The Braille Forum Vol. IV January 1966 No. 5 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * Editor: Mrs. Marie M. Boring 113 Camden Avenue Durham, N.C. 27701 * Associate Editors: George Card 605 South Few St. Madison, WI 53703 Ned E. Freeman 136 Gee's Mill Road Conyers, Georgia 30207 John Luxon 7310 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan * Executive Office: ACB Board of Publications 136 Gee's Mill Road Conyers, Georgia 30207 ***** ** 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 ACB official news and programs, but its pages will also be available for free expression of views 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 Ned 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. ***** ** Table of Contents ACB President's Fireside Chat "We Live in a Sighted World" Convention Theme ACB Participates in Standards Conference Ambassador Nominations Sought It's Here to Stay, But --, by Palm Banks Another Stumbling Block Removed BBA Tournament in May Came the Good Fairy, by Stanley Doran And a Haughty Spirit before Destruction, by Clyde Ross Public Education: Or Is It More Than That?, by Linda J. Podell Information for Parents of Blind Children A Yardstick for Ourselves, by Juliet Bindt Architectural Barriers to the Handicapped, by John Luxon He's Blind, But He Assembles Wires by Color Loretta's Corner Blind Novelist Appointed Editor Letters from Readers Here and There, by George Card A Tooth for an Eye ACB Officers and Directors This edition is assembled and mailed by members of the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Oklahoma Federation of the Blind. ***** ** ACB President's Fireside Chat My Friends: Once more we come to that time when we stand in the gates of the Temple of Janus surveying both past and future. Loretta and I have had a great deal of pleasure from the many cards and messages we have received from you; remembering the experiences and the personal acquaintances of this and the preceding years. We would have liked to send individual greetings to each of you, but I am afraid this column will have to serve this purpose. Certainly we wish for each of you all of the best that the New Year can hold. The column for the November issue was written in mid-October in the midst of a flurry of activities and the approaching holiday season completely escaped my thoughts. Our good friend Moe Tuschman, who reads the tape edition, rectified the oversight by including in his preparation of the tape an excerpt from that favorite Christmas story "Why The Chimes Rang." I wish this had been possible in the other editions, too. October and November were extremely busy months. In addition to our visit to the White House, I attended the conventions of the Illinois Federation of the Blind and the Missouri Federation of the Blind. These are two of the strongest and most active and progressive blind organizations in the country. Both conventions were very well attended and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many old friends and new ones and participating in their discussions. Then there was the conference of the Commission on Standards and Accreditation which is reported elsewhere in this issue. Returning from New York City, I stopped in Baltimore and in Washington for conferences with the administrators of the Social Security insurance provisions, the Public Assistance programs and Vocational Rehabilitation. All of these conferences were most cordial. We had an opportunity to exchange points of view, and it is believed that some major changes may be forthcoming in all these areas which will prove of great benefit to all. All of these gentlemen expressed appreciation for the constructive attitude of ACB in criticizing deficiencies in existing legislation and programs. One took special note of the fact that ACB was the only organization of the blind which had testified in favor of legislation which would benefit other categories of handicapped persons. After my meeting with him and some further correspondence relative to the need for continuing services to clients whose original placement fell short of the goal of utilizing their maximum potential, Dr. Douglas MacFarland, Chief, Division of the Blind, VRA, has written -- "... It is our belief that a case should not be closed until the client has had ample opportunity to make the best possible adjustment to his employment. ... At the present time we are especially concerned with the development of the broad vocational training of blind persons which can give them a wide foundation from which their skills can be readily converted to meet requirements of a continually changing technology. The points you have raised in your recent correspondence are in line with the considerations we must give to future planning. Your interest and advice is certainly appreciated." In this issue you will find some of the plans being made for the ACB convention in Atlanta next July 20-23. I am looking forward to meeting many of you at that time. Faithfully yours, Ned Freeman ***** ** "We Live in a Sighted World" -- Convention Theme "We Live in a Sighted World" will be the general theme of the annual convention of the American Council of the Blind, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia July 20-23, 1966. Program plans are progressing well, and it is expected that this will be one of the most interesting conventions in ACB history. All of Thursday morning, July 21, will be devoted to a series of seminars under the general heading "The Art of Being Blind." These will be under the joint leadership of Don and Jeri Nold (our Honeymooners of last year). The first period will be devoted to mobility. The advantages of the long cane vs. the shorter cane, or vice versa, will be demonstrated and discussed. Paul Knowles of Leader Dogs will discuss dog guides, including who should and who should not use a dog. The use of sighted companions and the general public will be discussed by Bill Ferrell, Tennessee Supervisor of Home Teachers. Following this period, there will be separate seminars for men and women. Among the subjects to be discussed by the women's group will be fall fashions, dress and grooming, homemaking techniques and the blind hostess. The men will be discussing what to wear and when to wear it, household chores and the use of tools, sports and recreation. By dividing these discussions into smaller groups, each individual will have ample opportunity to discuss his own problems with the resource people and with each other. The convention hotel will be the Atlanta-Biltmore, one of Atlanta's largest and best. Room rates will be $7 for singles and $12 where two occupy a room, either double or twin. The cost of the Banquet will be $4. It is believed that you will enjoy your stay with the Biltmore. Be sure to send your reservations in early, directly to the hotel. THIS IS IMPORTANT. There have been several cases recently with state conventions where members had to be turned away because they failed to make advance reservations. The Biltmore is holding space for us but there will be other activities in Atlanta during our convention week which may make space at other hotels difficult to obtain. Your Convention Committee has other exciting plans for the convention of which you will hear in future issues of the FORUM. Watch for these, but make your plans now to be in Atlanta July 20-23. ***** ** ACB Participates in Standards Conference During the first three days of November nearly 400 persons, most of whom were actively engaged in rendering services to blind people, discussed standards for accreditation of services for the blind. This national conference held in New York City was convened by the Commission on Standards and Accreditation of Agencies for the Blind and was sponsored by some 65 organizations from coast to coast. The American Council of the Blind and its affiliate, the Kansas Association for the Blind, were the only organizations of the blind represented in the list of sponsors. In addition to the ACB President there were a number of active ACB members participating in the conference, including Juliet Bindt, Calif.; Dr. P.J. Woods, Ga.; Floyd Qualls, Okla.; Irvin Selis, N.Y.; Victor Buttram and Bruce McKenzie of Illinois. Other representatives of the organized blind movement included John Nagle, Dr. tenBroek and Ken Jernigan. This was not at all a rubber stamp conference. For example, two groups of about forty each spent six hours going over the draft of the Standards for Social Services, clause by clause, with lively participation and discussion by members of the groups. Similar detailed consideration was given to all of the other draft documents. The Committees who had prepared the documents had done excellent work and it is doubted that we ourselves could have drawn up proposals which would have better expressed our philosophy of what services for the blind should be. The changes which we proposed on behalf of the organized blind dealt mainly with increased emphasis on certain points and the clarification of others. Two points in particular appeared to receive general acceptance -- that clients should be represented on, or consulted by, advisory councils planning programs, and that properly qualified trained and selected blind persons played an important role in the total rehabilitation picture at all levels, professional, sub-professional and volunteer. Throughout the discussion of standards on social services and vocational services, emphasis was placed on professional qualifications and experience in dealing with blind persons. Stress was placed upon programs for individuals "tailor-made" to suit the abilities, aspirations and interests of each and the necessity of keeping caseloads small so as to permit person to person individual attention. One point which received complete agreement from the group on Vocational Services was that the ultimate goal of vocational rehabilitation was placement in an occupation most nearly in accordance with the maximum aspirations and abilities of the client. It was also agreed that where circumstances required the placing of a client in an employment situation far below his potential, the case should be kept subject to review from time to time and not finally closed until the ultimate goal has been achieved. Of course the catch, if there is one, lies in the implementation of these Standards. They will be effective only insofar as they are reflected in improved agency programs, and it should be the responsibility of all representatives of the organized blind to pressure state and private agencies to implement these Standards as fully and as rapidly as possible. ***** ** Ambassador Nominations Sought Earl Scharry, Chairman The Committee of Judges for the ACB Ambassador Award is again requesting nominations for the 1966 recipient. To be eligible for this honor a person must be a resident of the United States or its possessions and be an active participant in civic, political or cultural affairs of his community. One who is entitled to be designated as an Ambassador must present to the public such a favorable image of the capabilities of blind persons that a better attitude toward the total blind community results. The Committee will receive nominations for this year's award until April 15. It will be helpful if carbons of nominating letters are sent to each of the judges whose names and addresses appear below. Be sure to include full particulars as to the activities of your nominee and any honors accorded him by his community. Ambassador Award Judges Committee -- Earl Scharry, Chairman, 264 Saunders Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40206; Mrs. Don O. Nold, 3202 South Clinton, Berwyn, Illinois 60403; Eben Whittlesey, P.O. Box 196, Carmel, California 93921; and Fred Krepela, 363 Court Street N.E., Salem, Oregon 97301. ***** ** It's Here to Stay, But -- By Palm Banks (Editor's note -- Excerpts from a tape letter to readers of the FORUM. Mrs. Banks has had three unsuccessful cornea transplants and double enucleation, but is one of the most high-spirited and active members of the Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Federation of the Blind.) I would like to talk to many, many people and since I have no way of doing that, I'm using this method to say that this blindness is here to stay. It's not the end of the way by any means but can be the beginning of a more full and abundant way of life. I have found it so and I have also found that beyond a shadow of a doubt God's grace is sufficient, so let's be happy ourselves as most blind people are. There are some who are sad and depressed but let's be happy and thereby make all we come in contact with a little bit happier. I like to think that my Lord had this little handicap that it was necessary to pass to someone. He took a good look at me and then took a sip of this cup of sorrow himself and then another look at me and said, "Yes, she's worthy to bear this with me." I certainly don't want to disappoint my Lord in this matter. So come on friends and let's be a happy people. "This old world that we are living in is mighty hard to beat, we get a thorn with every rose but aren't the roses sweet?" "There is a destiny that makes us brothers, no one goes his way alone; all that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. One thing our Lord said when he walked here on earth among men was, "Come, let us reason together." Blind friends, let us reason together. Let's work out our differences. Let's do away with the friction and have a good program and when we learn to cooperate and work together, I am sure we will have a good program. We need to learn that united we stand, divided we fall. Each one has his part to do in this program so let's put friction and ill will aside and work together for the good of all. There is an old song, 'Brighten the Corner Where You Are.' It takes each one of us to do this but since I have become a blind person I have known stronger friendships and enjoyed friends more than ever before. Life gets more interesting to me each day. I really think that I am happier as a blind person than I was a sighted person. Let's work on this and make it a true reality in all of our lives, for it can be done." I would like to thank Mr. Ned Freeman for making it possible for me to reach out to so many people. Let's learn to work together because we owe it to each other, we owe it to the cities we live in and to the world at large for this is the time when people need to work together because we are living in perilous times. I have just passed my 65th birthday but I can assure you, I have never been younger, I have never enjoyed life more, and since I have lost my sight I have met people I had never heard of before. Famous people, famous blind people and they are just wonderful to know, and they have enriched my life. For instance, Mr. Walter McDonald. He is so gracious and kind and never turns a deaf ear to a want or a need. We owe him so much, so many of us do. I would like to ask, when you feel depressed and just feel you are going to get real sad about something, stop and remember the beautiful things you have seen. I remember the gorgeous sunrises in Georgia, and how beautiful they are. I remember my flower garden. I once saw a dew-drop in the heart of a tiny little rose. No diamond has ever been more brilliant. And it was my privilege to see the mighty ocean and the waves, Oh, so high! Then I had the opportunity to fly 20,000 feet above the earth in the brilliant sunlight without a cloud in the sky, and as I went westward and flew into the sunset, it was my privilege to see the gorgeous sunset in Arizona, the Western Sunset! And to walk on the mysterious desert, that was a sight to be seen! To stand at the foot of a cactus, 15 feet high, realizing that each foot represented 100 years and to hear the wind whistle through those spines. It was a wonderful experience! Then the crowning glory of all was to see the smile on 10 grandchildren's faces. Let's count the blessings we still have. I have noticed among people who have always been blind, there is no lack in their life, they manage to live a full and complete life. They have a greater appreciation of the blessings of sound such as radio, television and talking books for which we owe our State and our Congress a great deal of thanks. We all have so much to be thankful for. Let's forget the small details that sometimes would make us unhappy and rise above them. Let's get the most out of life and promote friendship among all blind people, for there is much to do and the busy people are the happy people. So come on, let's be busy making each other happy and making this world a better place to live in. ***** ** Another Stumbling Block Removed (Editor's note -- In the November issue of the FORUM an article appeared reporting success in the Southern States in eliminating discrimination by railways against blind persons traveling alone. This same discriminatory policy has existed in the Western States for many years. The following letter has been received in response to correspondence extending over several months.) Dear Mr. Freeman: Thank you for your letter of October 29, 1965. I am extremely happy to inform you that at joint meeting of the several territorial passenger associations and committees held in Chicago on November 4, 1965, action was taken to include the following paragraph in tariffs, when supplemented or reissued: "This rule in no manner prohibits the transportation of a blind person traveling alone who is capable of properly caring for himself or herself." Signed, November 10, 1965 Yours very truly, S/E B. Padrick (Chairman, Western Railroad Passenger Association.) ***** ** BBA Tournament in May The American Blind Bowling Association will hold its 19th Annual National Championship Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, from May 26th through May 30th, 1966. Since the deadline for submitting entries is March 31, 1966, all Leagues should be making plans now to participate. A very special invitation is hereby extended to those Leagues recently sanctioned by A.B.B.A. You'll find that a national A.B.B.A. tournament combines the maximum in keen competition with a plentiful supply of exciting entertainment. For further information, write to Mr. Leroy Price, P.O. Box 537, Williamsport, Pa. 17704. ***** ** Came the Good Fairy By Stanley Doran Once upon a time a city was created from the very beginning, to be a model of what all cities should be. There were just the right number of jobs, and the right number of workers, the right number of schools and public facilities. The population of this model city contained its fair percent of handicapped persons. Facilities were provided which were thought to be ideal for these persons also. The three blind men in the city were housed in a special home so they would not need to endanger themselves and others by getting about. All their needs were provided. After many weeks had passed, a Fairy Angel of the creation passed and heard these three blind persons arguing. She entered their room, identified herself, and said that in order to make them happy, she could grant them any wish they would make except, of course, they could not have their sight for that was their handicap. She thought they would ask for money. The first impetuous person said, "I'd like a young friend my own age with many of my own interests. I'd like to live in my own home and live my own life. I want to be independent!" And with a wave of her wand, the Fairy presented him with such a guide. They walked from the room. The second man had taken time to think and when the Fairy turned to him, he said, "We all want independence, but that first man doesn't have it. Serving as a guide will become tiring to anyone, and sometimes their interests will not coincide. Even if other friends come and go as guides, it will be hard to arrange schedules to fit theirs, and to find someone who will serve. If I had a long stick, I believe I could go wherever I need to go." With a wave of her wand, the Fairy gave him a long cane and he tapped his way slowly from the room and down the walk. The third man said, "We all want independence, but I don't believe either of those persons has it. The first man travels with sight and thus moves quietly and more efficiently. The second man need make no other schedule, and thus is more independent. I have had a dog as my pet. It can see and it is my friend. It makes no other schedule. If he could only be my guide --." And with that the Fairy changed the pet into a guide dog, and the man walked from the room without touching things, because his friend could see, and without the need to make any schedule other than his own. Is it a fairy tale? These things happen every day: Each blind person must make one or more of these choices: The fairy is an organization or organizations which make these choices available, and a wand is really a small stick or staff, and it is a small staff of the organizations which helps to perform the miracle. When a newly blinded person takes the arm of the nurse to move to a chair, when he takes his wife's arm and leaves the hospital, he has made the first choice. Will he choose only this method of travel? Experience shows that he, like the others, will not be content to have things done for him. Before the long-cane technique was developed, blind persons traveled as best they could. Now we have the experiences of others and these techniques and experiences, properly presented can help blind persons travel more and better than if they had not heard the right way. I have been a guide dog trainer since 1942. I have been a cane travel instructor for the State of Ohio also since 1948. The two choices are complementary to each other, not in opposition. The same understanding of traffic, routes, and travel situations are needed in each case. The choice is the acquisition of sight through use of a dog, the extension of touch with a cane. Each method has its drawbacks and its advantages. The cane can, however, be considered basic. It can be used by persons who have some vision. It can be used when the desire or ability to travel is very limited. It can be used by everyone! Qualified travel instructors are not able to work with each blind person. Large areas of the country have no instructors. Some persons do not qualify for training because they have no other rehabilitation goals. These people will, however, take up a cane and travel by themselves and do it poorly, according to today's standards, unless they are taught. The Go-See organization supplies a cane and instructions in print, braille, or recorded form. This makes it easy for the blind person to read, think about the material, and read it again as he practices the steps described. The training is compatible with that given by travel trainers. If no further training is involved, the Go-See scholar will be far safer, will learn to travel quicker and will travel more often and further than one who learns by himself. Further training by a cane instructor will, of course, polish the work, correct some problems and be of great assistance. As a guide dog trainer, I can assure you I would rather have our students experienced cane travelers than ones who have not traveled. The choice then is not just one method for life, but the need to be a capable traveler in conditions as they come, A good cane traveler will enjoy taking the arm of a friend when they are going the same way. A guide dog user may put his dog in a stable-kennel at work and use a cane to go from there to his refreshment stand. The total travel problem has these three answers at least, and each blind person should be given proper information so they do not experiment alone, but benefit from our total knowledge. (Editor's note: For further information regarding the "Go-See's," you may write to Franklin S. Clark, 166 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10028.) ***** ** "And A Haughty Spirit Before Destruction" (Editor's note -- Reprinted from the November, 1965, issue of the Ohio Council Bulletin. Clyde Ross, Editor) Attention has been called to the fact that many of our blind people reject the white Cane. This was on White3 Cane Safety Day. Organizations of the blind, with the help of Lions Clubs, have succeeded in getting White Cane laws on the statutes of every state. Now we are confronted with stubborn blind people who don't want to be identified by a White Cane. Perhaps it is more fun to be run down by an automobile or to stumble into a pedestrian or to fall down a stairway. "Pride goeth before a fall." Physical blindness does not necessarily mean mental or spiritual blindness. I can't overcome my physical blindness, but I shall make every effort to avoid mental and spiritual blindness. If you don't have a White Cane, and if you are legally blind, many organizations of the blind have them to distribute. Lions Clubs all over the country supply White Canes at no cost to you. State Services for the Blind supplies White Canes. There are more elaborate White Canes that can be purchased. Don't let pride cause you to fall. Get a White Cane and use the White Cane. ***** ** Public Education: Or Is It More Than That? By Linda J. Podell (Editor's note: This article indicates another area where strenuous public relations activities on the part of state and local groups is essential.) As a blind person and also a student of public relations, I am deeply interested in in the question of "the blind image." Numerous articles on the subject have been written, and I am basically in agreement with those who point out the need for public education. Through well organized educational campaigns, as well as through the actions of blind people in their relations with the sighted world, the image of the blind can be improved. Eventually, the "blind spot" will be eliminated and the sighted world will at last be able to "see" the blind and judge them as individuals. All of this is significant, and I do not intend to dispute the need for this type of endeavor. However, in the light of my own experience I have serious doubts about the accuracy with which the problem has been diagnosed. Are we treating a disease or merely a symptom? Is public education the whole answer, or is it merely a remedy for an acute symptom of a more complex difficulty? Public education is not the cure, nor even the entire treatment. The problem of "the blind image" is much more fundamental. The image of the blind held by the sighted world definitely needs alteration and clarification, but our attention must first focus upon the image of the blind which is held by many blind people, their families and friends, and even the agencies which supposedly represent them. Many blind students of at least average intelligence give up the idea of attending college because, "They can't place blind people as anything but transcriber-typists and factory workers, so why should I go to college if I can't be placed as a professional worker?" There are some who would argue that such a blind person is not ambitious enough to succeed under any circumstances, and that his opinion and subsequent action were determined by personal factors rather than poor public relations. However, the mere fact that such an image exists is not a good reflection upon the field of work for the blind. In most cases, young people who express sentiments such as these quoted above are influenced by those who supposedly know the truth about such things. In other words, social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and other agency workers present the picture which the blind client accepts. As if this weren't shameful enough, the members of the client's family are no better informed than the client himself, and they are perfectly willing to bemoan the fate of the blind and to persuade their "poor blind relative" to abandon his dreams and settle for the Dictaphone or the sheltered workshop. If I were merely an observer, I might discredit this grim picture: blind people, their relatives, and agencies for the blind all accepting this image of hopelessly trapped victims of society, whose limitations, both real and alleged, make it impractical for them to significantly improve their position. But I have not been merely an observer. I have been fortunate enough to have the kind of personal ambition which drove me on despite the supposedly overwhelming odds against me. I have had help and cooperation from my parents and, consequently, have been unscathed by the ignorance of relatives and agency workers. Nevertheless, I have been exposed to this ignorance and know that, were it not for my inherent ambition and the help of my family, I would have been seriously hurt by the people who sought to destroy my dreams. My high school braille instructor, upon learning of my intentions to study public relations in college, began telling me stories of all his former ambitious pupils who ended up operating Dictaphones or vending stands, or working in sheltered workshops. If all these potential social workers, musicians, teachers, lawyers, and businessmen didn't succeed, how could I? After listening attentively, I recharged my battery of ambition and determination. I would show him! However, many of my classmates heard these same stories and reacted in precisely the way the instructor intended. Workers at agencies for the blind have either told me I was crazy or wished me luck in my endeavors in a tone which said, "You'll be back here soon enough looking for a job you can really do." Once I approached a recreation worker at an agency for the blind and asked about the possibility of working as a volunteer in the recreation program for blind children younger than myself. Through my work for another organization, I had learned techniques of leading folk-singing, and since music was an integral part of this agency's recreational program, I thought that my skill might be valuable to them. I was told the agency had decided not to hire any blind workers or even blind volunteers since sighted people were better able to handle the needs of the blind clients. If agencies for the blind do not accept blind workers, how can they expect private industry to employ blind persons? Also, was there not a remote possibility that I, a reasonably well-adjusted blind teenager, was as much in need of a little responsibility as other blind people were desperate for travel training or recreation? Though she didn't see that remote possibility, I did. Receiving no satisfaction here, I approached the director of volunteers at a local welfare agency which handled sighted persons. My offer was eagerly accepted, and the resulting volunteer work was a boon to the agency as well as to my growth and development. Because of the defects in the policies of agencies for the blind, an independent, motivated blind person must either diagnose and treat his own needs, or be lost in the crowd of less fortunate blind clients. Are we justified in demanding equality in the sighted world when such conditions exist within our own ranks? Can agencies for the blind launch meaningful campaigns to improve the "blind image" when they are functioning on the basis of stereotypes which are as false as those harbored by the general public? If we want our public education program to be effective, we must start at the root of the problem. We must take a good, long look at the agencies which represent the blind. Are they representing all of the blind or merely the "average" blind person as determined by their experience? What about those below the average, or those above it? Let's then take a look at the way in which clients and their families are handled by the agency. While the public relations department is busily releasing information to the public, what kind of image is the social worker planting in the minds of his blind client or his client's relatives? What is being said to a couple who are the parents of a blind child and who are unable or unwilling to accept that child as a member of their family and a potential member of the community? What kind of provisions are being made for the blind teenager who wants to find an outlet for some ability or interest which is not within the mold of the rehabilitation process? What link is there between the agency's philosophy and its actions toward its clients? These questions are challenging, and the quest for their answers would undoubtedly be a painful experience for many people. However, if public education is to be more than a farce, these questions must be carefully examined and truthfully answered. Admittedly, there is a connection between the issue of public education and the broader issue of the "blind image" held by blind people and workers for the blind. There are many obstacles which bar blind people from competitive employment in business, industry, and the professions. It is this situation which accounts for the so-called "realistic" approach to rehabilitation which is held by those who picture the blind as trapped in a limited line of occupations. The need for public education is clear, and no attempt should be made to detract from its significance. However, it should be equally clear that other types of education are urgently needed. Workers for the blind must be educated to believe wholeheartedly in the ability of blind persons so that they can pass these beliefs on to their clients, their clients' relatives, and others who are intimately concerned with the welfare of the blind. Then and only then can the real truth about the blind be effectively presented to the public. Despite public misconceptions, the process of public relations, or public education, is not merely the presentation of a favorable image. Instead it involves making the improvements which make this favorable image a realistic one. It is this latter view of public education which must be taken if "the blind image" is to help, rather than hinder the advancement of capable blind people. Instead of merely telling the public about the abilities of the blind, we must accept this doctrine in every phase of work for the blind and see to it that the needs of the individual are met and that all of our citizens really have the opportunity to attain their full potential. Only then can we expect the sighted world to respond with a vote of confidence and a willingness to accept the blind as equal members of society. We the blind, and the workers for the blind, must blaze the trail. Then we may cry to the sighted world, "Follow us!" ***** ** Information for Parents of Blind Children The American Council of the Blind has accumulated quite a number of pamphlets addressed primarily to the parents of blind children. In most cases, these pamphlets can be obtained without charge from the source indicated in the list below. If there is sufficient demand, the contents of these pamphlets can be recorded on tape (either on your own tape or on loan). Request for such tapes should be sent to Ned Freeman, 136 Gee's Mill Road, Conyers, Georgia 30207, and should indicate which titles are desired. Available from the New York Commission for the Blind, 111 East 59th Street, New York, New York 10022, are: A Guide for Parents of a Pre-School Blind Child A Guide for Parents of a School-Age Blind Child Helps for Small Fry -- Sleep Helps for Small Fry -- From Strained to Solid Foods Your Children and You Helping the Blind Child Accept Limitations A Healthy Personality for Your Child Orientation and Mobility for Blind Children Trips and Excursions for Blind Children The Blind Child in Kindergarten Getting Them Ready for School Back to School Building Reading Readiness in Blind Children Fear Understanding Your Blind Child From the American Foundation for the Blind, 15 West Sixteenth Street, New York, New York 10011, we have: Is Your Child Blind Toilet Habits From the offices of Public Affairs Pamphlets, 22 East 38th Street, New York, N.Y. 10016, at 25 cents each, these and many other pamphlets concerning family problems are also available: Blindness -- Ability, Not Disability How to Help Your Handicapped Child ***** ** A Yardstick for Ourselves By Juliet Bindt (Editor's note - A paper on the panel, "Something to Take Home," given at the convention of the American Council of the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1965.) Most blind persons proclaim: "I want to be normal; to be treated like everyone else!" Then, too often, they sit back and say: "Sighted people ought to ---." If w want to be accepted as equals, then the blind themselves must take some initiative and responsibility for achieving this goal. Through organizations of the blind we can plan activities that will result in publicity which will help do away with stereotype images of blindness. To give 3 examples: "You're a fraud!" Many persons do think or say this because their concept of blindness is total darkness, and so they feel a man carrying a white cane is misrepresenting when he reads a newspaper headline or recognizes a friend. We need to explain the legal definition of blindness and what it means in functional terms. "You're Miraculous!" True, we all like praise, but let's really earn it rather than basking in compliments because we got our fork into our mouth, recognized a coin, applied lipstick. Explain how such simple acts are done so that we don't seem mysterious or wonderfully different. "You shouldn't ---." How often those who love us most say: "You shouldn't cook; or go out on the street alone; you might be hurt." "You shouldn't help at church or attempt gainful work, I'm devoting my life to caring for you." "You shouldn't do that for me; your burden is already so great!" We need to refute such statements and explain that we are capable and eager to use our abilities and that it is actually cruelty to relegate us to a rocker. This involves publicity in the mass media, but we must also associate with sighted persons in their organizations and bring them into ours. Most important is our own personal adjustment. Let's consider just three special facets of this subject; 1. Put others at ease; 2. Assume responsibility; and 3. Be prepared. 1. A few suggestions for putting others at ease might include the following. Realize that many persons fear making a mistake or hurting a blind person's feelings and so are nervous and uncomfortable if they are not sure what to do. Remember that we want people to think of each of us as an individual who wants a different type of assistance. So the blind person should take the initiative in explaining what assistance he needs and how he prefers that it be given -- don't wait until someone has made a mistake and then display irritation at his ignorance. Explain your visual acuity in functional terms to help your companion judge when to offer assistance. Concealing one's visual limitation can make persons so uncomfortable that they will avoid being with such an individual. Explain how you do such things as lighting a cigarette, locating a glass, dialing a phone; this gives a companion confidence in your ability, is an interesting new system to him, and takes you out of the "different" or "miraculous" class. Laugh at your own boo-boos; that will keep your companion from being embarrassed or overly sympathetic. If he apologizes profusely for forgetting to do something for you, put him at ease by pointing out that it is a compliment when he can forget your lack of vision. Learn to be a good conversationalist -- it's an art that must be developed, so that people will realize you can and want to talk about things other than matters of special interest to the blind. Cultivate a genuine interest in matters of special meaning to your close associates. Don't let others worry that you will impose if they offer a little time or to run a few errands -- if they get "caught" a few times, they will be afraid to return. 2. In assuming responsibility, we need to volunteer our services, as many persons feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask a favor "of a poor blind man." Even if we don't like that image, we have to recognize that it exists. We need to find ways of doing for our family, friends, co-workers, church or lodge. Often people do not realize that we could wash dishes, baby-sit, type a difficult letter, give a devotional or be on a sunshine committee. We need to find ways to reciprocate favors; not that it is expected, but it is the normal thing to do, and we feel better if we put ourselves out to find some form of reciprocation that is harder than merely spending money. People always appreciate those who have good ideas for entertainment or take initiative in organizing good times. As "normal" people, we should handle our own financial affairs, even though we may need a sighted person to do the actual reading and writing. If we want employment, don't wait for the ideal job but start with what is available and develop experience. 3. Be prepared so that others will concentrate on your abilities rather than your disabilities and be comfortable with you. There are the A.B.C.'s of conformity for whatever social strata we live in; the folks on skid row resent questions, and the Four Hundred are quite particular about which fork you use. We need to recognize and apply these just as anyone else must do. But I'd like to add for the blind D.E.F.G.'s. D for Dress; when we don't see it is very easy to overlook grooming or the latest styles, which must be considered by the normal person; we need to consciously inform ourselves about such matters. E for Eating; blindness is no excuse for poor table manners; the more self-sufficient we are, the more normal we appear, but we need to recognize when it would be unwise for us to try and cut a complicated fowl on a small plate or serve ourselves from a moulded salad. I find that blind men are more lax in this area than women, probably because there is always some motherly woman insisting on making him appear dependent. No one enjoys being with a companion having poor table manners, and actually may avoid being seen in public with someone he really likes. F for Frankness; about our visual abilities and limitations so that people will be at ease and understand us. G for Gestures; again there is a tendency to forget the importance of gestures in the total communication process. If we do not recall normal gestures, then we should consciously learn what it means to crook a finger, express amazement, demonstrate the size of something, and most importantly, turn toward the person to whom we are speaking. Without normal gestures, we can never hope to be accepted as an equal. Besides these D.E.F.G.'s in order for a blind man to be tops in my estimation, he must practice T.O.P.S. T for Telling Time; everyone can procure some kind of time-piece to be punctual and so as not to keep asking others for the time. O for Operating a telephone; to be sure, the operator will get your number, but do normal people take this lazy way? P for Paying one's own obligations; which involves learning how to handle money easily. Certainly we all get confused sometimes, but I cannot understand why those who consider themselves well-adjusted so often have to ask for help in handling paper money; there are almost foolproof systems for those who want to make the effort. And S for Signing one's name; when we have to acknowledge that we cannot do this, most persons observing will feel pity or assume illiteracy, and certainly will not classify us as equals. I know of no reason why a mentally alert blind person cannot learn to sign his name. Perhaps here's where I should put in a plug for my profession -- Home Teaching Services. Even the most efficient and best adjusted person in the world can still learn new and easier ways of doing things, if he will keep an open mind. Home Teachers are available to most blind persons. Maybe it shouldn't have top priority, but a blind person should learn braille so that he can read and write for himself -- otherwise he is illiterate. After 25 years of teaching braille, I am convinced that motivation is far more important than any other factor in learning braille. One of the positive stereotypes about blindness is that all blind people read and write braille. That's one stereotype I hate to see shattered. Typing or clear script writing should be mastered to permit communication with sighted persons. Smother-loving associates and tape recorders are stifling motivation. But, to live a normal life, we must master all tools of communication. We never become perfect in mobility. The more we practice and analyze our actions and reactions, the freer we are to fit into normal life patterns and to be accepted as equals. If we grope all over a door panel to find the knob, flail a cane in all directions, keep shouting commands to our dog, we may reach our goal but what image have we left behind us? And finally to be prepared for normal living, we must develop avocational and vocational skills so as to have something to offer others. I always brag about a totally deaf-blind man who became the champion chess player in Oakland, California. There are active, passive and spectator sports in which we can achieve top rank; at least find one in which you can be considered champion. These carry over into our need for homemaking or vocational skills where memory, coordination, patience, precision, etc. make us successful workers with equal or even better status. When we say, "I want to be normal," we must never forget that 80% or more of the responsibility is ours. We must first develop in ourselves the image we want others to see, especially if we don't like the stereotype images too often put upon us by an unenlightened public. But don't forget, I'm human too. So do what I say, not what I do. ***** ** Architectural Barriers to the Handicapped By John Luxon Because of the design of many public buildings, millions of Americans have been effectively barred from using public facilities. To remedy this situation, groups known as Architectural Barriers Committees have been formed in many areas of the United States. These committees consist of agencies and organizations working in the field of rehabilitation, organizations of handicapped people, builders and architects, and other interested individuals. Among the national organizations participating in this project are the President's Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped, the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults and the National Association of the Physically Handicapped. The American Standards Association -- whose purposes are to develop standards for the building industry, manufacturing and other areas where standardization is required -- has developed specifications to be used as guidelines for builders to enable them to construct or remodel buildings in such a way as to facilitate handicapped persons' use of them. Through educational programs and personal contacts, the committees carry their story to property owners in their communities. In addition to seeking voluntary cooperation, lobbying is carried on to have state laws and municipal building codes amended to include part or all of the ASA specifications. Thus far, their efforts have brought about laws in 20 states embracing these principles. It has been proved that it costs no more, when building or making major modifications in existing buildings, to incorporate features to make such facilities convenient for handicapped persons than to construct them otherwise. Some of the things recommended by the committees are ramps instead of or in addition to steps, doorways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, lavatory facilities with at least one extra-wide toilet booth which has handrails on the walls. Thought has been given to the needs of the blind in these specifications. Doors leading to dangerous areas such as stairways or boiler rooms should have knurled doorknobs to alert a visually handicapped person to the danger beyond. It may not be commonly known, but thousands of sightless people also suffer from other physical handicaps which impede their mobility. We heartily recommend this project to the American Council of the Blind as one worthy of its support. If you wish to know how you can help in your own community, contact Mr. John Luxon, 7310 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48202, or any of the organizations mentioned herein. ***** ** He's Blind, But He Assembles Wires by Color From PERFORMANCE: "When Leon Duff applied for a job at Textronix, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon, manufacturer of oscillators, he was told: 'We need somebody to assemble cables for oscillators, with no mistakes. You're blind. How could you possibly do it?' 'Give me 2 weeks to show you,' said Duff. During that time, Duff, blind since the age of 3, designed his own ingenious system of Braille indicators on a series of tubes holding wires of different colors, and the corresponding Braille indicators at appropriate spots on the cable board. Thus, by matching Braille symbols with sensitive fingers, he was able to select the proper colors of wire, insert them in the right places on the board, and assemble the complicated devices with no mistakes. He got the job. At first, he could assemble only 4 cable boards per day, compared with 12 for his sighted experienced coworkers. But with practice he soon worked his output up to 12 -- of superior quality. Duff has been with Textronix for 3 years. He finds his way about the entire sprawling plant without help. According to one employee, Duff is set apart at Textronix, not because of his blindness but because of his quick wit and infections laugh. "Duff is the sole support of a wife and five children. He does all his own home maintenance repair, including cutting the grass. He has just remodeled his house, with his wife's help, and he did the electrical wiring himself. In his spare time, he attends night school in Portland, Oregon, where he's studying electronics." ***** ** Loretta's Corner (I had to fight for this valuable space. There's a bite out of the side of my hat to prove it!) I have been wanting to tell you about a Louisville Highlight. The program item read: Mrs. Terry Hayes Sales from APHB, Recordings of Talking Books; a beautiful, stylish, blond grandmother who could grace a movie or TV screen -- and has -- delighted us with accounts of her experiences recording hundreds of books and magazine articles. As she left the meeting room, I told her how her blind listeners considered her a member of the family and that one Georgia fan said it would be worth the trip to Louisville just to meet Terry Sales. Her face lighted with pleasure. "Why, I never had any idea," she said. She returned to the meeting room with me and several times leaned over to say, "You don't know how happy I am over what you told me." So ... if you enjoy Terry Sales -- and/or other readers -- why not tell them so! ... Also, I think you would like to know about our president and our FORUM editor appearing on TV! Appropriately, this was on White Cane Safety Day when Marie, with her Guiding Eyes dog, Tamba, met Ned, with his white cane, at the Atlanta Airport to fly with him to St. Louis, thence by bus to Jacksonville, Ill. for the IFB Convention. The TV cameraman followed them through the lobby and onto the plane. They were given very good coverage with interesting comments on the Late News and on the Noon News next day. An amusing sidelight -- an airline steward wanted to rush back on the plane with the white cane when he saw our daughter still had it. She smiled and advised, "He has a folding one in his pocket." ***** ** Blind Novelist Appointed to Editorship Miss Beverly Butler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, eminent young novelist, was named Literary Editor of DIALOGUE, the recorded magazine for the blind. Announcement was made at an editorial staff meeting held at the home of the Editor-in-Chief, Don O. Nold, Berwyn, Illinois. Miss Butler is the author of six novels, the most recent, "Feather in the Wind," having been published by Dodd, Mead, about the first of October. Most of her novels are based on the early history of Wisconsin and are written for teenagers and young adults. Two of her novels, "The Song of the Voyageur" and "The Silver Key," were recorded on Talking Books for the blind. Miss Butler lost her sight when she was 14, but this did not deter her determination to get an education and become a writer, an ambition of hers since childhood. She received her Bachelor's degree from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee. A Woodrow Wilson Fellowship made it possible for her to get her Master's degree from Marquette University. She was first noticed by DIALOGUE when she won a short story writing contest with her entry, "The Blue Bird." It will be published in the Spring, 1966, edition of their magazine. At present, she is teaching creative writing at her alma mater, Mount Mary College, a school for Catholic women. ***** ** Letters from Readers From Mrs. Carol Lowery, Route 1, Mansfield, Tennessee 38236 -- "… Frankly I am at a loss -- more and more so as the years go by — as to how recipients of state welfare grants are expected to live with some amount of dignity and self-esteem under the present system. ... Suppose you are totally blind; your area is teeming with new growing industry; your husband is strong and willing to work, and you have agonized through 'blind school,' two years of college and a stint at the rehabilitation center so as to be able to support yourselves. But the rehab counsellors insist that there is nothing in the area which a totally blind person can do. You are provided a comparatively generous welfare grant and tenderly laid away on the shelf. ... "Now certainly we should realize that a welfare grant of any kind is money which we have not earned and for which we should be grateful. Certainly we should not blame the taxpayer for having some concern about how his money is spent; we should not expect him to pay taxes to support us only to have us spend that money on pure luxuries, which he himself cannot afford, and neglect our children. Surely the ability to receive an envelope with a window in it every month is more dignified than to have to take to the streets with that accordion and that tin cup. "But wouldn't it be possible for the state welfare departments to discard the images they seem to have of themselves as 'great white fathers?' And, of course, 'father knows best.' Wouldn't it be possible for the grant to be issued with no strings attached -- then the client carefully observed for a time? Or, if the department has the desire and the personnel, forever? If the grant recipient proves to be a responsible person and able to handle his grant efficiently there would then be no objection to his owning a car and using it. He could go out of the state to visit relatives or for any other reason without interference from the state. On the other hand, if the individual proved to be irresponsible and incompetent, neglecting his family in order to spend his welfare grant on gasoline the state could very firmly step in; could give him the equivalent of his grant in the form of stamps redeemable only in such things as food and clothing; the welfare department might even take over the supplying of these things itself, unless and until said recipient could show himself capable of handling hard cash. Would this not prevent responsible, sensible and honest American citizens, who are unfortunate enough to be denied the right to earn their daily bread, from being penalized for the shortcomings of the 'Don't-give-a-darns?' "Also, I'm wondering if some effort could be made by this organization to secure reciprocal agreements by the states concerning their residence requirements. This would much simplify a blind person's chances of moving from state to state in search of work, now a risky if not impossible thing. "And, further, in my opinion, sheltered workshops and the residential schools for the blind should both be handled in the same way; that is -- built for and geared to the needs of those who cannot function in any other setting. And no other category should ever be placed in either, except on a temporary basis. ..." *** From David P. Smith, 1908 Colonial Drive, Muncie, Indiana 47302 -- "In my opinion, the organized blind must educate the blind themselves that they are able to do something, and when that is accomplished then a re-education of the general public may be accomplished. This, of course, can be done in different ways depending on the geographical location of the blind group. In Delaware County the area is cold to blind problems; possibly this is so in other places judging from comments in the BRAILLE FORUM. In Delaware County there are approximately 300 blind with three working, two in stands at present and one as an attorney. One percent doesn't give a good accounting. However, the number wanting to get back in the labor market is so slim I don't know the answer. "It is rewarding to me to hear the progress made by other blind in the country in their recovery from a vision loss. It is my desire someday to open up a public relations office of my own, handling outside accounts and hiring handicapped to do a percentage of the work. "I realize we blind are a member of a minority in a majority world, and blind desiring to show their capabilities are a minority within a minority. Keep up the good work, Mr. Freeman. As they say, Rome was not built in a day, and all good things come to those who work and wait. My best to ACB and a personal wish for continued success." *** From Tom Lyons, Hillside Hotel, 103 1/2 Division Avenue S., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 -- "I think the public could improve much in their attitude toward blind pedestrians. Ninety percent of the drivers don't pay any attention to blind pedestrians crossing. I was hit once without a white cane and once with one because of this very reason. Blind people don't have to stumble across streets in order that the public notice their affliction. I might even go so far as to say that there are cities in which the totally blind pedestrian with a white cane is unsafe. I'm very lucky, I'm partially blind. Even when the traffic lights are with the pedestrian the drivers crowd their way through despite the fact a pedestrian has a white cane. Try to get action in all organizations towards the public's attitude toward the blind. This must be done or there may be a number of lives lost for no earthly reason." *** From Lorain County Center for Sightless, Inc., 330 Third Street, Elyria, Ohio -- "May we have 48 of your cards which are entitled 'To the Parents of the Visually Handicapped Child.' We want to send one to each known set of parents of blind children in the county." (Ed. note -- The reverse of the cards referred to above carry a very brief summary of services available 'To the Newly Blinded Adult.' These cards may be obtained by requests addressed to the American Council of the Blind, 136 Gees Mill Road, Conyers, Georgia 30207.) *** A note on a Christmas card received from Juliette Swansen of Lowell, Mass. -- "Best article of the year was 'In Defense of Gold Brickers,' by William Lewis, telling of a Sam A. Mahoney. After reading intently, said to myself, 'How True.'" ***** ** Here and There By George Card Both President Freeman and Braille Forum Editor Marie Boring attended the recent convention of our big Illinois affiliate. The Matilda Ziegler Magazine chronicles the death of Ruth Baker Pratt, New York's first Congresswoman, on October 23. The great significance to the blind of her work in Congress consists in the fact that she co-authored the Pratt-Smoot Act, which, for the first time, carried a substantial federal appropriation for Braille books and Talking Book recordings. It was signed into law by President Hoover in 1931 and our regional libraries, with their enormously valuable service, came into existence in the years that followed. George Bonsky, P.O. Box 123, Hartville, Ohio, was re-elected President of the Ohio Council of the Blind at its October convention. From The Blind Advocate (London): "Sir Henry Holland, the great eye surgeon who died recently aged 90, could have won fame and wealth. But as a young doctor he decided to devote himself to medical and surgical work for the Church Missionary Society in West Pakistan. In more than 50 years he performed over 60,000 cataract operations." From the Hoosier Star-Light: "The International Eye Bank, founded in Washington in 1961, has helped to establish 17 new eye banks in places like Thailand and Turkey, Pakistan and Panama, Jordan and Japan. ... It has sent more than 1,400 preserved corneas and 360 fresh corneas to 18 countries. It is not uncommon for the eye bank to receive an urgent request from a field hospital in Algeria and within hours have a canister of corneal tissue winging its way there by jet. In the past several years, laws prohibiting the use of donated corneas have been repealed in Jordan, Portugal and Japan." Darlene has been intrigued by two recent cartoons. One shows a parrot who is declaiming "I don't vote; I just squawk." The other shows an old turkey gobbler marching up and down before a meat market and carrying a sign which reads "Let's all have goose for Thanksgiving this year." Tucson, Ariz. (AP): "Raymond Keith, blind 15 years, asked no favors and got none during the 12-week course at the University of Arizona, at the end of which he passed the exacting tests imposed upon all candidates for the Peace Corps. Keith throws a football like a quarterback, bowls, rides horseback, wrestles, and travels around the country by himself. ..." From Listen: Dr. Peter Putnam, well-known blind author and lecturer, and former member of the Princeton faculty, has been appointed Vice President for development of the Unitarian Universalist Association. ... Blind golfer Charlie Boswell of Birmingham, Ala., got back into an old habit last summer when he won the U.S. Blind Golfers Tournament, leading a field of 15 contenders. For Boswell this was the 14th national title to be chalked up along with his seven winnings of the International Blind Golfers championship. He was also recently enrolled in the National Football Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance in this game prior to his blindness. ... A blind burglar who climbed a 30-foot drain pipe and walked a narrow ledge in order to break into a house was apprehended in Inverness, Scotland, according to a UP International item. This was only one of several house breaks by Ronald K. McGillivray (another employment opportunity for the blind?!). ... Blinded Ambassador to Tanganyika, William R. Duggan of Washington, D.C. now occupies an important position as a member of the Department of State Planning Council. ... Mrs. Duggan assists her husband in handling his voluminous mail which often includes up to 200 cables a day in addition to the numerous reports which come across his desk at the State Department headquarters. ..." From the Washington State White Cane: "Dr. Robert Nast of Celles, France, whose optic nerve was shattered in World War II, is reported to have delivered his 4,000th baby since losing his sight. ... Ray Walker, of Columbus, Ohio, blind since he was 31, is a professional building wrecker who climbs around on rooftops, walks on beams and once edged along the top of a 175-foot-high smokestack. His only concession to his disability is a cane he carries on the job. ... Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey presented $500 scholarships offered by Recordings for the Blind to 3 blind college students -- Lewis M. Fraas, physics major at the California Institute of Technology; William Wright Cool, Miami University of Ohio, who plans to major in computer planning; and Gerald W. McCollum, who is entering Harvard University. ... A complete set of volumes for the new method of playing the accordion, recommended at the recent national convention of the American Association of Instructors of the Blind, is now available on free, two-month loan, from the Division for the Blind, Library of Congress. ... Harry Wells, WSAB Wayas and Means Chairman, suffered a fatal heart attack on the way to the local Association meeting on Saturday, October 23. … On Sept. 20 Lyle vonErickson, famous blind lawyer of Spokane and former President of the WSAB, was married to Miss Mirrion Bruce. ..." A few days ago announcements were received of the wedding of ACB Board member Paul Kirton to Miss Iva Ruby Marquetta Cooke, of Arlington, Va., which was scheduled for November 20. The editorial staff of the BRAILLE FORUM wishes this young couple all the best. From the November New Outlook: "On November 11, 1965, the American Foundation for Overseas Blind, Inc., marks its fiftieth year of service in behalf of the world's blind population. During that time it has grown into an organization with a network of services that reach into seventy nations throughout the world. ... Helen Keller has provided guidance and inspiration to the entire program. In 1946 she made the first of her many invaluable trips under the auspices of the Foundation to investigate the conditions and needs of blind people in all parts of the world. In that year she visited Great Britain, France, Italy and Greece. In 1951 she undertook a 25,000-mile tour of Africa, and in 1952 she spent three months in the Middle East and North Africa. The following year she stimulated the development of services for Latin America's blind people through a visit to Brazil, Chile, Peru, Panama and Mexico. In 1955 Miss Keller completed one of her longest journeys, a 40,000-mile, five-month tour through Asia. She visited Europe again in 1956, and in 1957, at the age of seventy-seven, she surveyed facilities for the blind in Scandinavia. ... The American Bible Society has distributed over one million Braille volumes and Talking Book Bible records in about fifty different languages and systems since the program began 130 years ago. ..." From the AP (Savannah, Ga.): "The defendant in a municipal court arraignment drew a five-day sentence for contempt of court when he failed to walk a straight line before a blind judge. When the defendant took the stand to defend himself against a paternity charge, Judge Victor H. Mulling said he smelled alcohol. Since Mulling is blind, he directed the deputy sheriff to see if the defendant could walk a straight line. The report to the judge was the defendant 'didn't do so good.' 'Five days for contempt,' snapped the judge." From the NAPH Pioneer: "Approximately 1 out of 10 persons in the U.S., among them 3 million children, suffer from ear disorders. Many of these people can be helped by hearing aids, but no single type of hearing aid is good for everyone. An excellent booklet, 'Choosing a Hearing Aid,' Children's Bureau Folder #55-1965, is available for 15 cents from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402." From Blind Welfare (India): "Indian airlines have now joined the growing list of aerial transport companies which grant concessions to blind passengers. A blind person will now be entitled to a 50 percent reduction on a one-way fare or a return trip ticket at half price. This concession does not extend to a sighted escort. ... Compulsory education of all blind children has now gone into effect in Ceylon. A new blind school is to be opened on the eastern side of the island where no school facilities had previously existed. ... 11 Mid-eastern countries were represented at a month-long seminar held in Lebanon earlier this yar for the training of teachers for the blind. It was sponsored and conducted by the American Foundation for Overseas Blind. ..." A letter from Miss Louise Spaid brings word of the promotion of Frank DeWeese, formerly a home teacher at Butler, Pa., to Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services for the Butler County Association for the Blind. Both Mr. DeWeese and Miss Spaid attended the last ACB convention. From the AP: "Next to cancer, the disease or ailment which is most feared by the American People is blindness. This finding comes from the results of a Gallup survey conducted in cooperation with 'Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc.,' a national voluntary health organization." ***** ** A Tooth for An Eye (Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the London Evening Standard and has been reprinted in several British publications for the blind, notably The Horizon and Viewpoint.) "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth," runs the Book of Exodus, Chapter 16. Today it should perhaps be "tooth for eye." For an Italian eye surgeon has perfected one of the most ingenious operations of all time in which he enables patients to see through their teeth. The surgeon is Professor Benedecte Strampelli, one of the world's leading ophthalmologists, who works at San Giovanni Hospital, Rome. The operation has aroused great interest among British eye surgeons and may be tried in London soon. It is performed on "hopeless" cases — people blinded by acid or quicklime whose eyes are so badly scarred that they are unable to accept a cornea graft from another human. Sometimes surgeons try implanting plastic "lenses" into the eyeballs of these people to let in more light. But plastic, being "foreign" matter, is eventually expelled by the body, and the lenses have never "taken" properly. Professor Strampelli overcomes this rejection problem by cementing the artificial lens into the middle of a slice of tooth taken from the patient -- then fixing the tooth-slice to the eyeball. The tooth holds the lens firmly. And because it came originally from the patient and has the same chemical make-up, it is not rejected by the eye. The operation has so far been performed on 40 blinded people, each time successfully. But as the professor says: "Obviously it is a new technique which must be allowed to run in. But since it is based on biological fact, I have reason to hope it will prove a considerable solution to the difficult problem of synthetic eye grafts." ***** ** ACB Officers and Directors President: Ned E. Freeman, 136 Gee's Mill Rd., Conyers, Ga. 30207 1st Vice President: Durward K. McDaniel, 305 Midwest Bldg., Oklahoma City, 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 George Card, 605 S. Few Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703 Vernon Williams, 217 Western Union Bldg. Aberdeen, S.D. 57401 Paul Kirton, Room 6327, Dept. of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240 Mrs. Marie M. Boring, 1113 Camden Ave., Durham, N.C. 27701 F. W. Orrell, 5209 Alabama Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn. 37409 Mrs. Mary Jane Schmitt, 55 Queens St., Rochester, N. Y. 14609 R. L. Thompson, 104 West Hanlon St., Tampa, Fla. 33604 Fred C. Lilley, 1155 W. 83rd St., Apt. 216, Chicago, Ill. 60620 ###