jury pool in the District Court consists of only 30 people, each of whom serves for four days. Juries here are made up of six persons, rather than the 12 in Superior Court. Only four cases came before jurors during my time of service. While questioning prospective jurors, a lawyer told me that there were a number of pictures to be put into evidence and asked me how I would handle that. I told him that if the pictures could be described, I would have no problems. He then wanted to know how I could tell if a witness was lying, since I could not see facial expressions. I answered that one can sometimes get clues from tone of voice, but I did not believe that there was any way of being positive whether one saw or not. I told him that I usually knew when my kids weren't telling me the truth. Surprisingly, I was chosen to serve on that jury. The judge thoughtfully suggested that I take the number six position in the jury box, since there was plenty of room alongside that chair for my guide dog, Odie, to lie comfortably. Speaking of Odie, one of my fellow jurors suggested, as we waited in the jury room, that I change his name to "True." He said, "You've heard of the six good men and true." Of course, three of us were women, but what the heck! I found the case interesting and had no trouble with the evidence. I contributed my share in the deliberations and felt comfortable with the entire process. It is my understanding that in some states the blind are still not allowed to serve on juries. Change comes slowly. By working together toward positive change, we can prove to our sighted peers that we, too, can be contributing members of society. I will gladly serve again if my name is drawn, and encourage any of you to exercise your right of jury service if given the opportunity. COMMENTARY by Dr. Cynthia L. Taylor Today, I was to have conducted a seminar in Greensboro, N.C. I got the idea for the seminar after reading "Looking Normal" ("The Braille Forum", May 1992.) Instead, I'm sitting here at home looking at my computer screen and glancing aimlessly at the western Carolina mountains. I'm deeply disappointed that my seminar for working women with low vision did not succeed. In fact, only two women signed up. You see, I worked for four months to put together what would have been the first seminar of its kind in the Carolinas and only the second in the nation--a seminar that emphasized beauty and career for women with visual impairments. I believe beauty and success are within the power of every woman. The task force for my now defunct seminar was comprised of beautiful and highly successful women who were themselves either dealing with low vision or working with people with visual impairments. One speaker had founded a thriving modeling agency. Another was a dynamic rehabilitation job coach. A cosmetic director was also a medical practitioner. The last owned a career consultantship. The plan was to offer problem-solving skills for coping with low vision. Image building strategies, performance, and career enhancement also would have been discussed. The participants were to have received skin care instruction and wardrobe assistance to prepare them for a professional photo session. Local merchants and skin care professionals were willing to donate time, makeup, and lend stylish jackets and accessories for the occasion. I guess I should have seen the potential roadblocks for a seminar like this when, early in the process, an agency worker asked, "Why do they need pictures taken?" I replied, "Lots of corporations are now doing this. Pictures look great on business cards." She retorted, "They don't have business cards!" I said, "Get them in the seminar and they WILL!" This professional, like many of her colleagues, gave us no help in getting the word out to her visually impaired clients. More than two hundred of my specially prepared, large-type, illustrated brochures sat on desks for weeks. When I made follow-up phone calls, I was unable to get an explanation for this apparent lack of cooperation. Occasionally, I heard excuses such as overwork, stress, and the failure to see the relevancy of this seminar. One worker simply said he was quitting his job and would not pass the seminar information on to any of his coworkers. A counterpart of his accusingly asked, "Are you blind?" No, I am not blind. I am, though, one of only a few in this country with a doctorate degree in art therapy and low vision. I am also a woman who is deeply troubled by a seeming lack of concern in North Carolina low vision professionals for the need to provide a service to women with low vision. I wonder if these reactions are representative of nationwide attitudes toward women with low vision? I believe women with visual impairments might want a better job, an introduction, or just the confidence of feeling lovely. UNITED STATES BLIND ATHLETES WIN IN BARCELONA by Dr. Charles Buell A few weeks after the regular Olympic Games were held in Barcelona, Spain, the Paralympics, which included blind, cerebral palsied, wheelchair and dwarf athletes, were held in the same city. More than 3,000 physically handicapped athletes competed before 1.3 million spectators. These thousands of athletes and all physically disabled individuals were winners because their images were improved in the minds of so many able-bodied people. Let's hope more and more opportunities open up to disabled individuals to show their capabilities. The United States blind athletes won 67 medals, more than the athletes of any other country. So, they were winners again; this time in competition. In addition, they set 18 new world records. You will notice that our team was particularly strong in swimming. Competition was divided into three classifications for blind athletes. Class B1 was for totally blind athletes, while those with vision up to 6/200 competed as B2s. Athletes with visual acuities up to 20/200 were in Class B3. Most emphasis will be placed on world records and those whose performances resulted in god medals. However, the names of all medal winners will be mentioned. The outstanding athlete in the Paralympics was Trischa Zorn. In national competition she has competed for the California team, while receiving training to be an educator out of state. This fall, Miss Zorn began her career in the public schools of Indiana. Zorn has won a number of awards nationally as the outstanding disabled athlete of the United States. In swimming in Barcelona, Trischa Zorn won 10 gold medals and 2 silver medals. She set new world records in the following events: 400m medley, 5:29.6; 200m backstroke, 2:31.13; 100m backstroke, 1:09.89; 100m freestyle, 1:04.33; 50m freestyle, 29.32; and two relays. Zorn won gold medals in the 200m medley, 2:35.89; 200m breaststroke, 3:04.16; and the 100m breaststroke, 1:26.46. At the University of Nebraska she won letters in swimming for four years. In 99 percent of her competition she is successfully competing against able-bodied swimmers. She has competed in four Paralympics as a B2 athlete. Elizabeth Scott, B3 of Rockville, MD., set new world records in the 400m freestyle, 4:37.62; 50m freestyle, 28.57; 100m butterfly, 1:07.07; 100m freestyle, 1:01.81; and 100m backstroke, 1:14.54. She won gold medals in two swimming relays. California's Heidi Schetter, B3, won gold medals in two swimming relays. She also won 3 silver and 2 bronze medals in individual races. John Morgan, B1, of Huntington Beach, Calif., won letters in swimming at both Golden West College and the University of California at Irvine. In Barcelona he won 8 gold medals and 2 silver medals. Morgan set new world records in the 200m backstroke, 2:33.42; 400m freestyle, 4:20.83; 200m medley, 2:22.97; 400m medley, 5:04.31; 100m butterfly, 1:03.50; and 100m backstroke, 1:09.23. He won gold medals in the 100m freestyle, 58.02, and the 50m freestyle, 26.58. Marla Runyan, California, was selected as the most valuable athlete on this year's San Diego State University's womens' track team. In Barcelona she was a B3 athlete. Runyan set a new world record in the long jump of 5.47m. She won gold medals in the 100m dash, 12.56; 200m, 25.31; and the 400m run, 55.87. Ernest Biley, Delaware, won a gold medal in the Class B3 long jump, 6.78m. He also won a silver in high jumping. West Virginia's Donna Brown won gold medals in two swimming relays. In the B3 high jump, Jonathan Orcutt, from South Carolina, won the gold medal for clearing 1.98m. In a track relay, Courtney Williams of Arkansas won a bronze medal. Greg Evangelatos, Brett Lewis and Lynn Manning gained silver medals in tandem cycling and judo. They hail from California. Dan Kelly, Minnesota, won 4 silver and 2 bronze in swimming. Minnesota's James Mastro earned the bronze and silver medals in shot put and judo. In a track relay, Chris Piper came home with a bronze. He lives in Michigan. From Missouri, Liz Heller, B1, won a silver in tandem cycling. Richard Ruffalo, of New Jersey, earned silver and bronze medals in the discus and javelin throw. New York's Andre Asbury won a bronze in a track relay. Brian Pegram, Virginia, won silver and bronze medals in the 400m run and in the 200m and a track relay. More information on athletics for the blind may be obtained from the United States Association for Blind Athletes, 33 N. Institute St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. AFFILIATE NEWS MISSOURI -- Members of the Missouri Council of the Blind are reaching out to blind students in two unique ways. The Council is helping to sponsor the Junior Maintenance Helpers of America club at the Missouri School for the Blind. According to Plant Maintenance Engineer Jerry Berkbigler, the club is designed to promote good behavior and high grades among students. Students who exemplify the club's model are rewarded with monthly certificates and an opportunity to assist the school's maintenance engineers and learn more about the school's facilities. Missouri Council members are also participating in a new initiative called the Youth Mentorship Project. In conjunction with the Rehabilitation agency, Council members will agree to mentor and work with youth who are blind or visually impaired. The Council will help to defray the cost of members participating as mentors. The program is designed to bring blind adults together with blind students throughout the state. Project planners hope to help children and their families deal with problems that may arise as a result of their blindness. Mentors will also provide information on aids and appliances, encourage orientation and mobility skills development and braille literacy. For more information on either project, contact Donald Shockley, Youth Services Committee, Missouri Council of the Blind, 3337 Macklind, St. Louis, MO 63139. Tel. (314) 352-4233. LIBRARY USERS OF MISSOURI There are probably more horror stories about free matter mail delivery than there are packages delivered. But members of the Library Users of Missouri took a positive step forward when they sent the following letter to various postmasters around the state. Perhaps if more affiliates followed the example of the Library Users of Missouri, we might have fewer free matter horror stories to swap. We've enclosed their letter as an excellent example of what can be done. Dear Postmaster Wood: Please advise all postal employees within your district of this letter by posting it on all employee bulletin boards. We, the members of the Library Users of Missouri, extend our sincere appreciation to all postal employees. The blind, visually impaired and physically handicapped residents of Missouri who depend upon the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for reading material realize that this causes extra work for you. Without the special material recorded on records, cassettes, large print books and Braille materials, we would be cut off from knowledge and much pleasure. These are cumbersome and add much to your work load, but we want you to know how much those who cannot read regular print depend upon such material to keep in touch with the world. The Library Users of Missouri is an affiliate of the Missouri Council of the Blind. We are a consumer support group who receives services from Wolfner Library. We thank you for the extra effort you give by delivering and picking up these special reading materials. When you see a box of recorded books or a Braille book, please remember how important these are to us. We count upon you to handle these promptly. We send a huge thanks and a pat on the back to each of you. Sincerely, Phyllis Lovett Library Users of Missouri The Missouri Council of the Blind held its convention in Cape Girardeau from October 23 through 25. Edna Freeman was re- elected President of the Council. The Americans with Disabilities Act continues to be a "hot" topic at ACB state affiliate conventions. In the past few months, national staff members have participated in presentations on the disability rights law in New York, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. Transportation issues continue to generate the most heat at these discussions. This recent attention demonstrates ACB members obvious interest in how this law will affect people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Schroeder, ACB's director of governmental affairs, began the month of October in Rochester, N.Y., not far from his childhood home. Along with the session on ADA, attendees heard about issues ranging from home security to guide dog user concerns. At their convention, the ACB of New York elected Jean Mann as the new President. The Old Dominion Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired held its convention in Arlington, Va., from October 16 to 18. The convention featured sessions on rights and advocacy. Charles S.P. Hodge was elected as President of the ODCBVI. The members of the ACB of Ohio gathered in Cleveland from October 30 through November 1. Dawn Christensen was elected as the new ACBO president. During the convention, attendees learned about and actively discussed methods to better organize themselves, their time and their space. In his banquet address, Paul Schroeder spoke about the positive, problem-solving approach which characterizes the American Council of the Blind. From November 5 to 7, the Washington Council of the Blind held its convention in Spokane, Wash. The Washington Council again agreed to sponsor a cassette issue of the Braille Forum. The session on ADA was conducted by WCB President Sue Ammeter, ACB's Paul Schroeder, and a representative from the federally-funded ADA regional technical assistance center. Speakers from the State rehabilitation agency, library and School for the Blind all stressed the impending state budget shortfall. WCB members agreed to again work to shore up state spending on these vital programs. MERIDEN, CONN. -- Members of the Connecticut Council of the Blind met here on Halloween for the group's semi-annual convention. David Bates, formerly the treasurer of the Connecticut Council, was elected as its new president. CCB members heard from various officers and committees and kicked off a holiday fund-raising campaign selling various flavors of fudge. Carol Taylor, director of the state's library for the blind, told conventioners that the library had gained additional space and was somewhat better off than other state libraries for the blind where budget matters are concerned. She invited CCB members to take advantage of the library's new conference room facilities. George Precourt, director of the state's division of services for the blind, warned CCB members that they and other blind residents of the state would be hurt by agency reorganization plans which would place Precourt in a position of having a supervisor who is seven steps down the ladder from the governor's office. Under the current structure, Precourt has direct access to the governor or his representatives. He said the agency turns 100 in 1993 and plans to launch a public relations campaign related to its centennial. The convention also heard from Joe Kissiel, Connecticut's worker of the year, who attended the National Industries for the Blind convention in Salt Lake City. CCB members got an update on the state's radio information service from CRIS Director David Judy and Program Director Steve Keller. The Connecticut Council had previously donated $500 to the radio information service. Many council members were concerned that "ACB Reports," the broadcast hosted and produced by Laura Oftedahl, is being aired sporadically or is being aired at different times and on different dates during the month. Judy explained that "ACB Reports" is part of another program hosted by people who are not staff members of the radio information service. He promised, however, to redouble his efforts to ensure that the program airs consistently at a well-announced day and time. Following a luncheon, the convention heard from "Braille Forum" Editor Nolan Crabb. He urged CCB members to express their appreciation to Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., for his efforts as the Senate's chief sponsor of H.J. Res 353, the Braille Literacy resolution. Crabb reminded the audience that each CCB member is a vital, individual part of the affiliate, and that the affiliate will continue to grow strong as leaders and members share their time and talents. Following Crabb's remarks, the convention worked on constitution and bylaws revisions. MAKE YOUR OWN CONNECTION By Tom Mitchell Here's a situation every state affiliate faces. You want to hold an event that you would like everyone in your affiliate to attend; perhaps your state convention, meeting on ADA, or the annual Christmas party. Great. All you have to do is send out a flyer. Most organizations promptly print it up, photocopy it, and send it out. Of course, chances are most members of your ACB affiliate can't read a photocopied flyer, and by the time some of them get around to finding somebody to read it for them, it may be too late to make arrangements or reservations for the event. Well, then send it out in Braille. Fine again, but unfortunately, an increasing number of the blind population throughout the United States can't read Braille, so while it might reach more of them, it still won't reach everyone. Okay, how about advertising the event on the radio reading services in the state. If your services are amenable to such announcements, all well and good, if the people are out there listening to them. But many blind people are gainfully employed during radio reading service hours, or don't even have a radio that picks up the service. These were some of the ideas and thoughts that occurred to members of the Utah Council of the Blind in 1985 and '86. Is there a way to reach every blind person in your state? Probably not. But there is still one way we haven't explored--the telephone. So if the telephone is the best way to reach almost all of our members or potential members, do we need a giant telephone-calling committee? No. In 1986 we set up the Utah Connection. It started out very simply, with an answering machine set up in the cafeteria which was managed by our former UCB President Fred Schmidt. Why there? Because I worked in the same building, and it was the easiest way for me to get to the answering machine and record the messages. His number was published to people in the Salt Lake City area, and anyone could call between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. to hear the latest news about the UCB or other matters of interest to Utah's visually-impaired residents. However, there were problems. Frequently, inventory and other business matters made it necessary for Fred to stay late conducting business. The number wasn't always open at the designated hours. Since we couldn't use an automatic timer, Fred had to turn the machine on and off. If he became ill or was extremely busy, the machine didn't operate on a given night. Callers outside the Salt Lake City area had to pay a toll if they called the number, making such a call prohibitive for many people. Later, we tried expanding the service by getting another machine in Ogden, a neighboring city which is home to many UCB members. In addition, we mailed message tapes back and forth among those who didn't have access to machines in the two cities. Suffice it to say that didn't work. Two years ago, we solved most of the problems by installing a toll-free number that can be dialed from anywhere in Utah. Furthermore, with the help of the phone company, we avoided costly business rates by establishing a residence number for the UCB, and attaching it to a toll-free number. We were able to do this because the answering machine and outgoing telephone line are set up in my home. So now that we have the line, what goes on the tape? Generally, we include only those items that concern the blind or visually-impaired population of the state--information they can't find anywhere else. We announce local UCB meetings or social events, news of the Utah State Division of Services for the Visually Handicapped, and transportation information, legislative news, UCB fund- raising projects, UCB Credit Union news, and, where time permits, national news. However, we generally avoid national topics, assuming people will get that information by calling the "Washington Connection." What are the drawbacks? Sometimes gathering enough information isn't easy. Doing the necessary leg work to put an information service like the "Utah Connection" on line can take as many hours as a part-time job. All too often, those who know of items that would be suitable for the Connection simply don't bother to get the information to me. Where a telephone message service is concerned, the final product is only as good as the participation you get from affiliate members, organizations, and agencies who provide services. Then again, the information you select won't always please everyone. Then there's the balancing act everyone who gathers and disseminates information has to play. Many people wonder why we don't publicize political events in an election year, for example. The answer's pretty obvious. If we started announcing events held by one party and missed those held by the other party because we didn't get the information, we could be accused of partisanship. So, like so many other public service media, we stay away from politics, religion and sex. Sadly enough, the final drawback is the easiest to turn around. Even though we have announced the toll-free number on every flyer, in every public service announcement for the Radio Reading Service, and at almost every convention, social gathering or other type of meeting, there are still a number of people out there who are too lazy to pick up the phone and dial the number. However, those who do use it frequently have stated they feel "The Utah Connection" is one of the best services we have to offer. So, it might be worth your while to investigate the possibility of establishing such a service in your state. Line costs and other expenses may vary, but you may find it to be one of the best investments you've ever made. (Utah residents who would like to hear "The Utah Connection" can call (800) 273-4569.) WITH BRYTECH, MONEY TALKS by Nolan Crabb Earl Bryenton would be the first to admit he's no private detective. But for the past two years, he's worked to devise a portable talking paper money identifier designed to take the mystery out of paper money. Bryenton's company, Brytech of Ottawa, has recently released NoteTeller, a portable machine designed to read U.S. paper currency. NoteTeller weighs 1/2 pound and measures 6 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch thick. Its portability, ease of use, and voice synthesizer clarity are outstanding, but its accuracy at reading paper money isn't 100 percent. In fact, the machine's accuracy depends on the condition of the bill you insert and your familiarity with the machine. NoteTeller's controls consist of an on/off switch, a volume switch, and an earphone receptacle. Underneath the nine-volt battery is a recessed switch which changes the voice output from English to Spanish. The user simply slides a bill of any denomination between $1 and $100 into a windowed area. As the bill touches the end of the NoteTeller, a micro switch activates the tiny scanner and the voice synthesizer. Within seconds the denomination is read. If NoteTeller can't read the bill, it simply says "cannot read." Bills can be inserted in any direction, but they must be as flat as possible. Of course, the older and more ragged the bill, the less likely the NoteTeller will be able to read it. While it may not be 100 percent accurate, I had only one instance when it told me a bill was a $1 instead of the $5 bill it actually was. It comes with a carrying case and has an anti-skid back to prevent it from sliding off a slick surface. According to a press release from Brytech, NoteTeller contains three high-density four-layer printed circuit boards with a high-resolution optical system. When a bill is inserted into the NoteTeller, the machine actually takes an electronic picture of the bill which is compared to the images in NoteTeller's memory. If the picture matches the memorized images, the bill's denomination is spoken. If no match is found, it says "cannot read." Bryenton says the nine-volt battery powers the machine for up to 3,000 reads. While the machine is manufactured in Canada, Bryenton says a large percentage of the electronics is imported from the United States. I found the machine easy to use and accurate, for the most part. I had trouble getting it to read accurately when I attempted to use it outdoors on a sunny day. Earl Bryenton says too much light can affect the way the machine reads. It didn't read incorrect numbers; it simply couldn't read the bills at all. The machine seems to work well in situations where you can carefully guide the bill into the window, keeping it flat and ensuring that the corners are straight before inserting it. Blind vendors who have purchased the machine and talked to us about it say it's less accurate than they'd like in environments where they must quickly insert the bill and get a reading. Bryenton's company is the manufacturer of the Canadian Banknote Reader, which reads special codes imprinted on Canadian paper money and speaks the denomination aloud. Since American money has no such coding, Bryenton says designing a machine that would read U.S. paper money was much more difficult. The electronics in the Canadian machine are less sophisticated than those used in its American counterpart. Bryenton says the high resolution optical system required to read U.S. money is a factor in the $395 price of the NoteTeller. Although many might argue that NoteTeller's accuracy could be improved, I found the machine remarkably easy to use and reasonably accurate for my own needs. The review unit we obtained came with cassette and braille instructions, but its ease of use almost rendered the manual unimportant. Since Brytech offers a 30-day money back guarantee, if you're not satisfied, you can return it. The product is warranted for six months. For more information about NoteTeller, or a list of distributors in the United States, contact Brytech, P.O. Box 1357, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Tel. (613) 727-5800. BLACK CATS AND ELEPHANTS by Walt Stromer (Reprinted with permission from the "Cedar Rapids Gazette," December 24, 1990.) "As futile as a blind man chasing a black cat in a dark room." That catchy comparison comes from a magazine most of whose readers have matriculated, and also graduated from college. It does seem to me that any college graduate could figure out that to a blind person the color of the cat is not significant, nor is the intensity of lighting in the room. Even my parents, with less than an eighth- grade education, could have told you that chasing a cat to catch it is absurd. So why would an educated writer use the cat comparison? Perhaps because it fits the stereotype of blind people as a rather sad lot but quite capable of something so stupid. Another story that sends a negative message is that of the blind men and the elephant. This tale comes from Hindustan, centuries ago, when no one would have considered asking a woman, especially one who was blind, for her comments on a pachyderm. So the males in this story are led to the elephant, where each touches a different part of the beast and then pronounces the truth revealed to him. One of the men touches a leg, doesn't bother running his hand up the alleged trunk to hunt for branches, but declares the animal to be "verily like a tree." Another man touches the side, and with no punching, poking, sniffing, listening or thinking about why a wall should be built at this spot assures us that the creature is like a wall. Then there is the one at the tail. No question as to why this thing is dangling from the sky. No curiosity about its point of attachment, which he might have explored by sliding a hand up it. Not even an attempt to try tying this rope into a knot. He tenders the thesis that this thing is truly like a rope. From the mistakes of these men we are to learn the hazards of hasty generalizations. Do we not also get the message that men and women who are blind are not very adept at sizing up the world? If Little Black Sambo or a black, kerchiefed mammy peddling pancake flour are no longer acceptable portraits of African-Americans, why is the elephant story any better? Misleading or not, I encounter this story at least once a year. I have found it in books by reputable scholars and I have heard it in speeches by M.D.s, Ph.D.s, and members of the president's cabinet. The Good Book continues the confusion by warning us that if the blind lead the blind they shall both fall into the ditch. I think the intent of this example was to remind us that we should know what we're doing before we try to teach others how to live. My guess is that most people hearing the story will get a mental picture of two bedraggled, helpless blind men stumbling their way through the Sinai Desert 3,000 years ago. Such images encourage the notion that blind people cannot get from bed to breakfast without a dog guide or a laser cane or someone leading them by the hand. The real picture today is quite different. At some rehabilitation centers, blind instructors are leading the blind through mobility training, and none of them is falling off the subway platform or stepping in front of a moving truck. This is not to say that blind people never do dumb things. I recall the blinded veteran in the hospital in England who complained to the ward man one morning. "Craig, there's bed bugs in this here bed. They been chewin' on me all night." No bed bugs, only cookie crumbs. Then there was the young blind man who was having lunch with a prospective employer at a small table in a crowded restaurant in downtown Chicago. The young man dunked his tea bag in the cup of hot water, and then, because there was no saucer on that very small table, laid the tea bag gracefully on the edge of his plate. He began picking up food with his fork. He ran into a piece of something, probably salad, that was very resistant to spearing. The alert prospective employer said, "Let me move that tea bag out of your way." I probably wouldn't have gotten the job anyway. Let's admit that sometimes blind humans do dumb things; they are human. Sometimes some of them stumble, but that does not make them all stumblebums. When snow is blowing or loud noise is distracting, they may sometimes lose their bearings, but they've not lost their marbles. We are learning to forget stories about happy, dancing darkies and about drunken Indians. Let's add black cats and elephants to the list of forgettables. HERE AND THERE by Elizabeth M. Lennon 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. YEAR BOOK PLANNED A year book covering specific issues regarding international library services, its innovations, developments, and technologies will be released in the summer of 1993, according to a report to the North American/Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union delivered by Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. The $45 year book will be released in print first and later in braille and audio tape. TAPED SHORT STORIES "Confessions of a Washtub Thief" and "The Tale of the Old Horse and the Birds" are two short stories which are part of "The Short Stories of C. Edward Hupton," now available on cassette. Each tape costs $6.95 and may be ordered from Accent Records, Capital Square, Box 93952, Des Moines, IA 50393. BLIND ATHLETE HONORED Harry Cordellos, a 55-year-old blind athlete, is the recent recipient of The Healthy American Fitness Leader Award for 1992, according to a press release. Cordellos has competed in thousands of races including 100 marathons. Cordellos is totally blind. ACB MEMBER HONORED Byrdyna Goodart, a charter member of the California Council of the Blind, received a Leadership Award from a California television station earlier this year for her efforts in behalf of the Blind Recreation Center and blind Southern Californians. LOW VISION READER Ronald A. Priest, the inventor of the EZ-reader, has formed his own company and makes reading machines available from a Florida location, according to a press release. The company, known as Gracefully Yours, markets its reading machines to individuals and agencies. For more information, contact Gracefully Yours, 12527 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, FL 34644. Tel. (800) 331-2211. NEW ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY BOOK "Solutions" is a new publication available from National Braille Press. According to a press release, the book is designed to take the reader step by step through the process of adapting a workstation, covering every type of adaptive device from speech synthesizers to braille printers and from scanners to electronic reading services. The book includes in depth interviews with blind people who talk candidly about the frustrations and joys of using access technology. The book also includes several appendices which cover everything from a listing of blindness-related computer bulletin boards to financial aid for adaptive technology. "Solutions" is available in braille, cassette, print, and computer disk, each edition priced at $21.95. (Add $3.50 for postage on print edition). To order or for more information, contact National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephens St., Boston, MA 02115. Tel. (617) 266-6160. NEW FROM ARKENSTONE Arkenstone, the Sunnyvale, Calif., company which produces reading systems for blind users, announces the availability of An Open Book Unbound, a software-only package for people who can't read print directly. Priced at $995, the program includes Calera Recognition Systems Optical Character Recognition technology, Microsoft Windows 3.1, and Hewlett-Packard Accupage automatic contrast software. The program currently works with the Accent speech synthesizer, but a press release indicates other synthesizers will be compatible soon. It runs under the Windows environment. A scanner and compatible speech synthesizer are still required to make the whole package work effectively. This software will only work with machines which have the 80386 or 80486 microprocessor and at least MB4 of memory. The company also announces the availability of the Reader 400, a reading machine which reads three times faster than the Hot Reader. According to a press release, the Reader 400 uses technology based on Calera's high-end high-speed commercial optical character recognition systems. For more information, contact Arkenstone at 1185 Bordeaux Dr., Suite D., Sunnyvale, CA 94089. Tel. (800) 444-4443 or (408) 752-2200. NEW JAWS VERSION Henter-Joyce announces the availability of JAWS version 2.2. According to a press release, the new version offers Smart Screen, Smart Focus, and auto install features. For more information about JAWS 2.2 or any of the other products offered by Henter-Joyce, contact the company at 10901-C Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 1200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716. Tel. (813) 576-5658. or (800) 336-5658. NEW OUTSPOKEN VERSION Berkeley Systems, Inc. now offers outSPOKEN version 1.7. A press release from Berkeley Systems says the new version is compatible with System 7, the new Macintosh computer operating system. It also fixes some bugs that existed in version 1.0. It adds new features requested by users. It reads icons, text, menus, and other elements of the Graphical User Interface. The new version will work with Apple Computer's new portable the PowerBooks without requiring an additional speech synthesizer. Speech rates have been increased and an on/off capability is now available allowing outSPOKEN to be used on shared machines. The software is available for $495 from Berkeley Systems, Inc., 2095 Rose St., Berkeley, CA 94709. Tel. (510) 540-5535. The company says it's working on software that will allow speech access to Microsoft Windows users. VICTIM SEARCH If you lost a relative during the Holocaust, or if you need to verify a family member's death, the Jewish Heritage for the Blind can help. Those who need certification for reparation or pensions for survivors and those who are searching for missing relatives can also get help. According to a press release, the American Red Cross has established a new Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Service. The Jewish Heritage for the Blind provides large print and braille instructions to assist blind and visually impaired people in completing their Red Cross inquiry form. It also provides information on scheduling appointments with a Red Cross volunteer. The service is free. For information, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Jewish Heritage for the Blind Tracing Service, 1655 E. 24th St., Brooklyn, NY 11229. NEW FROM FERGUSON Ferguson Enterprises announces the availability of a 80386 DX computer with MB106 hard drive, Video Graphics Adapter card, GS Plus Flatbed Scanner and Discover 386 OCR software, Doubletalk speech synthesizer, and ASAP screen reader, Symantec's Q&A software and an accounting package. The entire package costs $3,243 plus $40 for shipping and handling. South Dakota residents please add appropriate sales tax. All software is loaded on the hard drive. Visa and MasterCard accepted when you call (605) 546-2366. Write to Ferguson Enterprises, RR1 Box 238, Manchester, SD 57353. LOW VISION READING AID The Seewell Reading Enhancer model 73 is now available from Advanced Medical Instruments, Inc. The portable reading machine can magnify images from six to 50 times their size. The machine costs $589. For more information, contact Advanced Medical Instruments, P.O. Box 2187, Fullerton, CA 92633. ACB MEMBER RECOGNIZED Rudolph Lutter, a member of the District of Columbia Association of Workers for the Blind and the American Blind Lawyers Association has been selected to appear in "Who's Who in the East," 24th Edition 1992. He was formerly named in "Who's Who in Washington, D.C.," First Edition 1983, and "Who's Who in American Law," Second Edition 1979. SEE THE KEYS ZoomCaps is a new product for individuals with low vision who use computer or typewriter keyboards. The key caps can be placed directly on keyboard key tops or on a removable keyboard protector as an aid for anyone desiring large print key caps. According to a press release, ZoomCaps are available for IBM-compatible and Apple computer keyboards. All alphanumeric keys are provided as well as most of the special function keys such as escape, control, and shift. ZoomCaps are available with black text on an ivory background or white text on a black background for higher contrast. Send $9.95 plus $1.50 shipping and handling to Meeting The Challenge, Inc., 3630 Sinton Rd., Suite 103, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Tel. (800) 864-4264 or (719) 444-0252. ANNUAL ART SHOW April 2, 1993 is the opening day for the Sister Kenny International Art Show by disabled artists. Held in Minneapolis, Minn., the show will close May 2, 1993. First, second, and third place ribbons will be awarded in all categories. Winners will receive $75, $50, and $25 respectively. An additional $2,500 will be given in cash and purchase awards. The deadline for accepting artwork is February 28, 1993. To obtain an entry form, contact Art Show Public Relations Department, Sister Kenny Institute, 800 E. 28th St., Minneapolis, MN 55407. Tel. (612) 863-4400. CHILDREN'S HEALTH The Association for the Care of Children's Health will hold its 28th annual conference May 30 to June 2, 1993 at the Chicago Marriott downtown. The conference theme is "Children's Health Care in Transition: Opportunities for Making a Difference." Health care professionals, family members, advocates, educators, and researchers are invited to register. For more information, contact Elena Widder, ACCH Conference Office, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814-3015. Tel. (301) 654-1205. VIDEO FROM NIB National Industries for the Blind has produced an eight-minute video designed to encourage traditional customers to comply with the federal requirement to purchase blind-made products whenever possible. Entitled "Making It For America In America," the video includes footage from a variety of sources including TV newscasts and from various workshops around the country, according to NIB's newsletter "Opportunity," Fall 1992. RSVA TOLL-FREE The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, has a toll-free hotline. The number is (800) 467-5299, according to the Fall 1992 issue of the "Vendorscope," the RSVA newsletter. NEW BOOKLETS Resources for Rehabilitation announces a new series of large print materials dealing with such subjects as "Living With Arthritis," "Living With Hearing Loss," "Living with Diabetes," "After A Stroke," and "Living With Low Vision." To receive a brochure and order form, send a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to Resources for Rehabilitation, 33 Bedford St., Suite 19-A, Lexington, MA 02173. Tel. (617) 862-6455. CRAFT BOOKLETS Horizons for the Blind has large print and braille instruction booklets on making Afghans, bath accessories, Christmas ornaments, bazaar items, baby clothes, toys, pot holders, recipes, house plant care, and vegetable gardening. For a price list, contact Horizons for the Blind, 7001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626. Tel. (312) 973-7600. HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP FOR SALE: Optacon R1D, in excellent condition, includes braille and print manuals, recharger, and carrying case. $1,000 or best offer. Contact Susan at (215) 876-4238 after 5 p.m. Eastern time, no collect calls, Please. FOR SALE: Outdated high tech equipment in good working condition, including a VersaBraille II system with two 3.5-inch disk drives and print and braille manuals, $2,000 or best offer; also a Cranmer Modified Perkins Brailler, $900 or best offer. For more information, contact Barbara Schaefer or Beth Hunter, Blind Focus, 2801 Wyandotte, 3rd floor, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel. (816) 753-6533. FOR SALE: VersaBraille II with carrying case, battery charger, manual, and disk drive, all in excellent condition, $795. Contact Irene Rojas, 7806 Kellwood Dr., Houston, TX 77040. Tel. (713) 937-6419. FOR SALE: Vtek Voyager XL5 CCTV system with 19-inch monitor and stand. Enlarges up to 60 times original size, split screen, positive/negative image reversal, electronic line marker, and movable viewing table, $2,000 plus shipping or best offer. Contact Judith Rose, 149 Rita Ln., Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. Tel. (201) 697-2955. Please leave message. FOR SALE: New Optacon II, $2,100. Call Fernando at (202) 822-3921. FOR SALE: Arkenstone Reader, includes flatbed scanner which scans at 300 dots per inch, daughter card, disk and print manuals, and cable, $2,000; also, two VersaPoint 40 printers, one three years old, the other four. Both printers can use narrow and wide continuous feed paper, print sideways, and produce braille graphics. Both are in excellent condition, $2,200 for one and $2,000 for the other. For more information, call Kathy Buckley, (617) 731-0179. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT LEROY SAUNDERS 2118 N.W. 21st ST. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT PAUL EDWARDS 170 N.E. 123rd STREET NORTH MIAMI, FL 33161 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES HODGE 1131 S. FOREST DRIVE ARLINGTON, VA 22204 SECRETARY PATRICIA PRICE 5707 BROCKTON DRIVE #302 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46220 TREASURER BRIAN CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVENUE WATERTOWN, MA 02172 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ELIZABETH M. LENNON