The Braille Forum
Vol. III March 1965 No. 6

Published Bi-Monthly by the
American Council of the Blind
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

To Inform Its Readers and to Provide an Impartial Forum for Discussion

* Editor:
Mrs. Marie M. Boring
1113 Camden Avenue
Durham, N.C. 27701

* Associate Editors:
Ned E. Freeman
136 Gee's Mill Road
Conyers, Georgia 30207

Mrs. Mary Jane Hills
33 1/2 Edmonds St.
Rochester, N.Y. 14607

George Card
605 South Few St.
Madison, WI 53703

* Executive Offices:
136 Gee's Mill Road
Conyers, Georgia 30207

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** Statement of Editorial Policy

The BRAILLE FORUM is dedicated to promoting the greater independence, autonomy and dignity of all blind people. 

The FORUM will carry official ACB news and programs, but its pages will also be available for free expression of views and opinions. Insofar as possible the Forum will publish news of organizations and agencies of and for the blind and any developments of interest to its readers. Timely material is solicited. 

Selections of material will be made on the basis of interest, timeliness, originality, clarity and forcefulness of expression. In controversial matters space will be made available for the presentation of divergent points of view.

** Notice

The BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, inkprint and on tape. Miss June Goldsmith, 652 E. Mallory Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38106, should be notified of any change of address or of any person desiring to receive the braille or inkprint editions. 

The tape edition may be obtained from Mr. Ned E. Freeman, 136 Gee's Mill Road, Conyers, Georgia 30207.

Letters and material for publication should be submitted to the Editor or to one of the Associate Editors.

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** Table of Contents

ACB President's Fireside Chat 

Minutes of ACB Board Meeting 

ACB Resolutions 

From the Ambassador Awards Committee, By Juliet Bindt 

Preliminary Convention Report, By Earl Scharry 

Path and Covenant, By Reese Robrahn 

Nothing to Worry About 

The Blind "Image"! Can It Be Improved?, By R.L. Thompson 

Christmas Spirit? 

Special Car Purchase Plan for the Blind 

The Story of Betty Morton, the Teacher in Room 18, By Franklyn S. Barry 

Announcements

A Blind Person's Responsibility to Himself and to Society as a Professional Worker, by William J. Ferrell

Unaided Check-Writing

Hyde Park Corner, Conducted by Earl Scharry

Here and There, by George Card

ACB Officers and Directors

*****

** ACB President's Fireside Chat

My Friends:

Some months ago there was a notation in the Forum about a federal grant being awarded to one of the old established private agencies for a survey to see whether blind persons were being served by the general community service agencies in that area. Why should it be necessary to have a federal grant for this purpose? The view was expressed that these public service groups were so little acquainted with blind people and their problems that they were afraid to handle cases involving the blind without personnel especially trained in this field. If this is true, the fault would seem to lie with the public relations activities, or lack of them, on the part of the local organization of the blind. 

Why can't representatives of the local chapter confer with the personnel of such agencies as the Family Services Society, Legal Aid Society, the local health department, and other groups serving social needs? It should not be too difficult to convince these workers that blind people are, first of all, people, and that their social problems are much the same as those of anyone else. Of course, there are areas where the services of personnel especially trained to deal with the problems of blindness are necessary, but this is not a requirement for everyone who has occasion to deal with a blind person. May I suggest that each local chapter make this educational campaign a special project. 

In his "Here and There" column in the January issue, George Card gave the name and address of a company which provides "insurance against blindness." We now have a little further information concerning this matter in which many of our sighted readers and the sighted family and friends of our blind readers may be interested. This insurance is underwritten by the Old Security Life Insurance Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and is presently licensed in 40 states with the expectation that these policies will be approved in the other states in the near future. The policy provides monthly benefits up to a maximum of $400 per month and may be purchased on the basis of either 10 or 20 annual premiums. On the straight 20-pay basis, the annual premium approximates $12 for each $100 per month benefit payment. Benefits begin when loss of vision has reached the level of the usual definition of legal blindness, provided that such loss occurs before the insured person has reached the age of 80 years, and continues for the lifetime of the insured, regardless of the age at the onset of blindness. If any of you are interested, you may write to me for further information or you may write directly to the company. In the latter case, will you please mention the fact that you became interested in this service through the Braille Forum.

You will find information concerning the ACB annual convention elsewhere in this issue. We are looking forward to the biggest and best convention yet, and I am looking forward to meeting many of you in Louisville July 21-24.

Faithfully yours,
Ned Freeman

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** Minutes of ACB Board Meeting
July 1964

The Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind held its preconvention meeting on the evening of July 22, 1964. All were present except Bud Orrell, who was scheduled to arrive on the following day.

Fund raising was first on the agenda. Delbert Aman reported that just prior to the meeting Mr. Bennett had stated over the phone that he might consider continuing our greeting card mailing only if the American Council would finance the project and use a much stronger appeal letter. That approach to financing the project was not favored by the Board. 

We then discussed the problem of obtaining Mr. Bennett's list of contributors to the ACB greeting card mailing. Durward McDaniel and the Finance Committee were instructed to negotiate with Mr. Bennett for the list. The following motions were then adopted: 

1. The list of contributors to the ACB's direct mail appeal of 1962 and the list of contributors to the greeting card mailing shall be used by the Finance Committee in conducting either a Christmas card mailing or a White Cane Safety Day mail appeal.

2. If the Finance Committee conducts a Christmas card mailing, the enclosed literature shall contain information about other items the Council wishes to sell.

The Board decided to recommend July 13-16 as the dates for our 1965 convention; and that the Program Chairman consider scheduling two evening sessions for the convention, thus leaving the mornings open for committee meetings. It is thought that this arrangement would encourage more local residents to participate in the work of the convention proper.

Recognizing that the American Council of the Blind should, when funds are available, assume financial responsibility for the convention expenses of elected officials, the Board's recently adopted loan policy was rescinded. It was decided that a resolution authorizing such expenses should be brought before the convention. 

The voting procedure to be observed during elections on the following Sunday was then discussed. (The resulting recommendation is stated and explained in the convention report.) 

Following a brief discussion of the convention agenda, the Board adjourned.

The post-convention meeting of the Board immediately followed adjournment of the convention. Delbert Aman was the only absentee. President Freeman started the meeting by welcoming the two newly elected directors, Fred Lilley and Larry Thompson. 

The following committees were elected by the Board: to the Budget Committee -- George Card, Fred Lilley, with Reese Robrahn chairman; to the Audit Committee -- George Fogarty, Al Drake, with Marshall Warren chairman. 

Delbert Aman and Earl Scharry were suggested as possible appointees for program and local arrangements chairman, respectively, for the 1965 convention. 

Finance Committee Chairman Bud Orrell reported that Mr. Bennett had definitely terminated his work for the ACB. It was then moved that Mr. Bernard Gerchen be asked to handle our greeting card mailing. The motion carried after a long discussion. Voting for the motion were: Boring, Card, Hills, Kirton, Krause, Lilley, Murphey, Orrell, Robrahn and Thompson. There were two abstentions: Freeman and McDaniel. 

Three motions were then adopted. The first appointed Bud Orrell to investigate future greeting card mailings and authorized expenses of $300 if necessary. The second authorized the Finance Committee to pay a reasonable price for the list of contributors if Mr. Bennett will sell. The third motion authorizes the Finance Committee to use up to $2,000 in conducting either a greeting card mailing or a direct mail appeal. (This expense allowance includes the cost of the above-mentioned list from Mr. Bennett.)

The technician who taped the convention was voted $60 remuneration.

A letter inviting the ACB to a place on the Board of Directors of the Oral Hull Foundation was read and discussed. In addition to accepting the invitation, it was decided that the ACB should pay $25 for a sustaining membership in the OHF. The ACB president is to appoint our representative on the OHF Board. 

The meeting endorsed ACB support of White Cane Safety Day annually. 

A motion authorizing the president to spend up to $300 at the World Council meeting was adopted. 

The Board also adopted a motion ratifying all cash payment of ACB expenses during the convention, and raising the budget allotment for convention expenses sufficiently to cover all necessary convention expenses.

The meeting adjourned at eight p.m.

Alma Murphey
Secretary

*****

** ACB Resolutions

* 6413

Be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled in Rochester, N.Y., this 25th day of July, 1964 that the employment section of all civil rights bills should be amended to include the prohibition of discrimination against all blind or otherwise physically handicapped persons. 

* 6414 

Be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled in Rochester, N.Y., this 25th day of July, 1964 that this organization support the concept of the establishment of a commission to hear appeals of vending stand operators and state licensing agencies on disputes arising between such operators or agencies and the proprietors of federal properties. 

* 6416 

Be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled in Rochester, N.Y., this 25th day of July, 1964 that this organization support the concept that the payment of deferred earnings income should be recognized as earned income within the definitions of Titles I, IV, X, XIV, and XVI of the Social Security Act so that he receipt of Social Security benefits or payments from retirement funds will be regarded as earned income within these titles. 

* 6417 

Be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled in Rochester, N.Y., this 25th day of July, 1964, that Congress be requested to enact legislation permitting a disabled dependent to draw Social Security benefits even though the insured person on whom such a disabled person is dependent is not currently eligible for benefits, or dead.

*****

** From the Ambassador Awards Committee
Juliet Bindt, Chairman

Soon it will be time for ACB to honor its third Ambassador. The Committee of Judges will welcome until April 15 all nominations or updatings of earlier nominations. It would be helpful if nominations could be sent to each of the three judges listed below. 

This award is for service to the total community, and for presenting such a positive image of blindness that the public is stimulated to open, for all blind persons, doors that lead to cultural and vocational opportunities. It is not necessary that the Ambassador belong to any organization of or for the blind. It was voted that he or she should be legally blind and a resident of the United States. It is not required that the Ambassador be at the ACB annual banquet when the award is presented, but it is hoped this would be possible and that there will be ACB financial assistance for expenses. 

To refresh your memory, our 1963 Ambassador was Miss Jearldine Noeller, a speech therapist from Manhattan, Kansas. The 1964 Ambassador was Eben Whittlesey, a practicing attorney and mayor of Carmel, California. Both were active in a wide variety of cultural, civic and service organizations and, incidentally, are ACB members. 

Please send your nominations promptly, with supporting data, to: Mrs. Juliet Bindt, Chairman, 2709 Derby St., Berkeley, Calif. 94705; Miss Jearldine Noeller, 422 North Eleventh St., Manhattan, Kansas; Earl Scharry, 264 Saunders Ave., Louisville, Kentucky.

*****

** Preliminary Convention Report
By Earl Scharry, Convention Chairman

Louisville, a city which is accustomed to lavishing its well-known hospitality on national gatherings of all kinds, is looking forward to welcoming the 1965 convention of the American Council of the Blind. Typical of the cooperation we have been receiving (and which will no doubt increase as convention time nears) is the offer of the Sheraton Hotel, made through its manager, Mr. Bill Howard, to stage an "Earlybird mint julep reception" at nine p.m., Tuesday evening, July 209 the eve of our convention. This should serve to introduce the guests to the gracious Kentucky atmosphere and should be an inducement to "full" and early participation. 

For those whose memories need refreshing, it was voted that this year's convention should commence on Wednesday, July 21, and continue through Saturday, July 24. It will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, 500 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Please get your reservations in as early as possible. Address your requests to the Sheraton Hotel, with a copy to the Arrangements Chairman, Mr. Carl Dotson, 155 Bellaire, Louisville, Kentucky 40206. The prices will be $7.50 per day for single rooms and $11.00 for double rooms. The hotel is 100 percent air-­conditioned -- rooms, halls, auditoriums, everything. 

The banquet will be held on Friday evening this year. Final arrangements have not yet been completed, but we expect to come up with an entertaining program and an interesting featured speaker. 

Thursday afternoon and evening will be devoted to tours and entertainment. Without exception, everyone who has expressed an opinion on tours has insisted that the Printing House be included. So this will be the first stop on our itinerary. We have been assured by Mr. Davis and others at APH that they will be most happy to have us visit their establishment. If you have not visited APH recently, you will be astonished at the extent of its development and expansion. Following this visit, chartered buses will take us to the Old Kentucky Home at nearby Bardstown, where Stephen Foster lived, and which was the inspiration for his beloved song, "My Old Kentucky Home." The next stop on our tour will be the Whiskey Museum, a fitting prelude to our next stop, which will be for dinner at the famous Talbot Tavern. This justly renowned restaurant is located near the old slave auction block, which those of a historical turn of mind might wish to examine. In the evening, we will attend the "Stephen Foster Story." This performance features the immortal Stephen Foster songs and has been drawing capacity crowds all summer long for the past several years. The committee felt that it would be more appreciated by a group of blind people than mere sight-seeing or -hearing. The committee estimates that this entire tour and dinner will cost $7.50 per person. Payment in advance is not required, but it will greatly facilitate our work if all those interested in this package will notify Mr. Dotson as soon as possible, at least before July 1. 

A number of other suggestions have been made for possible entertainment for the conventioners -- among them, a cruise on the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville; some sort of bowling competition; a dance; and a visit to the horse races at Miles Park (or at Churchill Downs if they are running there at that time). The committee feels that it is possible to overdo planned activities and that the delegates might prefer to be left to their own devices and preferences to some extent. However, if you feel a strong preference for any of these projects, please inform the Arrangements Chairman and every effort will be made to help you gratify it. If sufficient interest is shown, formal arrangements will be made. 

Every effort is being made to provide an interesting and stimulating convention program. It has not been customary for our conventions to be centered around a particular theme, but as this program is shaping up, if it were to have a theme, it might well be "new keys to the gates of opportunity." 

One of the innovations voted at Rochester was that two days of this year's convention should consist of afternoon and evening sessions, rather than the usual morning and afternoon sessions. Consequently, no formal program will be scheduled for Wednesday morning. This will be devoted to registration and exhibits. This should eliminate any excuse for late registrations -- we hope. In addition, Mr. Jim Burton will be on hand all day Wednesday to exhibit the various small appliances manufactured by APH, such as braillewriters, maps, globes, foot rules, slide rules, and many more. We venture to guess that you will find many helpful devices which you didn't even know existed. Mr. Burton will have to confine his exhibit to Wednesday, because he will have to leave for Denver and the AAWB convention after that. It is possible that other exhibits may be arranged later, though the proximity in time to the AAWB convention will be something of a handicap in this. 

Beginning with Wednesday afternoon, the following program items have been arranged and tentatively scheduled: 

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Carl Lappin, textbook consultant at APH, will discuss textbooks and trade books available in braille, disk or tape and the central catalogue of such material. You will learn what is available and where and how to get it; or if it is not already available, how you can arrange to have it produced.

On Wednesday evening, Mr. Don Nold, of Berwyn, Illinois, will conduct a panel on organizational problems in general. This is not an entirely new subject, but Don has some strikingly interesting and novel ideas about the content and procedure of such a panel. When you find in one man that rare combination of ideas and a willingness to work to put them into effect, the only thing to do is to turn him loose with a free hand. His plans and arrangements are not yet complete, but we can assure you that the result will be well worth your time and participation. 

On Thursday morning, Bob Hanes, head of the IBM Department of APH, will explain the mysteries of the new computer donated to APH by IBM, which is turning out braille in such fabulous quantities. Also on Thursday morning, Dr. Carson Nolan, of the University of Louisville and APH, will be on hand to tell us about various psychometric tests and experiments he has been conducting, including high-speed recording and reading, which he will demonstrate. 

Friday morning is left open for optional activities. Some committee meetings may be scheduled and perhaps some professional and occupational groups such as lawyers, teachers, vending stand operators, piano technicians, etc., may want to hold meetings of their own. Meeting rooms will be provided for these groups. 
 
On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Diane Stubbing, supervisor, and Miss Helen Mueller, instructor, in the Computer Training Program for the Blind of the University of Cincinnati, will tell us all about that highly significant project. We feel sure that there will be tremendous interest in this discussion, because it will give us our first idea of how the blind can compete in the age of automation. 

Mr. Fred Gissoni, of the Kentucky rehabilitation agency has agreed to address us on Saturday morning on the abacus, its history and its usefulness to the blind. Mr. Gissoni is the author of a very thorough and well-written instruction manual on the use of the abacus by the blind. 

The committee is considering a few other ideas and suggestions for the program, and it is possible that one or two may be adopted later. However, we feel that the program should not encroach too much upon the important business of the convention and plenty of time should be left for this. There will, of course, be the presentation of and action upon the Legislative Report and Resolutions. Saturday afternoon has been reserved for business, including selection of the 1967 convention site and elections to fill one vacancy on the Board and one on the Publications Committee.

*****

** Path and Covenant
By Reese Robrahn

(Presented at the 1964 Convention of the Kansas Association for the Blind.) 

A survey of the history of societies and nations of the world relative to the status of their blind members and citizens quickly makes apparent the fact that mankind has come a long way in the integration of people who are blind into the life and activities of the community. 

But as is the case with so many of the facets of our civilization today, much of the progress has evolved during the last 100 years. The underlying factors that brought about this progress are many, some of which are as follows: diversification and specialization of business, manufacturing, and industry; the invention and refinement of braille, development of the talking book and tape recorder; development of fast and efficient systems of communication, making the dissemination of information inexpensive easy and widespread; some recognition by society of the abilities and special needs of people who are blind and some assumption by society of its responsibility for this small segment of society. But by far the most important factor is education -- and the word "education" is used in this context in its narrow sense, that of academic education, for once the people who were blind became sufficiently educated and in sufficient numbers to assert themselves and to raise their own voices in the interpretation of their special needs and to press on all fronts for opportunity to use their capabilities in gainful employment, set ajar at last was the door to some real progress. But nonetheless, we still have a long, long way to go. 

We have just about reached the point now where, speaking as a lawyer, the burden of proof has shifted; the burden of proving our case, the case of people who are blind, is upon us. We must go forward with the evidence and by a preponderance maintain our right to and the fact of our full participation in the life of the community -- its duties and obligations as well as its benefits and privileges. We ourselves are the exhibits, the evidence, the proof. What kind of witness for the case of people who are blind are you?

Our adversaries, which are ignorance, misconception, fear, apathy, resistance to change, and the status quo, are well known and they are powerful. Their advocates are shrewd, persuasive, and influential; and some of them have vested interests. They have already won over some of our own witnesses, to say nothing of the judge and the jury. 

It is their contention that people who are blind are necessarily and severely and forever limited in their activities, their education, their trade, profession and employment, in their social intercourse and in their aspirations. They say that by the very nature of blindness "the Blind" must travel the straight, narrow, smooth, hand-railed and protected little path that is prepared by society for them. And, you know, some of us are convinced, some of us willingly and happily go along that little narrow path of security, some of us suffer from what has been termed by psychologists and sociologists as "the spread of effect." This simply means that we hear it so often and in so many different ways and from so many different sources that we come to believe it about ourselves. We accept it as a fact, as even the absolute truth. 

Here is an example of the results of this "spread of effect." How many times have you heard a person who is blind answer in reply to an inquiry or simply complain, "No, I am not doing anything right now; they haven't found me a job yet." The blind person who says that obviously believes that he is not capable of finding employment for himself even though he is highly qualified and highly trained. He has come to believe about himself and his condition of blindness the stereotype that correlates blindness with helplessness. 

Another example: How many times have you heard even a blind person make this unqualified and unconditional statement: "The only place for the proper education of blind children is in an institution"? The difficulty with the blind person who makes that statement is not his blindness, it is the fact that he does not perceive. He has come to believe about himself that he cannot function in the environment of the sighted world because of his blindness; and since he cannot do so, he believes that no other blind person can do so. 

Make no mistake, this is not to imply a belief on my part that blindness makes no differences. It does make a difference. But I accept that fact and the differences. But these differences are not innate or totally debilitating. They are matters of form and individual circumstance and can be dealt with and overcome through adaptation, method, technique, training and education.

But enough of the "path." What about the covenant? What about our covenant with God and our fellow man and the people who are blind that will come after we are gone? Do we not have a duty to function as independently and as responsibly as we possibly can at home with our families, with our neighbors, our employers, our fellow employees, and with the members of the general public with whom we come into contact day by day? Do we not have an obligation, a duty of performance, a moral contract with one another and with society? Absence of vision does not make us nonentities. We can still perceive! We are not deprived of all faculties or any faculty except sight just because we are blind. Again, I ask, do we not have a covenant? 

If then say you that we do, let us, each and every one individually and all of us collectively, be up and doing! Let us kick over those handrails of the narrow path that is the status quo. Let us not ask society to make a place, but let us make a place for ourselves in society and fit ourselves into the life and activities of the community. Let us test our skills, use our talents and prove our capabilities. Let us take the initiative. Let us learn to expect the unexpected from hour to hour and from day to day with the joy of the anticipation of the new, the unknown, the different. That is the challenge! Let us think for ourselves and control our own destinies, and travel the broad highway and the main stream of life. 

If we are doing all of these things, and without a backward glance of nostalgia or yearning for what once was, then we are truly winning our case. And we will no longer be "the Blind." We as individuals will simply be a person who is a housewife, a lawyer, a teacher, a factory worker, a social worker, simply a person who is blind.

*****

** Nothing to Worry About

You really have only two things to worry about; either you stay well or you will be sick. If you stay well, there is nothing to worry about. If you get sick, there are only two things to worry about; either you will recover, or you will die. If you recover, there is nothing to worry about. If you die, there are only two things to worry about; either you go to Heaven, or you will go to the other place. If you go to Heaven, there is nothing to worry about. If you go to the other place, you will be so busy greeting all your friends that you will not have time to worry. 

SO -- WHY WORRY?

*****

** The Blind "Image!" Can It Be Improved?
By R.L. Thompson

(Editor's note: The following is a reprint from the December issue of the Florida White Cane Bulletin.)

They Must Look Poor. The commercial district of your city, without doubt, has its blind beggars. Garbed in sweaty tatters, dejected, they hold out their collection cups. Those who pass drop in a coin or two, or go home perhaps with guilt on their conscience. Almost no one criticizes or condemns the blind person for this activity. This includes the police, who are aware of laws prohibiting street begging. They wink their eyes and if questioned say, "Everyone knows the blind are poor! Why arrest a poor blind man just trying to get enough food to eat?" Many of these blind beggars go home after a day's work, lay down their cup and dirty props, to enjoy life in one of the better residential neighborhoods. 

Keep Them Poor. A number of blind are employed as operators of snack bars in office buildings. My neighbor Joe said to me the other day, "You know what, your friend Ted who runs the snack bar in my office building just bought a new car. Seems as though he's making too much money for a blind man when other blind people can't even get a job. I think they should put another blind person with Ted, don't you?" 

The image of the blind as helpless and poor is predominant in our society. It encourages the blind beggar to follow his profession and not to use his productive abilities. It discourages the blind person who does train his abilities and does find remunerative employment. 

Can this image of the blind be changed? National organizations of the blind have attacked the problem by resolving that they "deplore the practice of mendicancy on the part of blind persons, and hereby urge all municipalities and states to enact and enforce legislation prohibiting the same; and further urge the Federal Government and the state government to liberalize welfare and rehabilitation programs so as to eliminate all justification for the solicitation of alms." Where there are ordinances, they are not strictly enforced. No one wants to arrest a "poor blind man." The ordinances have changed the public image of blindness and, after all, isn't this the objective? 

Why not try penalizing those persons who help perpetuate the "poor blind man" image? Municipal and state legislation could be passed making it a violation for anyone to drop a contribution into the cup of a blind beggar. The police would be much more apt to make arrests of sighted persons caught doing the giving. Without profits the blind beggar would be discouraged from continuing in this line of work. 

Do you agree that you who see should be held as guilty in the eyes of the law as the blind beggar? 

Unlike theft or hit and run, where there is but one voluntary party to the offense, begging offenses cannot exist without two voluntary parties to the act -- the giver and the receiver. So, do you agree the giver should be equally guilty?

*****

** Christmas Spirit?

(Editor's note: The following article was reprinted from the January issue of The Highwayman, published by the Governor's Highway Safety Committee, courtesy of Dr. T. Mumford Boyd. This is an excellent example of the need for more publicity for the White Cane Safety Laws.)

We thought we had seen every example of the inhuman savagery that grips the otherwise peaceful citizen when he takes the wheel of an automobile. But what we saw on the streets of Richmond the day after Christmas was unbelievable. 

A blind man, carrying a white cane, was attempting to cross the street. He became confused and was walking up the center, attempting to locate the curb with his cane. 

Traffic was moderate, but not one driver even eased his speed. The man would shudder as each car thundered by, missing him by a few feet. About half of them eased their consciences with loud blasts of their horns. 

We stopped and another car came up behind us. After a few horn blasts, the driver pulled rapidly around us and sped on, narrowly missing the blind man. Other drivers did the same thing, despite the fact that the pedestrian was in plain view in the middle of the street.

Now Section 46.1-237 of the Code of Virginia requires that when a pedestrian carrying a white cane is attempting to cross a street, at an intersection or in mid-block, any oncoming motorist must come to a full stop. A subsequent section prohibits the carrying of a white cane by anyone who is not blind or incapacitated.

This is the law. But the law should not be necessary. It would seem that even the driver of today could wrench himself from his Mr. Hyde complex under such a situation. 

Even though a driver might fail to feel any modicum of human compassion, it is difficult to understand how he could risk the aftermath of running down a blind person. But this deterred none. 

It might be understandable for some isolated fiend to behave in this manner. Such was not the case. Not one single driver gave the man any deference whatsoever. Yet, as soon as they stepped from their cars they become ordinary citizens, still imbued with the spirit of Christmas.

*****

** Special Car Purchase Plan for the Blind

From the CHRISTIAN RECORD BRAILLE FOUNDATION, INC. comes word that the Meiergard Rambler Company, Norfolk, Nebraska, is willing to sell any type of Rambler car to a blind person or his family for $60 above its invoice cost price, plus freight charges to Norfolk from the factory. Ten dollars of the $60 is to pay for getting the car ready, such as adjusting it, washing it and putting in five gallons of gasoline. If a person wishes to take delivery of the car at the factory at Kenosha, Wis., then he would be able to save all the freight charges. All communication and all orders should be directed to the Meiergard Rambler, Inc., 119 Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, Neb. In some cases a car near your specifications may be available through our dealership immediately. If not, 35 days must be allowed for manufacture and conveyance or delivery at the factory. 

In the event you prefer to have the car shipped to a nearby authorized Rambler dealer and delivered from same dealership, please specify "courtesy delivery." For this type of delivery Meiergard will make all necessary arrangements with the dealer, and you are notified of the dealer's name prior to the time the car arrives. For courtesy deliveries add to the price of the car the normal freight rate to destination, plus $50 for the dealer who services and pre-delivers the car.

A confidential price list and further information can be obtained by writing direct to Meiergard Rambler.

*****

** The Story of Betty Morton, The Teacher in Room 18
By Franklyn S. Barry

(Reprinted from New York State Education, May 1964, official publication of the New York State Teachers Association, 152 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. Franklyn S. Barry is superintendent in Syracuse and former superintendent in North Syracuse and Cortland where he employed blind teachers. He is immediate past president of NYSTA.) 

"Blindness is something in which I do not believe. The blindness to which I refer is the real blindness of life, that of the mind. And, really, there is no other kind. Sight is of the mind, and he who has a mind has sight." These are the words of Betty Morton, the teacher in Room 18. 

Betty Morton is a teacher of 30 lively fourth-graders in the Allen Road School of the North Syracuse Central School District. Mrs. Morton is blind. Without sight since the age of 12, she decided early that there were two ways to live out her life -- one sighted, one blind. She chose the sighted way, blind but not handicapped. 

Two years ago, Mrs. Morton, married to a successful architect, came to my office seeking a teaching position. She had previously helped in the district-wide program of special services by working with blind or nearly blind children. Attractive and personable, intelligent and determined, her application warranted consideration. 

At an earlier time, I had been involved in the employment of another teacher who was blind. This person is successfully carrying on his profession of teaching at the higher education level. In the light of this previous experience, several questions came to mind. 

Would the building administrator accept her on equal terms with other teachers? Would parents be confident, if she was employed, that their children would receive the expected, quality education? How could this person, handicapped in the minds of many, perform the many demanding duties which must (according to others) require all faculties. 

First, the administrator must sincerely believe that handicapped persons should receive the opportunities to prove themselves. Is not this the proposition we, in public education, put before others as we develop our programs for the handicapped? In this case, a canvass of building principals resulted in locating an administrator who appeared more than willing to accept Mrs. Morton. Mrs. Frances Dittman, the principal of the Allen Road School, has this to say: 

"I must confess I had reservations. A well-run, well-staffed school is my responsibility. After conferences with Dr. Barry, superintendent of schools, we decided to offer Mrs. Morton a position. Her class was not specially selected. The children had been grouped without knowledge of who would be the teacher. 

"Just prior to the opening of school, each parent received a letter stating that Mrs. Morton was blind, and inviting them to come to the school to meet her. Most of the parents came, met Mrs. Morton, and a lively discussion ensued, with Mrs. Morton describing her plans and answering questions. I felt that Mrs. Morton was accepted and her handicap overlooked when parents started to raise their hands for her attention! 

"With the exception of the services of another teacher to keep her register of children's attendance, all plans, reports, records, etc., are Mrs. Morton's responsibility. To this date, Mrs. Morton has yet to ask for any special services or assistance.

Mrs. Morton can best answer the questions relative to the teaching process itself as she describes a day in Room 18. 

"As a day begins in my fourth grade, I greet each child as he or she arrives, just as all the other teachers do. There may be one little difference, and that is I never greet a child until he or she first greets me. I then recognize the child by the sound of his voice. All voices are different, and not at all confusing. Just as it is possible to recognize a child by his appearance, so it is possible to know him by his very own voice. 

"The first thing they look for is an assignment on the board which I have written, for I can write, and quite legibly, even though they do, at times, tell me my letters are not quite right. If no assignment is there, they heave a sigh of relief and go about with all their very important business.

"We have a group of helpers in my room, just as in other classrooms. Each child has a job, so as to increase his sense of responsibility and to relieve the teacher of having to do everything. These jobs include locker checker, row checker librarian, fire chief, lunch orderer, board eraser, etc. To this list, I have added my own personal assistant. A child is chosen each week to sit at a desk right next to mine to help me in many ways. This child is my eyes, so to speak. It is his job to check homework in, to check pages for me in print texts, to answer my many questions about what might be on a printed page. 

"The very first order of business is attendance. The first person in each row checks his row, and my helper records absentees on a card to be sent to the office. I record the absentees in a braille notebook, to be later transferred into the register. This legal document has to be kept for me by a sighted member of the faculty. 

"Other chores are handled as necessary by an appointed helper, and soon we are ready for the day to get on its way. 

"Nine o'clock usually means arithmetic. I have a braille text which follows the children's ink print. The children often go over their homework by going to the board, writing their examples, and explaining them, step by step. By listening, I know just what they have done; and the children are very good at checking each other. We often play a game to strengthen facts, such as train or baseball. 

''Visual aids are a help to my pupils, just as to any pupils. They are the ones who must learn, and they learn via the eye. I maintain it is not my eyes that are necessary, but theirs. I have noted a very poor ability on the part of many children in mental arithmetic, and I may stress this a bit more heavily than other teachers. I find arithmetic very thrilling, and I feel that, from time to time, the children, too, are excited about it all. 

"Reading holds just as important a place as arithmetic, and it takes a good portion of the day. Here again, I have a braille text which follows the ink print, workbooks which have been brailled by volunteers, as well as teacher's notes which I myself braille as needed. 

"Afternoons are reserved for discussion-type lessons. I prefer to work in groups, usually small informal circles, or sometimes the entire class gathers in one large group. Filmstrips and movies are shown in our room and usually are run by the children, when I am sure they know how to use the equipment. They take turns reading strips, and we discuss them as they are shown. They often describe the pictures to me, which strengthens their understandings, I feel sure. 

"Special library work is reserved for afternoon, and often there are groups of children doing different things in class. Recently, I have had two filmstrip projectors and a viewer all in use at once in our room while children were engaged in individual research for reports, Others were working individually on programed arithmetic; and still others, on projects for a Mardi Gras for our study unit on Louisiana. 

"Susie and I head for home with many papers to be marked. There is quite often a reader waiting for me when I arrive at home. I have several persons who come to my home daily to read and mark papers with me. They also record grades and help keep records for me. I find I need to know what is what, and so keep records in braille. Lesson plans are in braille, of course, for I need them more than anyone. I do write them in print, either on raised-line paper or in type, for official purposes. I must type records, which must then be recorded in the office by a reader. 

"I am thrilled with my work as a teacher. I find that eyes are necessary for all of the clerical details, but I am very happy and willing to offer this task to someone else to do. Even executives need secretaries. I really make many friends by working with so many helpers. By far my greatest helpers are the children. They are doing the learning, completely and wholly. I rather feel that they are learning a bit about life. I am always warmed when I enter a reading circle and a wonderful hand comes quietly out, takes mine, and places it on my chair. They are my eyes." 

How did the children develop and grow during a year in Room 18? Mrs. Herlosky, a fifth-grade teacher, has this to say: 

"I have never felt, in my association with Betty, that I had to treat her any differently from any of my fellow workers. In fact, we never think of her in terms of being handicapped. We never think of her in this way because she does 'see' -- not with her eyes perhaps, but even in a more sensitive way -- with her heart and her alert mind. We might all gain a lesson here and put a little more of this to work. 

"One method by which a teacher can always evaluate the teachers of the grades before hers is to note the basic, fundamental concepts which should be developed prior to the group's entering in September. From the performance of the children in my room who were with Betty last year, I can find nothing left undone."

And Mrs. Haskin adds this: 

"As a fifth-grade teacher, I am teaching several of the students who worked under Mrs. Betty Morton's capable guidance last year; and I find they are the recipients of excellent training and must have gained tremendously, academically as well as personally, from their association with her. 

"Speaking for many of her associates, we never consider her 'handicap,' as really one doesn't seem to exist. With Susie, her Seeing Eye, to guide her, she is completely independent and doesn't ever need or want special treatment. Betty does all of the many duties required of any teacher conscientiously and seems to have full control of any situation, The children admire her for her fairness and deep concern for their welfare." 

Does Mrs. Morton make use of the many special services available to her children? Mrs. Norma Marsh, librarian, would emphatically agree that she does. 

"In working with Betty Morton, I find that she is one of the library's most enthusiastic clients. She has an excellent knowledge of children's interests and is able to recommend books that they would enjoy reading. She also borrows special collections for her room while they are studying a unit. 

"To further inspire the children, she brings to her classroom the excellent talking books that are recorded for elementary school children. She recently taught the unit on the use of the encyclopedia by using charts and a set of encyclopedias borrowed from the library. 

"She quickly acquainted herself with the audio-visual material in the library and often used films, filmstrips, and the picture and pamphlet file." 

Mrs. Barbara Doyle, nurse-teacher, also would concur: 

"So often you'd forget Betty was blind. One day we stood discussing a child who had been out for several days, and I asked her how the child looked. She laughed, "Don't know; I can't see, but she acts fine. Wish you'd check on another girl for me; something must be wrong. She is so nervous and restless.' I watched the child for two days and, on the third day, the mother requested that she be excused from school early to go to the doctor. It seems that this particular student was having trouble with her thyroid gland, and the doctor was having some difficulty regulating the thyroid medication -- a condition which would cause extreme nervousness. Betty's radar system was working well."

Ruth Zube, a "graduate" of Mrs. Morton's fourth grade, represents the general sentiment of many students who had the rich experience of spending a year with Mrs. Morton and Susie. In her own words, Ruth says: 

"Mrs. Morton is not just a regular teacher to me, she is a friend. She not only taught me school work, she taught responsibility, too. When she taught, she taught like a friend would teach. 

"Another thing about Mrs. Morton I like is when we would stay after school and tell her jokes. She laughed at them and told us some, too. 

"In school we would do things together as a class. I'm sure all the class loved her as a friend and a teacher. 

"I loved the year with Mrs. Morton, and I know that I'll never forget it."

And a parent adds:

"The child working under a handicapped teacher may also benefit by being trained to become more independent and responsible. He is apt to gain a lifelong sympathy and understanding of those with physical handicaps."

As an administrator who believes that all persons have handicaps differing only in kind and degree, I can strongly recommend the employment of teachers with the more obvious handicaps. Certain conditions to be observed might be offered as suggestions to insure success. 

There must be wholehearted acceptance on the part of the building administrator of the person employed. 

No "quarter" needs to be given. A trained blind person needs little assistance other than acceptance as an equal. 

Parents need to be involved early in the process. Acceptance by parents seems to be important when a different kind of teacher is employed. 

Employ the blind! A day with Mrs. Morton is convincing proof that she is sighted, that only the thoughtless are really blind; that the only real poverty is poverty of the mind.

*****

** Announcements

In answer to continued demand, Science for the Blind is again producing an 

INEXPENSIVE TAPE PLAYER, now available in a new compact, hardwood case of unfinished mahogany - PLAYS ONLY

Model P65, $65.00

Player with lid, hardware, and handle
Model P70, $70.00

These machines are the same as those offered by Science for the Blind over the past few years except that a new hardwood case and new speaker are being used instead of the second-hand Talking Book cases (which are no longer available). The new materials have, unfortunately, caused a price increase, but we feel that the compact size and attractive appearance of the new model will compensate in some degree for this increase. 

INEXPENSIVE TAPE RECORDER, exactly like the Player described above but PLAYS AND RECORDS

Model PR75, $75.00
With lid, handle, Model PR80, $80.00

For further information write Science for the Blind, Haverford, Pennsylvania.

***

Blind and deaf-blind people interested in obtaining braille personalized greeting cards may do so by sending five wrappers from any Campbell's Soup products and thirty-five cents to cover handling and postage. Ten birthday and get-well cards with envelopes will be sent assorted. No wrappers, no cards. This offer is good only in the USA and is not limited. Orders must be sent to Harry A. Fribush, 27 Colonial Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12203, and will be good only until June 1, 1965. 

***

Beacon Lodge-Camp for the Blind, located in Central Pennsylvania, will conduct its sixteenth camping program this summer beginning June 26. The program will include a nine-week session for children between ages six and seventeen years, and a nine-week session for adults. Children will be housed in eight newly constructed cabins and the adult guests will live in dormitories. A separate recreational program will be carried out for each group. Some of the activities include -- swimming, motor boating, rowing, bowling, hiking, picnics, indoor games, musical programs and bike riding. Those unable to pay the camp fee usually secure sponsorship through service clubs in their own area. For additional information write to: Beacon Lodge-Camp for the Blind, Box 222, Lewistown, Pa.

*****

** A Blind Person's Responsibility to Himself and to Society as a Professional Worker
By William J. Ferrell, Supervisor
Rehabilitation for the Blind
Tennessee Department of Welfare

(The following was a talk given to the Tennessee Home Teachers for the Blind on October 21, 1964.)

The subject assigned to me this morning, "A Blind Person's Responsibility to Himself and to Society as a Professional Worker," is one to which I would rather be listening than speaking of. However, my job this morning is to talk and yours is to listen. If you get through before I do, please raise your hand and we'll exchange places.

As blind persons we are members of a minority group. Such groups -- that is, minority groups -- are likely to feel that they are persecuted; that they are discriminated against. As professional blind persons we must rise above this feeling of persecution and discrimination. We must recognize that only five or six persons out of 2500 of the general population are blind. We cannot expect 2494 persons always to conform to our wishes, desires, or "whims." We must have the right attitude toward ourselves, society, and, especially, toward sighted persons. Perhaps you have noticed that I am using the term "we." Why? Because I am talking to myself as well as to you.

We who are blind sometimes forget how people with sight function. For example, have you ever been in a restaurant when the waitress asked, "What does he want?" Did you ever stop to think why she did not ask you directly? Well, I will tell you why. First, the waitress is probably not accustomed to serving blind persons. Secondly, she does not know your name so she cannot speak to you lightly in a personal way. Thirdly, she does not know to tap you lightly on the shoulder in order to get your attention. She may look at you, but you cannot see her, and so you do not recognize that she is looking at you. What does she do? She looks at the seeing persons who look back at her. They are communicating. It is our responsibility to set the waitress at ease by at least being pleasant and courteous. We should have our seeing companion read the menu to us, and we should promptly make up our mind what we are going to order. You should say something like, "I will have roast beef, potatoes, etc.," or whatever else may be palatable to you. If you wish, of course you may ask questions, but do so in a pleasant way. Don't be rude; don't be demanding. Remember, to this waitress you are representing "all the blind."

As a blind professional worker, you should be an independent person; that is, you should be mobile, you should be able to sign your name, you should be able to use the typewriter, you should be able to use braille, at least to some degree. 

As blind persons who are professional workers, we should use the white cane. You may say that you do not need a cane. It is certainly true that some blind persons are able to navigate quite well without the use of a cane. You have a responsibility to yourself and to society to carry a cane. Some blind persons refuse to carry a white cane because they say it just makes them conspicuous, or it makes them look blind. It seems to me that going around shuffling your feet or waving your arms around is far more noticeable than a cane. Remember, too, that sighted persons do not know that you cannot see and, therefore, they expect you to act as other seeing persons act. If we who are blind carry a cane, then the motorist is alerted and, in most instances, will govern his actions accordingly. If you have a cane, most persons on the sidewalk will observe that you do not see and will govern their movements accordingly.

I am convinced that anyone who has the desire can learn to sign his name with a pen. Every blind person should carry a signature guide. Not only carry it, but use it.

Personal appearance is very important. Remember a blind person is always on "parade." No matter how well adjusted a blind person may be, he cannot function quite as well as one who sees. There is little or no excuse for dirty fingernails. Soap and water are available to all of us. There is absolutely no excuse for BO. Drug stores, supermarkets and department stores are full of deodorants ... just pick the one which suits you best; creams, liquids, sticks or sprays. Men should always have their hair cut properly and women should have their hair well groomed. There is little or no excuse for going out in the morning with dirty, soiled clothes. The "drip-dry" materials are available in "foundation" garments, shirts, suits, dresses and so on. Too, all of us should wear dark glasses if our eyes have any abnormal appearances.

We spoke a little while back about ordering food in restaurants. Well, eating is another responsibility. I said in the beginning that I would rather be listening instead of talking. This is surely one of those times, I, personally, am a poor example of an adjusted blind person when it comes to cutting meat, head lettuce, et cetera. Nevertheless, it behooves all of us to do the best we can. We should not hesitate to ask for and/or accept assistance if we need it. Have you read Juliet Bindt's book, A Handbook for the Blind? If there is anyone of you (that is, the home teachers) who has not read it, it sure is worth your time and effort. She certainly gives us a lot of good ideas. I am not sure that I agree with all of them, but it is still worth reading. 

What about some social graces? A man should always stand when introduced to another. Particularly should he stand when being introduced to a woman or when a woman walks up to where he is. A lady may or may not stand; she has a choice. Always "look" at the person with whom you are talking or the one who is talking to you. Look toward the sound of the voice. Hold your head up and never "rest" it on your chest. 

All of these things which we have been talking about are things which you already practice; sometimes we get careless -- we forget. 

We should not only practice these things, but we should teach them to our clients. We can help them become independent, mobile, self-sufficient persons. Personal management, knowing how to live with blindness, how to live as a blind person -- that's what we are talking about. 

As professional workers it is our responsibility to support and belong to those professional organizations which represent our field of work -- the Mid-Western Conference of Home Teachers, the American Association of Workers for the Blind, and the National Rehabilitation Association -- on a voluntary basis. We should read the literature published by these organizations, and of course, we should read the literature published by writers in the field. The Library of Congress has many Talking Books, the subject matter of which is related to our field. The Library also has a number of magnetic tapes, and the number is continually increasing. Recording for the Blind has a wealth of material. We must find time to read. We must grow professionally. Reading and taking part in short-term training courses, such as those offered by adult education councils, is a very good way to improve our knowledge and skills. We must keep up with what is going on in our field. You should know something about your own department. Recording for the Blind has already recorded some of the department's manuals. They will record others upon your request. The old saying, "What you don't know won't hurt you," is bad philosophy; what you don't know can sometimes hurt you. One might have a malignancy and not know it; a foundation might be weak and about to crumble without your knowledge. What you don't know, then, might cause you to be a poor home teacher and do an inadequate job. Therefore, I am convinced that you must continue to study and learn. 

We are always talking about what the sighted should do. You know, "When you meet a blind person," "Ten Rules for Getting along with Blind Persons," and so on. What about the blind person getting along with the sighted persons? We must do our part, too. The world was made for sighted persons. Blind persons, then, must adapt themselves to live in a sighted world instead of trying to adapt the sighted persons to live in a world of blindness. You and I have a tremendous responsibility to ourselves and to society. We have to pay for being blind. We might as well accept that as a fact of life. The sooner we do, the happier we will be. If we accept a professional job, we accept the responsibility that goes with the job. Ability to get around, to travel, to get to where our clients are is one of the responsibilities. I think the time has come when we must think of either owning our own automobile or having access to one. The sighted worker drives his own automobile. Hiring a driver is one of the penalties we have to pay for blindness. It is up to you and me, then, to provide our own transportation. We must perform as well as or better than sighted persons in the field. 

Let us not complain, criticize, or condemn, but let us do our job well. Someone has said, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

*****

** Unaided Check-Writing

From Wall Street Journal: The Chemical Bank New York Trust Co. has introduced a device that a blind depositor can use to write checks and keep track of his balance in privacy, without help from anyone else. 

The device was invented by a 34-year-old bank employee, Norman Henderson; he has applied for a patent, to be assigned to Chemical Bank if granted. The bank said it will supply the new check-writing instrument at cost to any other bank that desires to use it, without charge for its development expense. Officials said they don't know of any other bank offering such service. Chemical Bank will give a sightless customer the device, a pair of check-size aluminum plates, riveted together at one end and open at the other, The depositor inserts a blank check between the plates. Through 35 perforated openings across the top, he inscribes on the check in braille, with a stylus, the date, amount, payee and other information he needs for his records. Below, the plate has four horizontal openings to guide him in writing the same details, plus his signature, in script. This enables Chemical, or any other bank that gets the check for payment, to handle it in the usual way. Perforated openings at the left end of the plate permit the depositor to fill out his stub in braille. When he gets his monthly statement, it will also be in braille. Chemical said six of its employees have learned to read and write braille to carry out that part of the operations.

*****

** Hyde Park Corner
Conducted by Earl Scharry

* What's Wrong with Pollyanna?
By June Goldsmith

I am a vending stand operator, and, as I believe is true in nearly all occupations or professions, I have found that when two or three vending stand operators are gathered together, sooner or later the talk gets around to shop, Let one operator begin to describe the hazards of the business, its frustrations, the public he deals with and all their foibles, the other operators will nod, laugh, and comment, "Say, are you sure you're talking about your place? You sound just like me!" We all agree, too, I think, that excluding the professions, and the all too few industrial jobs that are available to blind persons, the vending stand has proved to be the most economically feasible and rewarding in a material way for blind people. 

An operator meets and talks with many different people during a day's work, and it is a very interesting experience in public relations; it can also be a disheartening, discouraging thing. I believe it is a pretty good cross-section of the general public which comes by my place in the post office every day. There is one thing that is very disturbing to me, and I wonder if it, too, is true of other vending stands. It is an oppressively negative attitude that is too common to be shrugged off as a momentary feeling of malaise, or the blues. How deflating to my intention to be cheerful, when I say, "Good morning" to a customer, is the morose answer, "What's good about it?" What a rebuff to my desire to please, when no item of merchandise on my counter "looks good" to the customer. This attitude of negation is contagious, for at the end of the day, I am as darkly moody and as pessimistic as my grouchiest customer. 

These negative personalities -- and they are found in all walks of life, all stations of life, all kinds of jobs (or they may be so rich, they don't need jobs, but these latter need to be dealt with separately) -- must have whipping boys. Of course, the victims of their frustrations, fears, and despairs are the people they believe to be lower on the social, economic, and evolutionary ladders than they. 

It seems to me we Americans are deliberately, calculatingly passing up the greatest opportunity historical man has ever had to become greater than we are. We are so overfed, we don't like food; we are overly well dressed; we are overly clean; Materialism is our god, and Status is our talisman. We do not respect age, we dread it. We do not love youth, we resent it. We do not seek knowledge, we fear it. We do not desire wisdom; it is too great a burden. We have an abiding horror of death, and yet we court it every minute of the day with our greatest necessity and most lethal weapon, the automobile. 

James Hilton once said, "I believe that personal happiness is a good thing, and that there is no real reason for doing without it, I believe that personal unhappiness is a bad thing, and that the worst private sin is to take pleasure in the pain and discomfort of others." So my conclusion is that there is nothing wrong with Pollyanna, Pollyanna does not ignore want, pain, human misery. Pollyanna says relieve it, assuage it, succor it, and be glad you did. Pollyanna says, for the love of God, find something in this big, beautiful, wonderful world to be happy about!

***

We are most pleased to have this column graced this month by June Goldsmith's delightful contribution, We will even be happy to suspend the fee of one shilling which John Jarvis informs us is the customary charge for the privilege of unburdening oneself on one's views in London's original Hyde Park Corner. 

If we were to answer June's question, "What's wrong with Pollyanna," we'd have to say there's nothing wrong with Pollyanna as portrayed by June. We'd have to add, however, that there is a great deal wrong with that type of Pollyannaism which would say that the world is nothing but sweetness and light; that there is no corruption, no immorality, no prejudice, no ignorance, no injustice, no threat to the peace in it. The point June presents so well both by precept and example is that these big worries, and more particularly the petty annoyances of daily life, ought not to make whiners and boors of us.

The other day we heard of an incident which we believe illustrates well the kind of Pollyannaism which, though it recognizes troubles, puts them in their proper perspective: 

As every devotee of pro football knows, Paul Hornung, of Louisville, Notre Dame, and most recently of the Green Bay Packers, has been having more than his share of troubles lately. First, he was suspended for a year for gambling. Then, when he was reinstated this fall, he suffered an injury which kept him out of action most of the season. Prior to these misfortunes Hornung had been the outstanding performer on the Green Bay squad. He could do just about everything that a football player is supposed to do and do them all exceedingly well. He could run; he could plunge; he could pass. But most especially he could kick -- punts, points after touchdown and field goals. His injury did not prevent his being used as the Packer kicking specialist. But -- probably the most galling misfortune of all -- this year his performance as a kicker was miserable. The other day according to the story, a friend met him on the street and wanted to know "Well, Paul, how have things been going for you lately?" Hornung's reply was the epitome of factual truth and Pollyanna good cheer. "I can't kick," he said.

*****

** Here and There
By George Card

From the December New Outlook: Among the 30 distinguished American men and women who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964 was Helen Keller, world-famous lecturer and author. The gold Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian award in peacetime. It is now an annual Independence Day honors list similar to Great Britain's Order of Merit and France's Legion of Honor. President Johnson made the presentations in the East Room in the presence of members of the Supreme Court and Cabinet, the leadership of Congress, and other key government officials. 

On November 16 the New York State Department of Social Welfare adopted a resolution stating that it will henceforth withhold approval of the establishment, construction, or maintenance of new homes or institutions planned for the care of blind persons and for the solicitation of funds for such purposes.

At its annual convention in October the Missouri Federation re-elected G. Arthur Stewart to another two-year term as its president. 

From The Lion: An article in the current issue of the Lion discusses the possibilities of the IBM computer 709 in the program of the American Printing House for the Blind. "We can see the day when machines will be capable of scanning an entire printed page for direct entry into braille -- and translation by the computer. The future, in short, is limited only by our imagination." 

National News of the Blind (Canada) reports that the first cassette tape talking book machine has reached Canada and the change-over from discs has begun. Also that Canada is the first country in the world to have achieved a complete survey of the causes of blindness. The importance of this is that it enables research programs to be directed to the areas where the need is the most urgent. A similar survey in the U.S. has been at least partially frustrated because in so many states blind children are under a separate agency and statistics on the causes of blindness in children have been thus far unobtainable. This issue also discusses an experiment which has demonstrated that high altitude flying does not increase pressure within the eyeball and is therefore safe for those suffering from glaucoma. 

From The Washington State White Cane: "Electro-mechanical consultants of New York City have developed a braille teaching device called the Audiotact -- which is said to speed self-instruction by having braille symbols appear electronically on the deck of the machine." 

From the ACB Digest (Calif.) "Eben Whittlesey, ABC charter member and former mayor of Carmel, Calif., was re-elected to the city council of Carmel with more votes than anyone who has ever run for a city council seat." (Mr. Whittlesey was the recipient of the ACB Ambassador Award at the Rochester convention.) 

The problems and the techniques involved in the education of blind children and of deaf children are so completely different that it is hard to understand why any supposedly well-informed governmental bodies still try to combine them under one administration. Organizations of the blind have uniformly sought to persuade such authorities that the specialized schools should not only be under separate administrators but in the interest of both groups of children, should be physically separated. The Kansas Board of Regents is apparently contemplating a long step backward by placing the Kansas schools for the blind and for the deaf under one administrator -- as usual, the head of the school for the deaf. A discussion of means to combat this retrogressive step was the most important preoccupation of the 1964 convention of our Kansas affiliate last October, as reported by the KAB News (now under the editorship of Bonnie Byington). Resolutions were adopted, and it was decided to obtain signatures to petitions asking for reconsideration. If this proves ineffective, legislation will be sponsored by the KAB. The Topeka Rehabilitation Center is carrying out a new experiment -- a special session for senior citizens. The training will be nonvocational, with the emphasis on the skills of daily living. The KAB News also reports a most gratifying increase of 131 new members during 1964 -- largely the result of a spirited membership contest, which was won by Mrs. Helen Smith of Kansas City. 

The Oakland Orientation Center Newsletter records the marriage of Miss Onvia Ticer, nationally famous blind teacher in the San Leandro public schools, to Mr. William Tillinghast of San Francisco. Also that of Jocelyn, eldest daughter of Allen Jenkins (head of the Center), to Mr. Horacio Ricardo of Fonseca. This issue features an article on Jack Polston, who has also received world-wide publicity as a totally blind electrician and who is now the father of two eight-month-old twins. The U.S. Information Service film on Jack's orientation to blindness, "Born a Man," was shown at the International Film Festival in San Francisco this fall.

There is at least one blind postmaster in this great continent of ours -- he is J.C. Mathews of Fort Fraser, British Columbia. 

From the Oklahoma Federation Newsletter: "Six blind per persons in Oklahoma City are now employed by local radio station KTOK to listen to other stations four hours a day five days a week and telephone certain information to KTOK. This happened because the Federation has become widely known as a service organization and information center concerning the blind. ... Earl and Judy Johnson are the proud parents of a six-pound, eleven-ounce baby boy." 

From the Hoosier Star Light: "Suggestions for serving blind guests in hotels or motels are contained in a pamphlet recently produced by the Seeing Eye, Inc. in co-operation with the American Hotel and Motel Association. The pamphlet, entitled 'Memo to the Hotel Staff,' deals primarily with dog guide users but has general information applying to all blind guests."

From the Peoriarea Observer: "A blind man, Al Stouder, was elected to an eight-year term on the Appellate Court of our district. His salary will be $25,000 a year." 

A braille first-aid manual, recommended by the American Medical Association, is available without charge from the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Inc., 4444 South 52nd St., Lincoln, Neb., 68516. 

From The Illinois Braille Messenger: "At its convention last October, the Illinois Federation of the Blind elected the following as delegates to the 1965 ACB convention in Louisville: Robert McMullen, Holland Horton and Lewis Davis; alternates, Richard Schrempf, Jack Warren and Miss Francis. The convention adopted a resolution expressing its gratitude and appreciation to Dr. L. W. Rodenberg for his many years of devoted service and sent it to him in the form of a nightletter. Another resolution empowered the Board to provide legal counsel for indigent blind recipients of public aid for prosecuting appeals. The convention accepted an invitation to hold its 1965 convention in Jacksonville. … Delegations from Alton, Springfield, Peoria, Mt. Vernon and Champaign, in addition to grieving friends from all over Illinois, attended the funeral of Carl Wiley on November 14 at Jacksonville. Perhaps Carl's most important contribution to the welfare of his fellow blind was his pioneering work in the development of the braille switchboard."

From the AP: "Fonda Ellinger, 21, blind since birth, who is a full-time typist in the Justice Dept. in Washington, D.C., holds an altimeter which is being converted to braille system markings for use in parachute jumps she plans to make next summer. On her first jump she says she will get landing instruction from a radio receiver inside her helmet." 

"We react to what is expected of us, we find a sort of security (spurious though it is) in confirming the opinion of those around us. This theory states that whatever we expect -- good or bad -- of someone tends to become fulfilled by our very expectation. More than a century before the world knew anything about depth-psychology, Goethe, the famous German poet and philosopher, had anticipated what we now know as 'the theory of fulfilled expectations.' When we take a man as he is, we make him worse; but when we take a man as if he were already what he should be, then we advance him to what he can be."

The past winter, students and former students of the Orientation Center at Albany, Calif., honored their former teacher, Lawrence T. Lewis, at a surprise testimonial dinner on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. Lewis was not only one of the best-known travel instructors in the whole country but had spent the greater part of his life in work for the blind pioneering services in several states. He was the author of "Blind Workers in U.S. Industry." In this book he demonstrated with actual case histories that the goal he envisaged for most blind people had already been achieved by a few. He worked very hard to persuade Congress to adopt the Barden-LaFollette Act wherein funds were appropriated for separate rehabilitation services for the blind. 

On October 22 the American Foundation's prestigious Migel Medal went this time to two distinguished recipients -- Dr. Robert H. Thompson, superintendent of the Michigan School for the Blind, and Robert LeFevre, secretary emeritus of the Committee on Purchases of Blind-made Products. Dr. Thompson came to the Michigan School in 1957, after 14 years as superintendent of the Missouri School for the Blind, and has served as president of the American Association of Instructors of the Blind. This writer grew to know him when we were both delegates to the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind in Paris in 1954. The following year he, together with Joe Clunk and Eric Boulter, were the three featured speakers at the national convention in Omaha. 

From the January New Outlook for the Blind: "Best Selling Books for the Blind, Inc., a nonprofit corporation which rents tapes of new books to its members, has moved its headquarters. The new address is P.O. Box 6852, Towson, Maryland, 21204 ... The new 14-story building of the New York Association for the Blind was officially opened in ceremonies held on October 22, with former Governor Thomas E. Dewey as guest speaker. The building contains a training center, a school for piano tuning and repair, an industrial arts shop, an apartment for teaching home economics, facilities for teaching mobility skills, and transcription-typing rooms." 

From the Montana Observer: "The organized blind recommend that the provisions of the Humphrey Amendment to H.R. 11865, a bill that died in the last Congress, be included in the new legislation." 

From the Louisville Courier Journal: "Two teams made up of blind and partially blind keglers have entered Louisville's annual City Bowling Tournament. Five of the ten men are entirely without sight and are to be the first ever to roll in the 57-uear-old event. Their averages are surprisingly high -- Womack, 105; Earl Scharry, 96; Arthur Kopp and Curtis Jackson, 93; and Bobby Barnes, 90. The Bowling Proprietors Association of Louisville has arranged to charter a bus to take a number of blind bowlers to the annual national tournament at Washington, D.C., late in May."

From the Florida White Cane: "The FFB Federal Credit Union on December 14 declared a five-percent dividend for all shareholders. The Credit Union now has assets of more than $127,000 and 416 members. ... Since last March the FFB has been waging a running battle with Murdock Martin, executive director of the Florida Council for the Blind (the state agency), to have the rules and regulations of the Council as they affect the rights and privileges of clients and others dealing with this agency filed with the Secretary of State as required by Florida State 120. Finally, on December 5, at a Council board meeting in St. Petersburg, the Board, after hearing an opinion by the Attorney General, directed Murdock Martin to comply with the law and file the Council's rules and regulations. Our attorney in this matter will review these regulations when they are filed and will report to us. ... At the request of Senator Smathers, Joseph Hunt, assistant commissioner, HEW, VRA, wrote Larry Thompson stating that there is no federal regulation which would prevent a client from seeing or permitting his friend or attorney from seeing his case folder. ... The 3M Company manufactures a tape recorder reel with a magnetic center. All one has to do is lay the end of the tape across the center of the reel and magnetism will do the rest. You do not have to wind the reel to make certain the spool is threaded. Those blind who use the tape recording lending library service of the Library of Congress, attention Charles Gallozzi, Washington, D.C., are now being offered one of these self-threading reels free." 

It is sad to have to report the passing of two charter members of the ACB. Harry Lee, Memphis piano technician, passed away on December 3. Ed Schultz of North Little Rock, Ark. -- who was to have taken charge of our tape program -- suffered a stroke on December 24 and died five days later. 

From the February New Outlook for the Blind: "The National Industries for the Blind Product Development Lab, part of the Engineering Department, is now in operation and several projects have been completed. Its functions, according to H.O. Lopez, NIB's director of engineering, will include consideration of how new items will be manufactured; establishment of manufacturing methods and processes; production of samples or prototypes on new or revised products; and development of costs on new and existing products."

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** ACB Officers and Directors

President: Ned E. Freeman, 136 Gee's Mill Rd., Conyers, Ga. 30207 
1st Vice President: Durward K. McDaniel, Suite 305 Midwest Bldg., Oklahoma City 2, Oklahoma 73102 
2nd Vice President: David Krause, 4628 Livingston Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032 
Secretary: Mrs. Alma Murphey, 4103 Castleman Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Treasurer: Reese H. Robrahn, 308 Columbian Building, Topeka, Kansas 66603

** Directors

* Directors Until 1966:

George Card, 605 S. Few Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703 
G. Paul Kirton, Room 6327, Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D.C.
Mrs. Marie M. Boring, 1113 Camden Avenue, Durham, North Carolina 27701

* Directors Until 1968:

F. Winfield Orrell, 5209 Alabama Avenue, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37409
Mrs. Mary Jane Hills, 33 1/2 Edmonds St., Rochester, New York 14607
R.L. Thompson, 104 West Hanlon St., Tampa, Florida 33604
Fred C. Lilley, 1155 West 83rd St., Apt. 216, Chicago, Illinois

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