The Braille Forum Vol. V July 1966 No. 1 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * Editor: Earl Scharry 264 Saunders Ave. Louisville, Kentucky 40206 * Associate Editors: George Card 605 South Few St. Madison, Wisconsin 53703 Ned E. Freeman 136 Gee's Mill Road Conyers, Georgia 30207 John Luxon 7310 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan * Executive Office: 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 East 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. ***** ** Table of Contents ACB President's Fireside Chat ACB Banquet Speaker Magnolia Blooms in Georgia 1966 Ambassador Award Selection Why the Vending Machine, by Fred C. Lilley The Bursons Abroad Letters from Readers How Do Your Public School Classes for Blind Children Stack Up? New Edition of Braille Mathematics Code -- An Evaluation, by Earl Scharry Loretta's Corner, by Loretta Freeman Here and There, by George Card Convention Summary ACB Officers and Directors ***** ** ACB President's Fireside Chat My Friends: The recent Southeastern Regional Conference of AAWB in Atlanta presented an excellent program and much stimulating and provocative discussion. However, as has been true with most of the meetings I have attended, the most rewarding experiences occurred outside of the meeting hall. I would not recommend the abolition of formal programs, and I hope none of you will get the idea that you should skip the regular sessions at our Atlanta convention. Still, it is really the best part of any convention to chat with a new friend over the luncheon table or get together over a drink (be it no more than a cup of coffee) and let your hair down, discuss mutual problems and experiences and really get to know someone you have previously known only on a rather formal basis. As has become Convention tradition, the door to the Presidential Suite will be open to you at all times when there is no scheduled activity going on. Loretta and I hope that you will give us the pleasure of getting to know you better by coming in. We only ask that you will allow us the opportunity to catch a little sleep since I will have to be on the podium for the opening of each session. Our two Georgia affiliates are planning to demonstrate the meaning of true Southern Hospitality. If you have any problems, want to know where to shop, where to eat, or how to get to any one of Atlanta's many places of entertainment, the Hospitality Committee will be at your service. Elsewhere in this issue will be found further information about the Atlanta convention including a summary of all activities. From the many well-informed speakers on the program you can be assured of a great deal of information which will be of interest and value to you and to your organization. There will also be a lot of fun. If you have not made your plans to attend the convention in Atlanta, be sure to look over what is in store for you and then RUN, DON'T WALK, to the mailbox to send in your reservation. We are looking forward to the biggest and best ACB convention yet. Faithfully yours, Ned Freeman ***** ** ACB Banquet Speaker A handicapped veteran who at the time of his election was the youngest Judge ever to sit on the Atlanta Circuit of the Superior Court will be the speaker at the banquet of the 5th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. Judge Jephtha C. Tanksley is a 1943 graduate of West Point and a 1949 graduate of the Emory University Law School. The title of his address will be "Blind or Sighted -- A Citizen." In 1962 Judge Tanksley was cited for meritorious service by the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped and he has also been honored by DAV and B'nai B'rith. Among his collection of "Fruit Salad" are ribbons indicating the award of the Purple Heart, the Infantry Combat medal and the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Oh yes, we almost forgot -- Judge Tanksley navigates with two artificial legs and is at least half qualified to be counted among the blind. The entire convention program appears as an insert in this issue of the Forum. Your attention is especially invited to the fact that among the subjects to be discussed in the program beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, will be reports on the present and future plans for the accreditation of agencies serving the blind, the implications of the 1965 Social Security Amendments for Health Services for the blind and the disabled, a meeting of vending stand operators and supervisors on Friday morning, reports on pending Federal legislation and on the status of the Pilot Project to develop and strengthen Credit Unions serving the blind membership. This is election year, and all officers and four directors and three members of the Publications Board will be elected. For this reason, all of Saturday has been reserved for business. Our Georgia hosts are doing their utmost to make this Atlanta convention one which you will long remember. Atlanta has much to offer, and it is hoped that you will come early and stay late in order to avail yourself of the justly acclaimed Southern hospitality. The room rates at the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel are $7 single, $12 where two occupy a room (either double or twin). Reservations should be made directly with the hotel, and it is essential that your reservations be sent in early so as to assure you of suitable accommodations. We cannot guarantee that rooms will be available for you unless your reservation is received by the hotel by July 10. ***** ** Magnolia Blooms in Georgia (With excerpts from Georgia Vocational Rehab News) Another of the interesting, attractive folks you will meet in Atlanta is Miss Magnolia Hunt, who was honored last year as the outstanding blind person of the year at a dinner given in Atlanta by B'nai B'rith. Magnolia is a leading light at the Bertha Perry Thrift Club, ACB's Number One Affiliate. Following graduation from Morris-Brown College in Atlanta, where she majored in philosophy and religion with a minor in psychology, and through the efforts of Vocational Rehabilitation, Miss Hunt undertook training as a switchboard operator at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. A position in the Citizens Trust Company in Atlanta was awaiting her when she completed the course. The switchboard which Miss Hunt operates is engineered for sighted persons and has no special markings or any additional equipment. She dials 58 different stations in the complete operation and memorized all these in only a few days. The highest praise comes from the President of the Bank. "She is a very highly competent person with a wonderful disposition. She has a spirit of willingness to work that you don't find in many people," he said. "She has taken over the operation of the potage meter and does typing on the side. I think I will have to make a secretary out of her. Not only am I satisfied with her work, but I will do everything possible to keep her employed here." But Magnolia, in her early twenties, aspires to other things. "I hope someday to continue my education toward receiving a Master's degree in history and ultimately to become a history instructor on the college level," she said. While in college Magnolia participated in many campus activities, including the Human Relations Club. She enjoys bowling and likes "jazz music best of all." We are proud of Magnolia Hunt and will watch her future with interest. ***** ** 1966 Ambassador Award Selection The selection of the recipient for the 1966 Ambassador Award was, if anything, even more difficult than usual. A number of nominations of eminently qualified persons were submitted to the Committee, and is hoped that all will understand that the selection of one in no way reflects upon the merits of the others. The Committee tried to make its selection judiciously and impartially on the basis of the standards which have become well established for the making of this award. The Committee, consisting of Earl Scharry, of Kentucky, Chairman, Jeraldine Nold, of Illinois, Eben Whittlesey of California and Fred Krepela of Oregon, unanimously selected Judge Coleman C. Cates of North Carolina as the nominee who in their opinion and on the basis of the facts submitted contributed most to a better understanding between the sighted community and its blind members. The following excerpts from the Burlington Times News of Burlington, North Carolina, for May 17 and 18 will give an idea of the facts upon which our selection was based: "There probably is no speaker in the state who can surpass Judge Coleman C. Cates' schedule in public appearances and still carry on an active work -- a law practice and Burlington's Municipal and juvenile courts -- at the same time. ... "We were reminded again of his numerous contacts statewide by this note in Holt McPherson's 'Good Afternoon' column recently in the High Point Enterprise "'Judge C.C. Cates, the Burlington jurist and attorney who was blinded accidentally over fifty years ago, made a powerful plea here yesterday. He is a living testimonial to the usefulness of the handicapped, having served for twenty years as judge of both Municipal and Juvenile Courts in his home city. He is one who has never let his lack of eyesight deprive him of education nor of civic and religious activity. Currently he serves as chairman of the advisory committee of the State Commission of the Blind and also as chairman of Camp Dogwood, Inc., a recreational center for blind people of the state.' "This is proper recognition of Judge Cates, and it is similar, also, to the respect paid him in most areas to which he travels. He is an excellent speaker and certainly serves as a most effective good will ambassador for Burlington wherever he goes. "There are numerous interests and areas of service that take him to the speaker's stand as both spokesman and authority. "Among them: 1. Shortly before Gov. Sanford completed his term he named the judge to the Governor's Committee for the Handicapped. 2. He is an international counsellor for Lions International, an office he has held for the past six years and which he will hold as long as he retains his active role in Lionism. 3. He is chairman of the board for Camp Dogwood, Inc., now located near Pilot Mountain but in a possible transition stage to Lake Norman near Mooresville. The camp operates for blind residents of the state from May to October, all of them staying for varying periods. There were 216 at the camp last summer, after it was opened in July in 1964, and prospects are now for a new facility to expand accommodations and cost from $100,000.00 to $150,000.00. 4. He is vice-chairman of board for Boys Home of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw, a joint civic project that is home for some eighty boys throughout the year. "These are primary audiences. There are numerous other occasions when he serves as an after-dinner speaker and in sharing his experiences in the area of juvenile discipline as found in his court. "He has as many as twelve out-of-town speaking engagements some months, but there are many others which he cannot accept and also perform his other duties here in his work and with the projects that command his primary interest. "It's an interesting, though busy, schedule -- and opportunity. "But he always has a message to tell his audiences, and he long since has learned that many people want to hear it. What he can do for the handicapped, for young boys, for Lions, and for people, he tries to do. That's what makes the schedule easier. The Judge Tells a Story. Judge Coleman C. Cates, whose busy speaking schedule takes him to all sections of the state in the interest of numerous civic and humanitarian projects, doesn't set himself before the public as an example of success in facing a physical handicap. "But the public does. "Because this is his accepted role, he uses it to help others who are physically handicapped and, also, to further acquaint those who are not handicapped with some opportunities which they can help make possible. "His message in the interest of the physically handicapped person carries much impact, too, because it is real as it comes from one who knows his subject. "When the subject is centered on the handicapped person, Judge Cates tells his audiences that there are many people who face their physical limitations in today's world and can assume responsible places and become taxpayers, rather than tax consumers. Today's vocational rehabilitation program is evidence in the acceptance of the Federal and state governments that these people can adjust and can be trained to produce. "Records also show that the physically handicapped are just as efficient, if not more efficient, than normal employees when they are properly trained for their particular job. Their safety record is above average, as in their productivity and their efficiency on the job. This often comes because the handicapped worker realizes that he probably must be better in his work if he is to continue to work. "The judge also tells the handicapped that they should never accept their training and advantages as a gift but as an investment which they hold in trust. In turn, they have an obligation to utilize their opportunities and make the investment a good one for themselves and the public. "The physically handicapped person, he says, cannot do all jobs, but he can do many jobs. The identification of handicapped', too, is not always conclusive. "A fellow who stands six feet, eight inches tall is physically handicapped -- if he wants to join the Army,' the judge says. 'That's because the Army won't accept anyone that tall. "'But a fellow six feet, eight inches tall can be a tremendous asset on a basketball court. He's not handicapped there.' "The point is obvious. A handicap for one job doesn't mean that it cannot be an asset in another. "Most of the handicapped people, he says, are anxious to demonstrate that they can work, can be independent and can adjust to the world about them. The best therapy such a person can receive is to fully realize that he is accepted, not omitted, from the world of normal people. "Much improvement has come in the acceptance of employers in allowing the physically handicapped to become a part of their personnel force. The improvement has been most noticeable since World War II, and it has come largely because the handicapped have shown themselves worthy. "But it has come, too, because of people like Judge Cates. He tells his story, people listen, and many people respond." *** (We have just received the acceptance of Judge Cates, in which he expresses his pleasure at the honor conferred upon him. He assures us that he will attend our convention and be present at the banquet to receive the award in person.) ***** ** Why the Vending Machine By Fred C. Lilley, Assistant Executive Director Business Opportunities for the Blind, Inc., Chicago If you can't beat them, join them, this seems to be the attitude of some vending stand programs for the blind. In fact, this also seems to be the philosophy of some General Services personnel. I do not make this statement in a derogatory sense since I am sure these individuals sincerely feel that they are performing their duties properly with respect to their primary responsibility which is to the tenants of the building concerned. The Randolph-Sheppard Act, which is now 30 years old, specifically requires that all items to be vended by a blind person be pre-packaged. Many GSA people apply this literally and refuse to permit the making of coffee or similar activities at a counter operated by a blind person. Others have modified their beliefs to that degree which will permit limited food preparation providing it is done with a sighted person. This works very well providing the gross sales of such location are sufficient to provide adequate income for the blind operator after the payment of wages. But those GSA persons favoring vending machines do so on the theory that here they can dispense food products adequately while still employing a visually handicapped person or persons. This can work well but it poses at least two questions in my opinion. 1. Can we honestly say that the visually handicapped person in charge is the "manager?" The food is prepared elsewhere, pre-packaged and brought into the vending machine area. The blind person is taught to stock the machine with the products and see that the area is kept clean and sanitary. Beyond that, he is relegated to the function of change making. Granted he is performing certain duties and for this he is being given a percentage of the profit. I still contend, however, that he is not functioning as a manager, which requires certain abilities in the field of buying, display, etc. 2.Can this be called true rehabilitation and can we justify long training courses to teach a blind person such menial tasks? GSA has established vending machine rooms in several buildings throughout the country. They are designed differently but each in its way attempts to serve the tenants with food products at reasonable costs, and for the most part they are a limited success. I say limited because no vending machine service will ever completely replace the human touch. I will not waste time by quoting cute slogans, etc. My point is that from an economic point of view, vending machines serving certain types of food are limited. For example an attempt is made to guess how many sandwiches should be delivered to an account on a given day. Indeed, an attempt must be made to decide how many of each type the tenants will consume on a particular day. The same holds true for salads, desserts, pie, etc. No company is so fortunate as to have in its employ such a clairvoyant. The net result must be one of two things. Either an understocked vending machine or a loss at the end of the day. The least that can happen is that some percentage of the customers will eat something they really didn't want. For a limited period of time, or in any area where there is not serious competition, these results will not be reflected, but they surely will tell drastically where the customer has a choice. If I am mis-stating the facts then I will ask any vending machine company willing to disclose the figures what their experience has been. I would like to know, for example, in Cincinnati in the Federal Office Building, how the income is now as compared with the day they opened. I was privileged to be at the dedication of this installation and have nothing but praise for its appearance and the service which it renders. I quarrel with it only because I saw a blind person sitting in an enclosed booth making change for the customers. He was doing a job which could have been performed by any change making equipment on the market. This, in my opinion, is not rehabilitation. It has been stated that certain vending machine companies conduct training programs for blind persons capable of learning repairs on vending machines. This is very good for that extremely small group of people able to function in that mechanical area. I will venture, however, that this same individual, with this same talent, properly trained in some other field, could rise economically to a much higher level than a vending machine repair man. I believe, however, that there is an area where vending machines and blind persons in the vending stand programs are compatible. 1. Properly designed Vend-Bars could be established wherein a combination of a blind person, perhaps with an assistant if the volume permits, could vend those items best suited to personal service, with other items being vended by machine. If this is a multiple-shift factory with the second or third shift not having sufficient personnel to justify a personal attendant, the day attendant could stock sandwich machines, salads, etc., in sufficient quantity to satisfy the expected work force. He is able to do this since he is working closely with management. 2. The vending machine companies could, in locations already established or in future locations, permit the establishment of a "dry" stand operated by a blind person, in conjunction with their food service operation. Any vending machine company will tell you that their major profit comes from the drink machines and that most other commodities are a service. This would enable the blind person to make change for customers for the vending machines while purveying such things as cigars, cigarettes, candy, notion items, drugs, etc., not normally vended by machines or in the case of tobacco products and candy, low profit items to the vending machine companies. Yes, I believe that vending machines and blind persons in the vending stand program can work together but I think that each must realize wherein they can best function. There should be an open and frank discussion of all problems but above all they cannot and must not consign the blind person to an area of limited porter service and feel he is compensated by a title, a white coat and a check. ***** ** The Bursons Abroad (The following are excerpts from a letter circulated to friends by Brad and Ruth Burson. Brad will be remembered as being active in the founding of ACB and prior to that as a gallant and eloquent defender of democratic principles in organizations of the blind. For many years he has been employed as an atomic physicist at the Argonne National Laboratories near Chicago, and recently was sent to Holland on an exchange arrangement to teach his specialty.) Ed. Dear Friends: On Thanksgiving we worshipped in a service for Americans held in Pieterskerk, Leiden, the Netherlands where the pilgrims lived for eleven years before embarking for the New World. After three months of living, working and going to school in "the garden of Amsterdam," the whole experience still retains an aura of unreality; but as we adapt to a new way of life, we are finding much enjoyment in our widening vistas, growing impressions and new associations. ... Brad's invitation from the Institute for Nuclear Physics Research in Amsterdam to collaborate for a year in their research program came in January, and in early March the Argonne administrators authorized him to accept. Needless to say, this created quite an upheaval in our ordinary pursuits and some ambivalent feelings while awaiting official confirmation by the Atomic Energy Commission. Linda announced that she really didn't want to take our trip with us because she thought she would miss kindergarten, but her real concern was losing out on the annual field trip to the pumpkin patch! Darrell's friends secretly hoped that the A.E.C. would say no. But gradually we began to believe we were going and to attend to the myriad of details created by the prospect of a year away from home -- passports, legal business, vaccinations and shots, packing, etc. For a while life did go on as usual. ... Our greatest distinction of the year came in June when Lawrence University of Appleton, Wisconsin, conferred upon Brad the honorary degree of doctor of science. Not only was this an honor to be coveted, but an occasion that afforded us both lots of fun and excitement. Dr. Curtis Tarr, President of Lawrence, and Mrs. Tarr gave a formal dinner at the Country Club the evening before the commencement, and this invitation together with the prospect of a transatlantic voyage, offered ample excuse to acquire formal evening attire. Brad's sister, Mary Johnson, was on hand to bask with me in reflected glory and several other friends came to Appleton to join in the festivities. ... Another major decision was whether to transport our seven-year-old station wagon or to go into debt to buy a foreign model. We just couldn't see touring Europe with six people in a Volkswagen! Besides, in spite of its 94,000 miles, our Olds was ready-equipped for camping, provided home-to-port transportation, and we naively hoped that its size and weight might intimidate the maniacs behind the wheels over here! On the contrary, it has provided only a source of amusement and consternation among the natives, mostly because of what the Dutch refer to as our "two-man coffin" -- i.e., our roof carrier is equipped with a rigid plywood cover. So far we have not regretted the decision, and by the time we get home the body will have rusted out from constant exposure even if the engine still runs. The France, world's longest "paquebot", is indeed an elegant, luxurious ship. The five-day crossing, however, fell short of providing real rest and relaxation, especially since every five hours the clock was set ahead fifteen minutes with the result that lunch followed closely upon breakfast and it was forever later than it seemed. We all arose early to witness the docking in Southampton, and a few hours later it was impressive to watch the tugs completely rotate the 1035-foot vessel in the harbor at Le Havre. The next hour and a half were spent at the forward end of the boat deck, our cameras poised, waiting for the Detroit monster to emerge from the hatch as the giant cranes hoisted one car after another from hold to pier. We had decided to wait for only one more -- and were rewarded with a wonderful movie of our car swinging through space. As we hurried back to main lounge, we were greeted with dismay by the impatient immigration officials and practically swept off the ship, the last passengers to disembark! Through customs, the car re-loaded, we headed into town. Having practiced French with the ship personnel, Brad was bold enough to ask directions. The Frenchman sprang to his bicycle and with a wave of his arm, pedaled down the darkening streets, leading our way to the hotel De Normandie, then wheeled a wide arc and disappeared -- a foreshadowing of the hospitality we have experienced the past three months. In fact, in our two-day sojourn from Le Havre to Amiens, Brussels, Antwerp and finally Amsterdam, we found people extremely kind and helpful. The rolling French countryside and small villages with narrow streets had a distinctly picture-book atmosphere. No sooner had we brushed up on our French and learned the value of French francs than we converted to Belgian francs, the guilders and the totally unfamiliar Dutch road signs and directions. We were again escorted to our canal-house hotel in Amsterdam where we spent a somewhat confused but interesting week punctuated with solving the immediate needs of housing, schooling and processing our baggage. The Institute had considerately run a newspaper ad prior to our arrival and it produced the house we now occupy. It was purely a stroke of good fortune that within two blocks a new secondary school was opening which, with a little reassurance, agreed to accept Loren and Craig, and similarly, that there was a nearby Montessori school happy to accept two American children, Darrell and Linda. Both schools are Dutch-speaking but do not follow the strict Dutch curriculum. Located in the conventional, modern suburb of Bussum, about fifteen miles east of Amsterdam, our three-story house is the end unit of a row group and quite new. Beyond our most optimistic expectations, it includes central heating, hot water electric stove and refrigerator, a semi-automatic washing machine, picture windows, drapes, even an open kitchen and patio. Most serious omission is a bathtub, which is all right if you prefer showers. Although rented as "furnished," to say it was inadequate is something of an understatement. So one of our early escapades involved hunting down a secondhand dealer in the neighboring town of Hilversum which, it turned out, has a population of 100,000 and streets running every conceivable way. By the time we found him we had lost the car! (Ruth has since invented a little game called "let's get lost now and see if we can find our way home." Again fortunately, Bussum and Amsterdam are connected by fast commuter train service. In fifteen minutes I arrive at Muiderpoort station which is but a ten-minute walk from the Institute. The latter has about 230 employees and there are about a dozen in our nuclear spectroscope group. It is well equipped with excellent apparatus and shop facilities and has world-wide recognition among laboratories of its type. Although there is only one other American here at present, the majority of the people speak English so well that I am seldom aware of any language handicap. It is fun — working with and getting to know new people, planning and doing things with them in the framework of our common interests. School schedules are quite different here. All the kids have school on Saturday mornings, but have various afternoons off. They all come home for a leisurely lunch except Darrell when he's taking Dutch lessons from his teacher. This chaotic schedule, plus the chauffeuring between the Montessori school 1.2 miles from home and the train station, leaves little opportunity to take off for the day, even to Amsterdam which has a tremendous appeal. However, we do make the most of those free afternoons. Contrary to all precedent in Holland, the October weather was magnificent, and the fact that November brought ice, and rain and biting wind really hasn't stopped us from trying to do and see as much as possible. Before our Sunday jaunts were stymied by the incredible parades of traffic hamming the highways, we made the loop around the Ijsselmeer, formerly the Zuider Zee, one of the principal tourist routes in the area. It was fascinating to drive across the 18-mile enclosure dike which seals off a goodly fraction of Holland from the North Sea. The third Tuesday of September found us in The Hague. This is the traditional day on which Queen Juliana opens Parliament, and we managed to catch a glimpse of her in her golden coach and three of the princesses as they rode in the processional leaving the Binnenhof. On October 3, we went to Leiden to witness the festivities in celebration of that city's liberation from the Spaniards in 1574. Brad and I had one wonderful day together in Rotterdam, lunching atop the 365-foot Euromast overlooking the world's busiest harbor but, of course, most of our evenings and outings center in and around Amsterdam, one of the most diversified and cosmopolitan cities in all Europe. A brief school holiday in November provided an opportunity for a five-day swing into Germany. In Hamburg we obtained our new Leica, and I had a chance to take Ruth to dinner at Ratsweinkeller in the free city's Parliament building. From there we drove via Autobahn to Frankfurt, Mainz and then up along the Rhine, stopping one night at the little wine-making village of Assmannshausen. We all had fun exploring and later, during dinner, listening to a group of students singing German folksongs. The next day we drove to the top of the famed Lorelei Rock. At Coblenz shortage of time forced us to switch back to Autobahn and from German back to Dutch. What can we say about life and the people here? If you know "Alstubleift," "Dank u wel" and "spreekt u Elgels?" you can get by. Almost everywhere someone speaks English. But we cannot say that things are not different, and anyone assuming a blasé facade about his European experiences is just kidding himself. There are problems. Living in a foreign land is challenging and stimulating but also sometimes frustrating and tinged with nostalgia. About the people, their warmth and acceptance, we can't say too many complimentary things, and we can only hope that Americans would be as cordial and helpful to strangers as our Dutch friends have been to us. ***** ** Letters from Readers Mrs. Loretta L. Makeig, Route 1, Box 190-A, Hubert, North Carolina 28539. (Agreeing with some of the points in Carol Lowery's letter in the January 1966 Forum) Now take for instance; I am traveling around with my married daughter whose husband is a warrant officer (Marine Corps), and I am making my home with them. ... I used to be in Texas, but I had to come out here for my health because it was too hot in Texas. This is why I mentioned the blind pension being transferred to a different state. I came here in June of 1965 and my blind aid was delivered to me from July to January of 1966 and that is all they said they could do from the Austin Public Welfare. I'm not able to get around by myself like I used to do when I was a little younger. Now I don't get any money to help pay some of the expenses and everything is high in prices these days. I need help somehow. I just don't know what to do. Sincerely ... (H.R. 8923, Congressman Cecil R. King, California, and S. 2170, Senator Vance Hartke, Indiana, would eliminate all lien and length of residence requirements for aid to the blind.) *** Mrs. Albert F. Houck, 11124 San Juan Drive, Loma Linda, California 92345. ... My husband who has been blind almost three years would like very much to receive the FORUM on tape, if you please. We just learned of it thru the American Council of the Blind. I'm going to hand your pamphlet to a friend whose husband has diabetes and just yesterday had a hemorrhage in his eyes -- and now cannot see -- I'm sure they will receive courage from the ACB. Thank you. Sincerely, ... (Are YOU passing on the good word to your blind friends and acquaintances?) ***** ** How Do Your Public School Classes for Blind Children Stack Up? A two-part article by Dr. Merle E. Frampton titled in part "The Tragedy of Modern Day Education for the Blind Child ..." has occasioned considerable comment in the field. Dr. Frampton is principal of the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind in New York City. His article begins and ends with the conclusion "The blind child is being integrated out of his birthright to a completely adequate education." The article would have had much greater impact and validity had Dr. Frampton's indictments of the present public school day classes for blind children been supported by facts, figures, and objective viewpoint. It should not be too difficult to study and compare the academic achievements, personality adjustment and success in college or vocational activities of graduates from residential schools and from public school day classes. To be meaningful, such studies should be made by persons having no pre-judgments or vested interest in either system. Neither the BRAILLE FORUM nor the American Council of the Blind has taken a categorical position favoring or opposing either the residential school or the public day school classes. We agree with Dr. Frampton that every blind child needs, and has a right to, the best and most complete education which he is capable of utilizing. It is our opinion that the decision as to how much, if any, residential school experience or integrated public school experience should be included in the educational program for any given child should be made by the parents on the basis of the needs of the individual. In making such a decision, the parents should have full knowledge of the facilities available and the strong points and weaknesses of both educational approaches. Those who advise the parents of blind children should be thoroughly acquainted with all the facts so that they can assist in giving the child the most complete preparation for life of which he is capable. Perhaps you would like to study the facilities available to the blind children of your community in the light of Dr. Frampton's criticisms so that you may help to bring about improvements in your residential schools and your integrated public classrooms so that the needs of your children may be better met. Without further comment, the points raised by Dr. Frampton are quoted below. "The main criticisms have been aimed at the inability (of integrated day school classes) to provide a complete, well-rounded program for the blind child, and this inability is evidenced by: "1. A critically inadequate supply of books and technical equipment for blind children at every level. "2. A conspicuous lack of any effective physical and recreational programs for blind children. "3. A complete lack of effective manual training, pre-vocational and vocational programs, courses in the performing arts, mobility training and placement services or after school follow-up. "4. Few, if any, standard musical training facilities on a standard elementary or high school level. "5. Almost no high quality services available for the multiple-handicapped blind child, the cerebral-palsy blind, the deaf-blind and the mentally-retarded blind. ... "6. Far too short a day in the public school to allow for normal classroom progress. Many classes are too large and cover too wide an age and content area. ... "7. An inadequate curriculum. There are few consistent, standard programs paralleling the sighted requirements. ... "8. Provision by the integrated day school of very limited social contact and programs in spite of the claims of the integrationists. ... "9. Little or no continuity of course-offerings; no certainty of completing a course. ... "10. Transportation facilities are inadequate, erratic, costly and destructive of an optimum educational program. ... "11. Instruction in the itinerant program is limited and often quite inadequate, especially for such tool subjects as braille. "12. No usable records of information about graduates of the integrated plan are available for comparative study with those of other methods of education as to the end product. ... "13. Per capita costs are not lower when properly compared item by item of service performed. ... "14. A lack of aggressive school professional leadership in research and adjustment problems for the blind on the part of the leaders of the integrated school movement. ... "15. In the integrated classes too many partially sighted are being educated with the blind for optimum results to both groups of students. "16. In the integrated class for the blind, there is little objective basis for the treatment of basic problems of students. 17. (Failure of) the integrated day school program to provide a sense of real security to the blind child as is done in a well-run segregated school program. ... "18. The product of the integrated day school is woefully lacking in all categories of maturity and self-determination. "19. Little or no provision made by the integrated class for an accelerated educational program for talented blind students, "20. The integrated class relies on outside agencies for such vital school services as orientation, medical services, transportation, reader services, guide services, travel education and placement. ... An optimum educational program for blind children should at least -- "(A) A graded program of instruction at the elementary and secondary school levels at least equivalent to better, if possible, than the best private or public school program. ... "(B) Small graded classes with well-prepared teachers in areas of specialty, "(C) A full curriculum for music and vocational subjects including business economics with opportunities for trialperiods of employment and mobility training courses. "(D) Adequate library facilities -- braille, inkprint, records, tapes, models and other visual and auditory aids where practical. "(E) Complete recreational facilities for standard physical education programs and competitive sports between the sighted and the blind. "(F) Adequate medical services; general and special, and high-quality nutrition. "(G) A wide variety of extra-curricular activities, clubs, scouting, dramatics, field trips, etc. " (H) Continuity of relationship between school, individual, home, social agency and general community to provide experience in leadership." ***** ** New Edition of Braille Mathematics Code An Evaluation by Earl Scharry Among our Forum readers there must be a number who are interested either practically or academically in advanced mathematics or science who will be pleased to know that the latest revision of the braille mathematics code, The Nemeth Code of Braille Mathematics and Scientific Notation, 1965 is now available in four braille volumes. One of the features of this Code is the employment of various shape and level indicators to give an accurate reproduction of the print text in braille. A shape indicator is employed in a manner similar to a number sign to alter the significance of the characters which follow it. Other indicators are used to signify a position above or below the base or reference, line, and still another indicator to show a return to the base line. Thus the almost impossible task of trying to show these positions spatially is avoided. Another helpful feature is that the print equivalents of the braille symbols are tooled in as these symbols are introduced. The compilers of this Code have tried to simplify the task of the transcriber as much as possible. In the Foreword Dr. Nemeth explains the reasons for this: "The rules of the Code are intended to require a minimum of decision-making and of interpretation on the part of the transcriber, because he cannot be expected to have a knowledge of all the technical and scientific fields which he is called upon to transcribe. Accordingly, a careful distinction is made between the meaning which a printed sign has and the sign itself. In this Code the transcriber is required to represent only the sign and to be unconcerned with the meaning of that sign. Because of this feature, there will, hopefully, be attracted a large number of transcribers to the cause of technical and scientific transcription for which the need is ever increasing. "The problem of transcription is intrinsically more difficult than the problem of reading because the transcriber must actually recall to mind the specific symbols which must be used and the rules which govern their use, whereas the braille reader must only recognize the symbols which he encounters and be only slightly aware of the underlying rules. "These remarks must not lead to the inference that the Code has been constructed with the needs of the transcriber superseding those of the braille reader. On the contrary, the symbols and rules of the Code have been devised with the needs of the braille reader as the chief consideration. ..." Additional projects are being planned by the Braille Authority and the National Braille Association. Of this Dr. Nemeth says in the foreword: "The presentation which follows must be regarded as the basic Code. It is the intention to issue specialized applications in the form of supplements. At the present time, two such supplements are contemplated. The first is intended to deal with contracted representations and the purpose is to provide a means for expressing modifications and shape symbols in a fewer number of cells than is required in the basic Code. The second supplement is intended to be an application of the basic Code to the constructions in chemistry. The examples in this basic presentation are drawn principally from the central core of pure mathematics. Thus, physicists, statisticians, and logicians will find few examples in their fields. Nevertheless, the symbols, rules, and constructions of the basic Code apply with equal force to these fields. If it should become desirable to do so, additional supplements could be issued showing how the Nemeth Code is applied to constructions which are typical in these fields." To one who has on several occasions in the past been critical of current trends in education of the blind, it is comforting to note that in at least one area an approach is being taken which is both scholarly and realistic. The authors of the Nemeth Code have recognized the urgent need to provide blind students and scholars with the same educational materials available to their sighted colleagues; but they are also aware that this cannot be done without much intensive study, hard work, and imaginative insight to adapt these materials for meaningful presentation to the blind student. It is to be hoped that in time this same venturesome spirit may permeate other phases of the educational process. ***** ** Loretta's Corner There are so many things I would like to share with you -- I hardly know where to begin. It has been our privilege to participate in a number of interesting, and sometimes thrilling, events during the past weeks and we have personal contact with some very special people. The most recent joyous occasion was a weekend visit in Augusta, Georgia, with Jewell and Hubert Smith, both blind and giving themselves and their worldly goods to benefit other blind persons, through Ways and Means for the Blind. Their greatest pleasure comes in making dreams come true for others. The gracious hospitality which envelops one in their charming home gives genuine testimony to their faith and love -- and one truly longs to linger awhile. It was because of Ways and Means that we spent a day in Macon, Georgia, at the Academy for the Blind and this, too, was an experience long to remember. The bright, attractive young people at the school so eagerly taking part in many activities was reassuring, to say the least. The presentation of the Ned Freeman Literary Awards to four of the older children (there was a tie for third place) was, of course, a real highlight. However, this was only a small part of the Awards Day program which recognized students from the first grade up. The sports awards included first place on the national level for the boys' bowling team and second for the girls', as well as honors for wrestling and track. There came opportunities, too, to step further out into the great wide wonderful world where we met and listened to nationally important persons who are helping to shape the destiny of our country. First there was Jack Vaughn, recently appointed Director of the Peace Corps; a vibrant, dedicated young man who has accepted a tremendous burden as a challenge and whose compassion for the peoples of the world shines through his enthusiasm. One must feel a surge of pride in this great country of ours and what it stands for. Another who says he "gave up the easiest job in the world" (as Director of the Ford Foundation!) to accept a challenge is Dr. John W. Gardner, new Secretary of H.E.W. and a most gracious, sincere and attractive gentleman. "We've committed ourselves to a rugged agenda," he said. "But it will be a sad day for this great Nation when we get so placid and comfortable that we no longer bite off more than we can chew. That's what this Nation is about." Yes, men like these give us confidence that our wonderful country is in capable hands. Then, there was a Foreign Policy Conference with the opportunity to sit in on talks and discussions chaired by people who know. Everyone present was privileged to ask questions and we all knew that here was real Freedom. Where else could a common citizen ask, "What's the use of all these talks about disarmament?" and get a calm, honest answer which concludes with "We must learn how to keep the peace." And most important of all was to hear the real reason why Red China is not in the UN, from a State Department Under-Secretary for International Affairs. With so many inaccurate accusations and irresponsible quotes on all sides, it is a relief to know that Red China's own conditions include such impossible demands as rewriting the UN Charter, for instance. Again, meeting and discussing with the people who are nearest to the problems of our country opens avenues of understanding where dead-end streets had existed. I sincerely hope that any of you who have such opportunities will take full advantage of them. Fortunately we do not have such momentous problems to solve at the ACB Convention, but we do look forward to becoming better informed about a number of things — and we can do a good job of getting acquainted. A great variety of entertainment awaits you in Atlanta. We regret that there will be no Major League Baseball on the days of our Convention (and this is probably just as well!) but the Braves will be playing Cincinnati in Atlanta the Sunday and Monday before if any avid fans would like to come a little early. The popular musical "Can Can" will be the attraction out at our Theatre Under the Stars featuring Edie Adams, and, of course, there is much to see out at Stone Mountain Park -- The beautiful ante-bellum plantation may even produce a Sterling silver wash bowl set including under-the-bed items, such as we found at Our Old Kentucky Home last year! We do look forward to seeing YOU in July in Atlanta. ***** ** Here and There Elizabeth, 83-year-old widow of Ross M. Koen, passed away March 30. Her husband, who died in 1949, was the founder of National White Cane Week and devoted all his time, wealth and energy to the improvement of the situation of blind people everywhere. THE WASHINGTON STATE WHITE CANE reports that the W.S.A.B. has turned both of its memorial funds to the University of Washington to be used to aid needy blind students. From THE OHIO BULLETIN "Katy Ottman, Vicki Pasco and Molly Deegan, three blind girls, under the direction of Sister Mary Francisca, of Maryknoll, N.Y., are helping to prepare Braille books to go to blind students in East Africa. Over there, facilities for the education of blind children are meager, because they do not see the value of educating the blind. One of the rewards for the effort these girls are making is the finding of pen pals in far-off Africa." Many who attended national conventions in the '40s and '50s remember Herbert Davies, of Racine, who was always a member of the big Wisconsin delegations of that era. Herb was the first blind vending machine operator in the U.S. Many in Wisconsin and elsewhere have followed his example -- including the Editor of this column. He died on April 16 at the age of 78. Lillian Cunradi, deaf-blind Editor and publisher of SKYLARK magazine -- a sprightly, Braille magazine for the deaf-blind -- passed away on April 27 at the age of 77. From HORIZON (London): "Mr. Arthur Sculthorpe, the famous General-Secretary of the Deaf-Blind Helpers League, has been invited to lecture to psychologists in Moscow on sensory defects and mental development. Mr. Schulthorpe has himself been deaf and blind for the past 30 years . ... Ultra-sonic spectacles, which will scan the area of normal vision and signal obstacles through both ear pieces, to guide the blind, are being developed in New Zealand. The spectacles will enable blind persons to measure their distance from obstacles by the pitch and quality of signals received aurally. ... Southern Ireland (Eire) remains one of the few countries in the world which still imposes postal charges on Braille magazines and recordings, despite repeated protests by the National Library for the Blind and a requirement in the universal postal union confirmation which Eire signed in 1959. It is also one of the few countries which has no compulsory education law for blind children. Eire appears to wish to retain its reputation of being one of the most backward in Europe as far as its blind welfare services are concerned. ... A device which will enable blind people to take part in athletics has been developed by Mr. L. Balmer, a lecturer at the Coventry College of Technology. A wire is stretched beside the track and activated by an electronic current which sets up a magnetic field. The runner, starting five or six feet from the wire, has a device for picking up the magnetic field strapped to his wrist and connected to headphones. While he keeps a straight course, he gets a magnetic signal from each headphone, but if he deviates, he gets a weaker signal on one headphone. The prototype weighs 3 pounds and the next stage will be to miniaturize the equipment. ... A corneal transplant operation involving slices of a tooth has been discussed for some months in Rome where the idea originated. But the first actual operation has just been performed in Scotland and appears to have restored sight to a woman who had been blind for seven years. ..." Two subscriptions to the BRAILLE FORUM were consolidated recently when Miss Ann Stanley became the bride of Mr. H.C. DeLint. Their address is 966 S. Westmoreland Avenue, Apt. 4, Los Angeles, Calif. The BRAILLE FORUM staff sends warmest best wishes. From the LION MAGAZINE: "As a joint project of the Lions and the optometric society, there will soon be an 'eye mobile' traveling over northern New Jersey. The truck will also carry a cargo of tangibles aboard, in the form of equipment to detect faulty vision and predict the possibility of eye disease which, if not caught and reversed in time, could lead ultimately to blindness. The cause of glaucoma is still an involved mystery." From LISTEN: A pamphlet sharply critical of systems of integrated education of blind children in public schools and contending that residential and special segregated day schools 'provide the best system so far conceived' for the education of such children produced immediate and strong reaction in the field of work for the blind when it was circulated early this year. Author of the controversial pamphlet, which is titled 'The Tragedy of Modern Day Education for the Blind as Practiced in the Integrated Public Day School Classes', is Merle E. Frampton, Ph.D., principal of a residential school, the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind. ... The blind people of Massachusetts are greatly disturbed at this time because of a new law which -- if not amended -- may result in a disastrous weakening of that state's outstanding Division for the Blind. The Director of the Division could become a mere supervisor in a submerged bureau, and he could lose much of his authority and policy-making functions. ... Major John F. Brady became Executive Director of the Industrial Home for the Blind, Brooklyn, succeeding Peter J. Salmon, who had held the position since 1945. ... Norman Thomas, six times Socialist Presidential candidate, now 81, has become legally blind, but still is able to read under high magnification and is still active and highly vocal in civil, community, state and national affairs." Bill Lewis, of Wichita, Kansas, writes that blind bowlers from his city and from Topeka have inaugurated a semi-annual contest, with the hope that other Kansas groups will participate later. Two world figures in blind welfare have passed away in recent months -- Professor Paul Benovoglio, of Italy, and Sir Clutha Mac Kenzie, of New Zealand. Both were members of the Executive Committee of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind. Sir Clutha also was Chairman of the World Braille Council pioneered the establishment of rural training centers in remote portions of Asia and Africa. From TODAY'S HEALTH: "Checking upon almost 50,000 contact-lens wearers, a national survey found that 14 eyes had to be removed or were blinded; and 157 were permanently damaged within one year. In 7607 eyes, there were changes from which patients recovered without permanent defects," the survey by the American Association of Ophthalmology reported. "The popularity of contact lenses has exceeded the public knowledge of the potential hazards associated with their use," it declared. It found eye complications associated with the lenses to be more frequent among older persons and those with previous eye injuries or disease. ..." A sub-committee has now recommended for passage to the full committee the bill to expand Talking Book and Braille Services and make it available to those unable to read for reasons other than blindness. Compressed speech, high-speed recordings are now receiving extensive field tests by the Library of Congress. Elizabeth Hutchinson, Vice-President of Seeing Eye, has retired after 30 years service. The organized blind of New Jersey have at last begun the issuance of a regular publication which is known as the NEW JERSEY COUNCIL CHRONICLE. According to an article in the May NEW OUTLOOK, Japan has 36 percent of its blind population remuneratively employed. This would be the highest percentage of any country. The largest group consists of more than 28,000 blind masseurs or physiotherapists. From the WASHINGTON STATE WHITE CANE: "Bandages have been removed from Mary Pickford's eyes and doctors say the operation is a success, almost complete restoration of her vision." From THE ILLINOIS BRAILLE MESSENGER: "... Early in March the Administrators of the Argonne National Laboratory authorized Dr. S. Bradley Burson, famous blind nuclear physicist, to accept an invitation to spend a year of study and research at the Institute for Nuclear Physics Research in Amsterdam. ..." THE FLORIDA WHITE CANE reports that Florida State University will have an undergraduate course to train teachers of peripatology (travel skills). Boston College and Western Michigan University have been the only institutions where the peripatology course has been available, but both are at the graduate level. ... The General Electric Co. at Daytona Beach has hired its first blind employee. 45-year-old Edward E. McFarland of Live Oak, who has joined the plant as a quality control inspector (machinist) for the Apollo (moon) project. The firm also has signed an unusual contract with a 35-year-old blind and deaf Daytona Beach woman, Mrs. Theodosia M. Swinton, who is inserting gold-plated pins in plastic belts of varying lengths. From THE BLIND ADVOCATE (London): "The Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. is collecting diabetic dogs to help them in their research for a cure for certain kinds of blindness. Although only about one dog in a thousand is a diabetic the University says they have had no difficulty in obtaining such dogs for study. ... A Moslem religious authority in Malaya has ruled that it is not a sin for a Moslem to bequeath his eyes to the blind. ... The Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind points out that a donation of only two shillings may be the means of saving an adult or a child from permanent blindness. That is the average cost of one of the 15,000 eye treatments given annually by each of the eleven mobile clinics which the Society have established. ..." ***** ** Convention Summary The Atlanta Biltmore Hotel will begin to buzz with ACB activities on Tuesday evening, July 19, when the ACB Board of Directors will gather for its pre-convention meeting. The Fifth Annual ACB Convention will open with the first General session on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30. Wednesday morning is set aside for committee meetings, as called by the chairmen. Earl Scharry will deliver the Keynote Address following the usual greetings and responses. Reports will be made by Membership Chairman George Card, followed by Resolutions Committee Chairman Bob McMullen who will present proposed amendments to the ACB Constitution and By-Laws, Finance Committee Chairman Bud Orrell, Treasurer Reese Robrahn, and Audit Committee Chairman Marshall Warren. The Nominating Committee will also be appointed at this time. With such preliminary steps behind us the program items for the afternoon will include "Utilizing Community Social Facilities in the Total Program of Services for the Blind," Richard W. (Wayne) Edwards, Executive Director, Community Services for the Blind, Atlanta; and Health Services for the Blind, Disabled, and 'Medically Indigent' (Title XIX)," Wave Perry, Regional Representative, Family and Children Services, HEW. The Wednesday evening session will feature Mel Cohen, Director of the Tape Library for the Blind, Atlanta, who will talk about "The Tape Recorder for Pleasure and Profit"; Fred Storey, Atlanta, Member of the Commission on Standards and Accreditation of Agencies for the Blind, and Vice-President of Atlanta's Community Services for the Blind, who will tell about Accreditation of Agencies Serving the Blind; and the President will make his report. From 10:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday evening the group will gather on the delightful Biltmore Patio for a Garden Party Reception presided over by our hosts, the Bertha Perry Thrift Club and the Georgia Federation of the Blind. A full day is planned for Thursday when the morning will be given to Seminars, titled "The Art of Being Blind," under the direction of Don and Jeri Nold of Berwyn, Illinois. A General Session, beginning at 9 a.m. will be concerned with Mobility and will include discussions by Robert Crouse, Mobility Specialist, on Cane Travel; Paul Knowles, field representative of Leader Dogs, Rochester, Michigan, on The Dog Guide; and William Ferrell, Supervisor, Services for the Blind, Nashville, Tenn., on The Sighted Guide and the Public. This session will then divide into two groups, one for men and one for women. These groups will in turn break into three smaller groups for discussions; the women, on Fashions and Dress with the Fashion Editor of the Atlanta Constitution; Grooming and Appearance with Miss June Jung of Macon, Georgia; the Blind Homemaker, Mrs. Eva Jacques, Atlanta: the men, on What to Wear When with J.D. Schubin of Davison's Department Store, Atlanta; Improving the "Image" with Mrs. Howard Patton, Atlanta; and the Household Repairs and Use of Tools with Leon Watson, Ga. Academy for the Blind. After lunch on Thursday buses will leave the Biltmore for our tour of Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial Park where we will ride on the paddle-wheel river boat, take a five mile trip around the mountain on a full-size steam railroad pulled by a true replica of the famous locomotive "The General," climb the 683 ft. high mountain on the picturesque Scenic Skylift; tour Magnolia Hall, a genuine old plantation home which was dismantled and brought to the park site to preserve an example of traditional living in the Old South; and then enjoy a barbecue dinner in the Park. All this for $7.00! Thursday evening will be left free to linger at the Park, or for those who wish to attend The Theatre Under the Stars for a Broadway production of "Can Can" (starring Edie Adams), take in a night club, etc. etc. or take an earlier bus back to the hotel. Friday morning will find all vending stand operators gathered for a general meeting moderated by Fred Lilley, Director Business Opportunities for the Blind, Chicago, and featuring a talk by ARA field representative Robert Taylor on "The Training and Employment Policy of ARA." Committee meetings may be scheduled at this time. Friday afternoon's program will include Durward McDaniel's report on ACB's Pilot Project for establishing and strengthening Credit Unions; "The Family Counseling Agency and You" with Miss Lorraine Jennrich; Executive Director, Family Counseling Center of Metropolitan Atlanta; "The Implications of Recent Legislation for Better Vocational Rehabilitation" with Louis Schubert, Regional Representative, VRA, Dept. of HEW; and a report on Federal Legislation by Durward McDaniel, Legislative co-Chairman. The Annual ACB Banquet is scheduled for Friday evening with the principal address to be given by Judge Jephtha Tanksley, Fulton County Superior Court, Atlanta. ACB's 1966 Ambassador Extraordinary will also be recognized at this time. An evening of Song and Fellowship will follow the banquet. Saturday will be given to official business with election of all officers scheduled for the morning session and adjournment set for no later than 5 p.m. followed immediately by ACB Board meeting. All five officers, four directors and three members of the Publications Board are to be chosen, and our 1968 Convention site will be selected. The Registration Desk will be open from five until nine on Tuesday evening, all day Wednesday, from 8 a.m. until noon on Thursday, and the Registrar will be available as needed thereafter. The business session of the Georgia Federation of the Blind will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 24, with registration starting Saturday afternoon. Among other business will be the election of all officers and one director. Y'all Come!! ***** ** 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 ###