The Braille Forum Vol. VII September 1968 No. 2 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * Editor Ned E. Freeman 136 Gee's Mill Rd. Conyers, GA 30207 * Associate Editors George Card 605 South Few St. Madison, WI 53703 Earl Scharry 5714 Ridgeway Ave. Rockville, MD 20851 * Executive Office ACB Board of Publications 652 East Mallory Ave. Memphis, Tenn. 38106 * President Reese Robrahn 329 Woodbury Lane Topeka, KS 66606 * National Representative Durward McDaniel 20 E. Street NW Suite 215 Washington, DC 20001 To inform its readers and to provide an impartial Forum for discussion. *** Because of changes in the membership of the ACB Board of Publications, the Statement of Editorial Policy which normally occupies this space is under review. *** ** Notice to Subscribers THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large type and on tape, 7-inch, dual track, 3 3/4 ips. All requests, changes of address, etc., should be sent to the BRAILLE FORUM, 136 Gee's Mill Rd., Conyers, GA 30207. Letters and material for publication should be submitted to the Editor or to one of the Associate Editors. ***** ** Contents The Braille Forum -- September 1968 A Tribute to Helen Keller To Our New Readers ACB President's Message ACB Convention Report From the ACB Treasurer Summary of Minutes Resolutions Experienced Hands — New Faces Growing, Growing, Growing National Deaf-Blind Conference — A First Report: Committee on the Multi-Handicapped Randolph-Sheppard Vendors Organize ACB Credit Union Service George Card's Night Toronto Report Legislation Oklahomans Honor McDaniels Is the Public Welfare Program a Fiasco Thank you, Hubert Smith A Call to Young People Ned's Corner Don't Be Alarmed Sound Off for Library Services Knoxville and the Multi-Handicapped GFB Convention Report Atlanta Referral and Placement Opportunity for Earning at Home Feel and Read, See and Read Loretta's Corner Here and There with George Card Letters from Readers Refugees from the Round File ACB Officers Directors ***** ** A Tribute to Helen Keller Esther Russell in "The Braillist's Brief," Wichita The life and philosophy of Helen Keller had a forceful impact on my early life. Twice I heard her speak. The first, years ago when she and Ann Sullivan appeared before our state legislature in behalf of the blind of Kansas; again, when she gave the dedication address for the Rehabilitation Center in Topeka. She has given encouragement and inspiration to millions throughout the world by her unfaltering faith in mankind. Quoting from her book, "The Open Door," she said, "For three things I thank God every day of my life -- that he vouchsafed me knowledge of His works, deep thanks that he set in my darkness the lamp of faith, and deeper thanks that I know I have another life to look forward to." Would that each of us have that same steadfast faith in these troublesome days. When one door to happiness closes another opens; but we so often look so long at the closed door we do not see the one which has opened to us. ***** ** To Our New Readers Greetings to those of you who join us with this issue! Many of your letters have asked questions, some of which we will try to answer here. First of all, there is no charge for any of the editions of the BRAILLE FORUM. However, publishing costs are high and any contributions you might care to make will be appreciated. It is estimated that the cost to the American Council is approximately $4 per year for each name on the FORUM mailing list -- and the number is now exceeding 2500. Contributions should go directly to our Treasurer, Fred Krepela, 363 Court Street NE, Salem, Ore. 97301. The tape edition is circulated on loan basis with a reversable address card, as is customary with other library services. We do request that tapes be read and returned promptly as each tape serves three or more readers. Other than the BRAILLE FORUM and the Tape Library Services most of ACB activities are directed toward helping state and local organizations. However, our National Office will attempt to advise and to help with any problems you may have. A circular is in preparation concerning our Tape Library Services and this will be sent to those who asked specifically about this. Welcome to the FORUM family and let us hear from you. ***** ** ACB President's Message Judge Reese H. Robrahn As our magazine goes to press, we are confronted with two significant examples of competition for the assignment of income from vending machines on federal property. The first example exists in Kansas City, Kansas, where the Post Office Department has issued an order to the state licensing agency to remove vending machines from the post office to permit the Employee Welfare Committee to contract with a vending machine company which would pay a percentage of the proceeds to the Employee Welfare Fund for the use and benefit of postal employees. The income from vending machines now located on the postal facility has been assigned to a blind operator for the past nine years and has constituted about 45 percent of his take-home pay. In dollars, this has meant about $2,700 per year for the blind operator, all of which will be lost to him if the order is carried out. The order referred to has not been carried out because of a law suit filed by the blind operator with the support and backing of the American Council of the Blind. A.C.B.'s National Representative is serving as legal counsel for the blind operator without cost to him. The second example exists in two identical bills introduced in Congress in July, S. 3743 and H.R. 18410. Each bill gives to the official in charge of federal property the power, after consultation with the Secretary of HEW, to make rules establishing criteria to determine what constitutes competitive proximity of vending machines in relation to a vending stand. Presently, the Secretary of HEW establishes such criteria. The only purpose for the proposed transfer of power to the official in charge of federal property is to permit the creation of a greater advantage for Employee Welfare Funds and a disadvantage to the blind operator. You will have received a special bulletin on these amendments before now. Obviously, the amendments will have a serious detrimental effect upon the incomes of many blind operators throughout the country. The A.C.B. is opposing this amendment. The competition for the assignment of income from vending machines is widespread; and our adversaries are well organized, numerous, and well financed. We must and shall stand together to defend the Randolph-Sheppard programs and the blind people employed in these programs to resist all competitive encroachments from federal employees and other sources. As a part of our hard-line policy of resistance to such competition, we are financing the law suit in Kansas and will consider others as situations arise. This litigation is quite expensive, and I urge organizations of the blind and individuals to send contributions to A.C.B. at my office help in meeting the cost of this necessary project. We are also assisting blind operators to perfect their national organization, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, which will be an occupational affiliate of A.C.B. Operators must organize to protect their interests and their future and that of others in this field of employment. I urge that organizations and individuals write our national office to submit names and addresses of blind operators. We must act quickly to strengthen the bargaining position of blind people in this important area of employment. ***** ** ACB Convention Report -- 1968 Alma Murphey, Secretary The seventh annual convention of the American Council of the Blind held at the Bellevue Hotel, in San Francisco, California, July 17-20, 1968, will linger in our memory as another of our delightful and successful gatherings. Catherine Skivers and all the members of her convention committee are to be commended for their excellent planning and tireless work toward this end. Our sincere thanks is also due the program participants, the Bellevue hotel staff, and those who conducted both of our highly entertaining and instructive tours. Truly, San Francisco is a fascinating place to visit! So here's our hearty thanks to the ABC for inviting us. Except for minor changes, the convention proceedings followed the announced schedule, but this report, as in the past, will be restricted to the business sessions. The first session: the roll call, (together with the report of the credentials committee given later in the convention) revealed that more than two hundred persons registered, including members from twenty states of the Union. Membership chairman George Card's report was received with great enthusiasm. He joyfully announced the enrollment of four new affiliates -- three well-established organizations and one new group in an area of Texas where no organization of the blind had heretofore existed. The new affiliates are: the Wisconsin Council of the Blind; the Florida Federation of the Blind; the Lone Star Federation of the Blind and the Rio Grande Council of the Blind. What wonderful news! Treasurer F. W. Orrell being absent, his report was read by Aileen McDaniel. The report covered the calendar year 1967 plus the first six months of 1968. As of June 30, 1968 it showed total assets of $36,655.82, ten percent of which is in a reserve fund. In the light of such splendid progress, we have every reason to expect that ACB's programs will prosper. In accordance with plan, the remainder of the first session was devoted to a most interesting panel of blind teachers. The other business sessions were held on July 20 (Saturday). Nominating Committee Chairman Floyd Cargill (Illinois) presented his report early in the morning session. A constitutional amendment had been read to the convention on Thursday and was unanimously adopted. It follows: "Amend Article 4, Section C. by adding the following sentence: The editor of the Braille Forum shall be an ex officio member of the Board of Directors, with a seat and a voice but without the right of vote." Elections were held during the latter part of the morning and the earlier part of the afternoon sessions. The results: President, Judge Reese Robrahn (Kansas); First Vice-president, George Card (Wisconsin); Second Vice President, Vernon Williams (South Dakota); Secretary, Mrs. Mary Jane Schmitt (New York); Treasurer, Fred Krepela (Oregon); Directors for four-year terms, Ed Miller (North Carolina), Fred Lilley (Missouri), David Krause (District of Columbia), and Don Cameron (Florida); Directors for two-year terms, Dr. Bradley Burson (Illinois) and F.W. Orrell (Tennessee). Those elected to the Board of Publications are: Mrs. Alma Murphey (Missouri), Jack Lewis (Georgia) and George Fogarty (California). Resolutions Committee Chairman Robert Campbell (California) then read his report. The convention adopted resolutions as reported elsewhere in this issue. Resolution 6807, concerning social security disability benefits, was referred to the legislative committee for study. In response to a most cordial invitation, Oklahoma City was chosen as the site of the ACB's 1970 convention. The convention adopted Larry Thompson's motion that a committee be appointed to study the mechanics of voting in ACB, with a view to making it work more smoothly. After the usual closing announcements, ACB's memorable 1968 convention adjourned at approximately four-thirty P.M. ***** ** From the ACB Treasurer I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the confidence you have placed in electing me to your Board of Directors as the new Treasurer of ACB. I will do my utmost to fulfill the duties of this off ice to the credit of our Council. A special thanks to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind which recently sent a $250 contribution to the BRAILLE FORUM and to the Georgia Federation for their contributions of $100 to the BRAILLE FORUM and $100 to the Washington office. Do any other state affiliates or individuals wish to contribute to ACB? Mail to Fred Krepela, Treasurer, American Council of the Blind, 363 Court Street, NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. ***** ** Summary of Minutes ACB Board of Directors Meeting The Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind held its preconvention meeting at 4:00 PM on July 16 1968 at the Bellevue Hotel, San Francisco. All members except Treasurer F. W. Orrell were present. The President reported that the mail ballot circulated in May gave approval to the hiring of a full-time secretary for THE BRAILLE FORUM. Durward McDaniel then gave a report on the activities at the Washington office during the first six weeks of operation and outlined some of his plans for work in the near future. The Treasurer's report was read and later re-read to the convention. Two alterations were made in the budget: the President's expense allowance was increased from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 and midyear Board meeting expense was raised from $2,000.00 to $2,600.00. The meeting adjourned at seven o'clock. The post-convention meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind was called to order at approximately 5:25 P.M. on Saturday, July 20. With the exception of Directors F. W. Orrell and S. Bradley Burson, all members were present. After discussion, motion was unanimously approved directing the President to attempt to negotiate an agreement concerning the ACB greeting card program which will be mutually acceptable to Artistic Greetings, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, and the American Council of the Blind with respect to mailings into the State of Wisconsin. After exploring the subject of awards which should be given, a motion was approved to table further discussion on this matter until the fall Board meeting. At the request of Edward Miller, the Board next established the dates for the 1969 ACB convention as July 16-19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The hotel was to be determined at a later date. A suggestion was made that there ought to be some central place where a newly elected Board member could go to ascertain past actions taken by the Board and previous conventions. The President said he would give consideration to the suggestion and that he, the FORUM editor, the National Representative, and the Secretary would study the feasibility of compiling such data and making it available for use by new Board members. Following discussion of mail ballots, a motion was carried that the President shall only submit to the Board of Directors motions and amendments to motions for which seconds have been obtained after allowing fifteen days for votes to be returned. It was then decided to hold the fall Board meeting in St. Louis on November 9, 1968 at 10:00 A.M. at a hotel about which the President will advise later. A report was then made by Claude deLorraine of Artistic Greetings regarding their fund-raising activities and future plans, at the end of which the group expressed a vote of confidence in Artistic Greetings and in the ACB contract with them. President Robrahn adjourned the meeting at 8 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Alma Murphey and Mary Jane Schmitt ***** ** Resolutions The American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled on July 20, 1968, at the Bellevue Hotel, San Francisco, adopted the following resolutions. In the interest of conserving space the "whereas" clauses have been omitted here. However, copies in full of any or all of these may be obtained upon request from the FORUM office. Resolution 68-01 - This organization strongly recommends that there be established several regional diagnostic centers in areas which can best serve several states that do not have sufficient numbers of multi-handicapped blind children to warrant the establishment of state centers. For the early and adequate establishment of these centers, Federal funds should be sought. Such centers should provide all of the facilities and professional staff necessary for complete determination of potential of such children, adequate medical treatment, training, and such education as may be required to prepare them for further education in the residential school for normal blind children, a public school, or for all possible participation in the community. Resolution 68-02 - This organization strongly urges that all states maintain residential schools for the education of blind children. It is further recommended that there be established in such states, and in cooperation with the residential school, a system of determining when a blind child should attend a residential school and when he should be placed in special facilities in the public school or be placed in the public school on an independent basis. Resolution 68-03 - The Council is opposed to mingling average and superior blind persons with multi-handicapped and other exceptional adult blind persons in training facilities and the Council supports and promotes programs and procedures to establish separate facilities for the multi-handicapped and other exceptional adult blind trainees. Resolution 68-04 -The American Council of the Blind instructs its officers to oppose the expansion of Wagner-O'Day Act to include other handicapped shops; and to assist blind workers in workshops in the establishment of a representative system and procedures which will protect the rights and interests of such workers. Resolution 68-05 - The American Council of the Blind instructs its officers to take such action as may be necessary to assure the availability of effective vocational and other rehabilitation services to visually handicapped persons through the Federal-State rehabilitation programs; and, where programs for disadvantaged persons other than the physically or mentally handicapped exist we urge that these be administered entirely separate from the Federal-State vocational rehabilitation program. ***** ** Experienced Hands -- New Faces After a cursory glance at the new list of ACB officers and directors, some may be inclined to say, "Musical chairs again! Same old crowd!" But look again. Yes, there are a number of people who have had considerable experience in handling ACB affairs. It would be a serious mistake to elect all new people to head any organization, but there are new faces, too, and new ideas. The first permanent ACB board was elected in 1962. Since that time three elections have been held and only five of those first members remain on the present board and of these each is now serving in a capacity different from his original position. In the seven years of its life a total of thirty individuals has served the American Council in elective capacities. Each member of the new board, and this has been true also of all previous boards, is an individual with many years of leadership experience in the organized blind movement. No one person or small clique dominates this body. A brief introduction to the three new Board members follows: Fred Krepela, Treasurer, operates a print shop in Salem, Oregon. He has been active for years in the Oregon Council of the Blind and has served as its president. He was largely instrumental in bringing OCB into affiliation with ACB and has served on the ACB Board of Publications. Fred is an active and influential member of the Oregon Commission for the Blind, which was established largely through his efforts. Lucile Krepela is equally well known and appreciated in OCB and ACB circles. Don Cameron, Director, four-year term, operates a vending stand in Tampa, Florida. Don was one of the organizers of ACB and a charter member. He has long been active in the Florida Federation of the Blind, has attended practically ACB convention's and served for several years on the ACB Finance Committee. This year brought Don's efforts to fruition when FFB convention voted unanimously to affiliate with ACB. Don's wife, Bernadine, is a staunch supporter in all of his work. Dr. S. Bradley Burson, Director, two-year term, is a nuclear physicist with the Argonne National Laboratories, near Chicago and has been for many years a leader in the Illinois Federation of the Blind. He was not only a charter member of ACB, but his association with the movement which led to the formation of the American Council goes back at least to 1958. It is interesting to note that each of the above took active leadership roles in NFB affairs prior to the establishment of ACB. ***** ** Growing, Growing, Growing George Card, ACB Membership Chairman Beginning with the action of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind on May 18, no less than four splendid new affiliates joined the ACB within a period of five weeks. The last issue of the BRAILLE FORUM contained an account of the adherence of the Wisconsin Council and of the Lone Star Federation. The third to join our fellowship was the Rio Grande Council of the Blind, centered in El Paso, Texas. This part of the Great Southwest is completely virgin territory so far as the organized blind movement is concerned. Much of western Texas will probably become part of this new organization. Its president is Marvin Klein, 5405 Vancouver Street, El Paso, TX 79900. Finally, at its June convention, the big Florida Federation of the Blind voted unanimously to affiliate with ACB. It is a steadily growing organization with a goodly number of chapters and with strong leadership. Its president is Richard Knight, 4691 Linwood Street, Sarasota, FL 33580, and it publishes an excellent newsletter, under the capable editorship of Loy Sumner, 458 S.W. 6th Street, Miami, FL 33130. The action of the FFB was especially gratifying to me since -- with the help of R. L. Thompson and others -- organized the first five chapters in the fall of 1952. Charters were issued to delegates from three of the four new affiliates at the San Francisco convention and was the fourth was mailed to the Rio Grande Council since it was unable to send a delegate this time. The BRAILLE FORUM and the entire ACB joyously welcomes these four new affiliates, and the end is not yet -- far from it. ***** ** National Deaf-Blind Conference -- A First Boyd Wolfe A historic event took place during the annual convention of the American Council of the Blind in San Francisco this summer -- a first of its kind. Due to the cooperation of ACB and its California affiliate, the Associated Blind of California, eight deaf-blind persons and their guides were present and on Wednesday morning, July 17, held the first in a series of meetings of their own. Subjects of interest to the deaf-blind discussed were: problems faced by them such as communication, education of deaf-blind children, and the National Research Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. Mention was also made of a new organization, the Registry of Interpreters to the Deaf (RID), which, when fully under way nationally, will greatly help the deaf-blind. The social side was not neglected. Thursday evening a dance was held and on Friday afternoon the deaf-blind, together with other conventioneers, took the bay cruise and had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf. They were also present at the ACB banquet Friday evening. Those deaf-blind attending this "first" were the following Robert Smithdas, Brooklyn, NY; Raymond Boduch, Lackawanna, NY; Leonard and Betty Dowdy, Kansas City, Kans.; Christy Gilborough Seattle; Mrs. Deloros Snodgrass, Alameda, Cal.; Jackie Coker, Sacramento, Cal.; Boyd Wolfe, Columbus, Ohio. Especially helpful during the meetings was Fred Miller, of the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. He was of great assistance and value in the discussions themselves and in the interpreting. (Editor's Note: This was not only a new and fine experience for the deaf-blind, but an unparalleled opportunity to educate the public to the fact that there are deaf-blind people who are very alert, intelligent, fine-looking folks with an amazing sense of humor. A member of the hotel staff will never be quite the same again since she learned that she could communicate with someone by allowing him to put his fingers against her throat and lips. Much credit for this gathering should go to Juliet Bindt, Berkeley, Calif., who has devoted years of thought and effort to the problems of the deaf-blind and who dreamed of such a gathering.) ***** ** Report: Committee on the Multi-Handicapped George Fogarty, Chairman The Committee assigned to survey the situation concerning the multi-handicapped blind presented its report at the Wednesday evening session of the convention. The committee, made up of members from all major areas of the country, confined itself to a consideration of current conditions affecting the multi-handicapped blind child. The report made it clear that there is a universal need for immediate programs that can evaluate and develop the potential of this important segment of our population. For this purpose it was recommended that regional centers be established throughout the country for the evaluation, training and proper placement of the multi-handicapped blind child in programs and pursuits that will best realize his potential for a happy and productive life. The committee was highly critical of the present use being made of the residential schools for normal blind children as a means of seeking a solution to this problem. It stated that, contrary to the thinking of many who advocate that such facilities are no longer needed for the normal blind child, to make such use of these schools is to deny to the normal blind child that source of learning and development that has proven superior to all other existing methods and facilities. Furthermore, the committee report declared such use of the residential school could, at best, serve no better purpose than to delay the full and complete attention this problem deserved; that neither the physical plant, present staffs, nor the setting were suited to bring about a suitable solution to so varied and specialized an approach as that required for a practical solution to the many problems besetting the multi-handicapped blind child. In conjunction with the report, two resolutions were drawn up which were presented to the convention on Saturday. These resolutions were given resounding approval. ***** ** Randolph-Sheppard Vendors Organize By Durward McDaniel At a luncheon meeting on July 20 at the ACB Convention, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America took another important step toward the perfection of their national organization. Effective decisions were made to establish permanent by-laws, and they will be publicized among blind operators during the coming months. Five officers and eight directors were elected to compose the national board of directors. The officers are John Thomas, President, Wichita, Kansas; Wally Menning, First Vice-President, Salem, Oregon; Kenneth Decker, Second Vice-President, Chicago, Illinois; Harriet Fielding, Secretary, Sacramento, California; and Wayne Gilmore, Treasurer, Wichita, Kansas. The eight directors come from Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Organizations of operators of vending stands and vending machines in states and localities throughout the country are eligible to affiliate with the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America. If you are a member of such an organization, you should communicate with John Thomas, at 820 South Delrose Street, Wichita, Kansas, or with the ACB's National Office for further information about participating in this new organization. The treasurer is Wayne Gilmore, at 737 South Clifton Street, in Wichita, Kansas. Dues are $2.00 per member and should be sent directly to the treasurer. Where there is no existing state or local organization of operators, individuals may join as members at large. We are rapidly completing a roster of names and addresses of all blind operators in the country. Your help in completing this list is requested without delay. ***** ** ACB Credit Union Service On July 20, the Credit Union Committee held its annual breakfast meeting as a part of the ACB Convention. The establishment of credit union services for blind persons has been a major project of ACB's plans for extending the services and for improving them where credit unions already exist. In order to involve more people in the work of this project, it was decided to enlarge the committee by including one representative from each of the existing credit unions for the blind in the United States. The Credit Union Committee invites all interested inquiries about credit union services. They should be directed to ACB's Washington Office. ***** ** George Card's Night George Fogarty, ACB Awards Chairman It was undoubtedly George Card's night. It was a big moment for him when, in his capacity as ACB Membership Chairman, he had officially welcomed four new affiliates, among them his own Wisconsin Council, at the ACB annual banquet and had presented to each its official Charter of Affiliation. This accomplished he resumed his seat at the speakers table and, with a smile of satisfaction, relaxed to enjoy the balance of the program. It isn't easy to keep a secret, but the element of surprise was there. George Card was named ACB's Ambassador for 1968 and received the trophy which is presented "in recognition of outstanding service by a blind person to the total community." But this was not all. Another presentation was made -- a handsome plaque on which was a bronze scroll inscribed: "The George Card Award has been established by the American Council of the Blind to honor those who have given devoted service to the cause of the organized blind. This initial plaque is presented to him for whom the award is named in recognition of a quarter century of such service. San Francisco 1968. And a bouquet of red roses was presented to his lovely wife, Darlene. Our deserving Ambassador lost the sight on one eye at the age of six, the victim of a gun accident; 80% of the sight of the other at the age of ten when hit by a random snowball; and became totally blind at the age of thirty-one, this time from an accident involving a car in which he was not even a passenger; all three resulting from gross negligence on the part of others. Undaunted, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin cum laude, with a BS degree. He later obtained his LL.B. degree and was admitted to the bar. During these years he was elected into Phi Beta Kappa and was made a member of The Order of the Coif, an honorary legal society. In the years that followed, George built a thriving wholesale and retail vending machine business known as George Card Sales. Pursuing his other keen interest, he gained prominence in party politics, serving as County Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party, Dade County, Wisconsin. While a prosperous business and a wide circle of personal friends would have sufficed for most, George Card abandoned all this, and, with the untiring and devoted assistance of his sighted wife, Darlene, has, for the past twenty years, worked, lived, and ceaselessly sought a better and more meaningful life for, as he as so well put it, "His People" blind people everywhere. How well he has succeeded is well known to most of us. Surely, this year's awards will rank as unique amid an ever-increasing roster of very special people. Previous recipients ACB Manhattan, Ambassador Kansas, Award were: Jeraldine Noeller (Nold), then of Manhattan, Kansas, now of Berwyn, Illinois, speech therapist, at the Chicago convention, 1963; Eben Whittlesey, Carmel, California, attorney and former Mayor, civic leader, at the Rochester convention, 1964; Walter McDonald, Atlanta, Georgia, Public Service Commissioner for 40 years, at Louisville convention, 1965; Judge C. Coleman Cates, Burlington, N.C., attorney and civic leader, at Atlanta convention, 1966; Jerry Hall, Wichita, Kansas, high school teacher of music and language, at Wichita convention, 1967. By their service to the total community these Ambassadors demonstrated to the sighted world the capabilities of the blind which is one of the chief goals of the American Council. ***** ** Toronto Report Ned Freeman Another step forward was taken this summer when the American Council of the Blind was among the exhibitors at the Toronto conventions of both AAIB and AAWB. This was the first time the organized blind has been officially represented at these conferences. We had no spectacular gadgets on display, nor voluminous material to sell. We do have a membership organization with a progressive program of service, and a magazine which many of you have told us was the best in its field. This is what we were selling, and a great deal of interest was manifested by both groups. The host for both conventions was the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). This organization, supported by both private and national funds, combines the functions of the American Printing House, the American Foundation, many of our private agencies in the orientation and training fields, and the State-Federal vocational rehabilitation programs for the blind. It is an old pun but one which applies here -- the first week my booth was next to that for Seeing Eye Dogs, the second week my neighbor was CNIB. The Canadians have a new cassette tape play-back machine to which they are converting their talking book program (also handled by CNIB). Up to fifteen hours of reading time is carried on a cartridge about half an inch thick and smaller than a standard business envelope. The machine itself occupies perhaps one square foot of table space and is light enough to be easily portable. There were a number of other interesting exhibits on display, largely in the educational field. One of these carried twenty-two fifteen-minute non-erasable tracks on a 1" wide tape and had a click dial for selecting the desired track. This was designed primarily for teaching languages and provision was made for the student to record his own attempt to repeat the word as spoken by the instructor and to compare his results with the original. Another device provided aids to sound identification and the association of these with the spoken and written word. The horse, dog, duck, automobile and airplane were among the many every day sounds included. TOUCH AIDS features "mostly fun and games for all ages." These games are designed so that both blind and sighted may play together. A description and price list in either braille or print may be obtained by writing to them at 1790 S. Juniper St., Escondido, Calif. 92925. Tom (T.A.) Benham of "Science for the Blind" demonstrated a number of electronic devices including the "laser cane." This is still in the process of development and is intended to increase the perceptual range of the blind traveler to about fifteen feet. In addition to the tactile vibrator which warns of obstacles in path, an audible signal is sounded in case of a step-off. A tone of different pitch gives notice of low-hanging objects overhead (almost). At AAIB much of the program was devoted to the "rubella child" or the child having one or more handicaps in addition to blindness as a result of the mother contracting "German measles" in the early months of pregnancy. At AAWB similar concentrated attention was given to diabetes. However, many other matters were discussed at both conventions. Several papers have been requested from participants in these meetings and it is hoped that these will be made available to our readers. Perhaps the biggest news to come from the business sessions of either convention was the abandonment of the time-honored name of AAIB in favor of "Association of Educators of the Visually Handicapped" (AEVH). I suppose "educator" sounds more professional than "instructor," but it does seem a pity to scrap a century of tradition. This is the last time that both of these professional organizations will meet in the same calendar year. Hereafter AAWB will meet during odd-numbered years and AEVH in even-numbered years. We are confident that many more people are now acquainted with the American Council, its goals and activities. We do know that many new readers have been added to our BRAILLE FORUM lists. We hope this representation at meetings of professionals in the field of services to the blind establishes a precedent which will be maintained in future years. ***** ** Legislation Rehabilitation Amendments, 1968 A bill (H.R. 16819) passed by the House on May 6 extends and broadens existing programs and authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1972. The programs extended are: Grants to the states for vocational rehabilitation; Innovation grants (formerly extension and improvement) and reallocation of unused allotments for innovation grants is authorized; Research, demonstration and training; construction of rehabilitation facilities; and improvement of rehabilitation facilities under Section 13 (formerly workshop improvement). This bill establishes a grant program to public and other non-profit agencies for recruitment and training of manpower to serve in programs for the handicapped and for the recruitment and training of handicapped persons to serve in various public service occupations; and a new program for comprehensive evaluation of rehabilitation potential of the disadvantaged. The ceiling on the authorization of appropriations for the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped is removed as well as the terminology limiting the Committee's program to the physically handicapped. The term "rehabilitation facility" is redefined to include sheltered workshops and the term "workshop" is eliminated from the Act. The bill further authorizes a minimum allotment of $1 million to each state; the expenditure of up to 10% of a state's allotment for vocational rehabilitation services under Section 2 of the Act for construction of new rehabilitation facilities; the Secretary of HEW to approve sharing of state agency finances and administration with other state agencies involved in programs for handicapped persons. The Secretary of HEW is also authorized to spend up to $1 million to evaluate the effectiveness of the various programs under the act; and initial staffing for up to four years, three months for all types of rehabilitation facilities constructed under the Act is authorized. Also broadened is the state plan requirements to include provision of evaluation of rehabilitation potential, personal and vocational adjustment, and follow-up services. It is anticipated that only minor changes will be made by the Senate on the House passed bill. * Courtesy for SRS Clients HEW News Release: Federal Social and Rehabilitation Administrator Mary E. Switzer has directed all State agencies receiving Federal funds through the SRS to act immediately to end any discourteous treatment of clients. State agencies which receive funds through SRS include welfare, health, vocational rehabilitation and aging. Discourteous treatment, including failure to use titles -- "Mr.," "Mrs.," and "Miss" -- has been the subject of an increasing number of complaints against welfare agencies. ... Miss Switzer said, "The goal of these programs and services is to assist these persons to overcome their handicaps, to regain self-confidence and self-sufficiency, and to enable them to live meaningful and productive lives. The most basic step in this service is clearly that all persons coming to the agency be treated respectfully and addressed courteously. It is even more reprehensible where failure to follow the rules of common courtesy is a discriminatory act." * Additional Tax Deductions Proposed Senator Jacob K. Javits has introduced legislation to give the disabled an income tax deduction of up to $600 to cover transportation to and from work and to allow them the additional $600 tax deduction now given to the blind. The bill is a companion to HR 424 introduced in the House by Representative Eugene Keogh of New York. In introducing the bill Senator Javits said: "... I introduced the first pioneering effort on this subject in the 81st Congress, February 1950 ... In the intervening years this measure was re-introduced its provisions sharpened ... until now there appears some immediate hope that it might be enacted into law ... Under the bill now introduced ... both the blind and the disabled would qualify for the tax deduction of up to $600 for expenses of going to and from work. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have endeavored valiantly to transform their physical handicaps from stumbling blocks to building blocks ... it is a hard-nosed and practical bill for the benefit of people who have no alternative than to be practical." * Copyright Revisions and Tape Recordings Many people have been disturbed over bills now pending in Congress to revise copyright laws. HR 2512 has passed the House and is now pending before the Senate Subcommittee of Patents Trademarks and Copyrights of the Committee on the Judiciary. Fear has been expressed that this bill in its present form would seriously interfere with the activities of the smaller tape libraries and volunteer recording groups in their reading of material for the use of blind students and others. Some months ago the president of the Georgia Federation of the Blind and many others throughout the country wrote letters to the Senate Judiciary Committee protesting against any provision which would in any way curtail the access of blind persons to printed material which is available to their sighted peers through public libraries and otherwise. The AFB Washington Report, July-August '68, quotes a letter from Abraham L. Kaminstein, register of copyrights at the Library of Congress, which we report in part: "... a number of local groups of volunteers who make recordings ... on an individual basis ... operate on the assumption that their small-scale recording activities are permissible as fair use. ... The doctrine of fair use, though not provided for in the present statute, has been developed by court decisions over a long period of time. ... The copyright revision bill would not curtail that doctrine in any way. On the contrary, section 107 of the bill is a distillation of the principles enunciated in the court decisions, and would give express statutory confirmation to the doctrine. As the House Committee on the Judiciary has stated repeatedly in its report on HR 2512 ... section 107 would not change the scope of the present judicial doctrine of fair use in any way. "As far as we know, the limited operations of local volunteers in making recordings for blind individuals have not been questioned by copyright owners under the present law, and we see nothing in the copyright revision bill that would change the existing situation. You mentioned to us the suggestion that the Senate Committee might include, in its report on the revision bill, an explanatory statement regarding the application of the fair use doctrine to recordings made by local volunteers for the use of blind persons. We agree that this suggestion merits the Committee's consideration, and we will be glad to discuss it with the Committee staff." It has been learned that it is probable that no final action on this matter will be taken by the present Congress, however it is probable that similar legislation will be acted upon early in the 91st Congress. Although Mr. Kaminstein seeks to reassure us concerning the effect of the proposed bill, it is the section 107, to which he refers, that is the cause of our concern. All of us should be on the alert when the new bill is introduced to see that the rights of blind persons to access to the printed word are not restricted in this so-called "clarification." ***** ** Oklahomans Honor McDaniels Floyd Qualls When Adlai Stevenson conceded defeat at the end of his campaign for the presidency, he quoted Abraham Lincoln, "I'm too big to cry, and it hurts too bad to laugh." On Saturday evening, April 20, approximately 50 people shared Mr. Lincoln's sentiments. Durward and Aileen McDaniel were guests of honor at a dinner attended by board and staff members of the Oklahoma League for the Blind. The party was held at Patrick's Restaurant in Oklahoma City, where the McDaniels are fond of dining. Following a congenial cocktail hour and excellent meal, Floyd Qualls recounted some of the early-day history of OLB. Three of the six people who underwrote the initial expense of the League were present. A silent tribute was paid to the other three -- now deceased. W. Jesse Lyons, President of the League's Board of Directors, expressed appreciation for the many years of leadership Durward and Aileen have given to the building of the League. "It was Mack's idea that created the League," he said, "And his mind and hands have guided it to its present stature. Others have helped, but the driving force has been the McDaniels." The League was chartered November 30, 1949. Its objectives are many. Employment opportunities for the blind has been a major effort. Mrs. Corene Falls, a Choctaw Indian girl, came to work as a typist for the League in March of 1951. She reviewed the organization's growth from the viewpoint of an employee. She recalled the many hours Durward and Aileen spent tending to details. Mr. Travis Harris, now Chief of Services to the Blind, told of his many years working with the McDaniels. He cited a few of the outstanding accomplishments achieved by Durward and Aileen. Oklahoma's Exempt Earnings Law was prepared by Durward and is still considered as model legislation. The L.A.S.S. Federal Credit Union and the Oklahoma League for the Blind have given economic assistance to hundreds of blind men and women. Oklahoma City's new post office building was going to exclude a vending stand for the blind. In cooperation with the state agency, Durward went to the post office department in Washington and secured the stand location. Oklahoma's legislature, now in session, enacted a State Use Act patterned on the Wagner-O'Day bill. "Mack drew up that bill," Mr. Harris said, "and it passed the Senate 42 to 0 and the house 92 to 0. It would be hard to find a single piece of legislation," Mr. Harris continued, "on state or national level, that Mack didn't have a part in. If it was a benefit to the blind, he fought hard for it. If it deprived the blind of dignity or economic opportunity, he fought just as hard against it." Another piece of current legislation transferred Services to the Blind to the State Welfare Department. Here the agency will have an independent identity. The Director of the Department has assured the blind that he intends to make a model program here in Oklahoma. Durward is serving as a consultant in drawing the State Plan. The State Director and Mr. Harris grew up in Caddo County and "used to drink from the Washita River together." It looks like a winning team. Mrs. Ann Breeden, Secretary-Bookkeeper at the League, presented the McDaniels with gifts purchased by those attending the dinner matching American Tourister attache cases. Aileen graciously thanked the group. She said all the struggles and rough days were amply rewarded by the knowledge that in ACB, there is a truly representative and democratic organization of the blind. Durward was obviously touched by all the attention; but, at no time more than when Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, proprietors of Patrick's, presented him with their stock of sardines. "With Mack gone," Sandy said, "We'll have no further need for sardines." Durward referred to the organized blind movement in Oklahoma as a wandering in "the desert." "We gained a little, and we lost a little," he said. "Today the blind of Oklahoma find themselves in the most favorable position they have ever known. The O.F.B. and Services to the Blind are now on the bank of 'that river.' Many of the promises we have worked for, and longed for, are now within reach -- and they will be reached." The Washington job is seen as a challenge. The ACB President has set forth an ambitious program, but the McDaniels have never hesitated because of the size of a task. "We have many strong ties and memories here in Oklahoma," Durward said, "And we will be coming back often. I'm not resigning my position on the League board yet. I may not make meetings as often in the future, but I want to function so long as it is possible for me to make a constructive contribution." What is in the future for Oklahoma and ACB? Durward sees better days. Within three years he predicts ACB will have a membership of 20,000 or more; Oklahoma will have a comprehensive center and a model program for the blind; and, Oklahoma's program for the blind will have more than a million and one half dollars available each year. Oklahoma says "good luck," but not "goodbye" to the McDaniels. It hurts too bad for us to laugh, but we are too big to cry. ***** ** Is the Public Welfare Program a Fiasco? (Excerpted from an article by Robert H. Feldkamp of the Washington staff of the Akron Beacon-Journal.) The nation's big, complex public welfare program is a big, complex mess. Like suspected witches in early America, it's being stoned from all sides. Its critics range from President Johnson, who calls it "outmoded," to a mother on relief who calls it a "betrayal." Liberals and conservatives alike attack it bitterly. The poor speak of it with scorn. Welfare workers berate it. Urban experts link its shortcomings with riots. Practically everyone agrees the welfare system is falling apart. How to put it back together again is another question, defying easy answers. In short, public welfare isn't doing what it was created to do when the present system was born in 1935. Sen. Stephen M. Young, a liberal Ohio Democrat, said, "For some reason unknown to me, it would seem it is a crime to be poor, underprivileged and underfed." A welfare mother said, "I have heard people say we have it so easy. Let them smell the garbage in the summertime, fight the rats, freeze in the wintertime, Let them try to feed five children on $167 a month." Critics contend welfare has become dangerously self-perpetuating. A Republican task force, calling for a welfare overhaul, observed: "We must end the growing dependence on the Federal Government of multi-generation welfare families fostered in the past." One in every 25 Americans now gets some kind of public assistance. But a major complaint is that this isn't nearly enough. Public welfare in all forms cost Federal taxpayers $6.8 billion in fiscal 1967. This is twice what it was 10 years ago and about one-fourth more than as recently as 1966. Critics argue the price is too high. Still, most recipients find payments woefully inadequate to make ends meet. Complicating this is the fact that states vary widely in their welfare outlays. Rigid eligibility requirements and frequent police-like probes into private lives of welfare clients compound the problem. New York Welfare Commissioner Mitchell L. Ginsberg, a proponent of a child-and-family allowance plan, told the Senate Finance Committee last September: "In all of the communities studied, there is a profound hostility, suspicion and damning criticism of public welfare, its rules, regulations and its income standards. This agency catches it from both sides -- the affluent damn it because it pauperizes the poor at their expense; the poor damn it because it demands a demeaning attitude from them." The advisory council appointed by HEW Secretary John W. Gardner reports, "Public assistance payments to needy families and individuals fall seriously below what this nation has proclaimed to be the poverty level." Another study in Indiana found that while a mother with three children needed at least $237 a month, the maximum payable under state law was $126. The welfare program in 1935 was hailed as a "new era of humaneness in Government." But critics and proponents alike agree that a program drawn in 1935 has fallen far behind the agonizing social needs of the 1960s. Thirty-three years ago, Government experts thought a program involving direct cash assistance to the poor from Washington would soon dry up a residual relief burden. They argued the responsibility could then be shifted back to the states and local governments. They were wrong. The program burgeoned into a many-headed monster that defied orderly administration or assessment. Aid to Families with Dependent Children began as the smallest of the programs. Today it is by far the largest, is the most unwieldy and reaps most of the attacks. AFDC began as a plan to keep widowed mothers at home with their small children. But it soon lost this character. A welfare mother in Cleveland complained to the Civil Rights Commission after the riots in 1966: "This (AFDC requirements) is how me and my husband got separated when he got out of his job and he went to relief to get help and they refused to help. This is one reason we separated and divorced. He couldn't see his kids go hungry, so he just left." Changes in the newest Social Security Amendments were aimed primarily at AFDC and Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Unemployed Fathers. Yet, practically all observers outside of conservative elements in the House, which insisted on them as their price for a Social Security bill, agree the changes do more harm than good. Howls went up both in and out of Congress. "This (the welfare changes) is the most retrogressive step by Congress in a decade," snapped Fred R. Harris, liberal Oklahoma Democrat. Said Sen. Joseph D. Tydings (D-Md.): "We cannot take children from their mothers and place them, with 30 or 50 other children, into bare, prison-like rooms where they are warehoused, like so many cardboard boxes, all day while their mothers work in order to remain on the welfare rolls." Sen. Robert Kennedy said the changes were reminiscent of the "medieval poor laws and to try to force people to find jobs that don't exist will only increase the pent-up frustration which has already exploded too often." Secretary Gardner, objecting to the "coercion" in requiring mothers to find work or lose their payments, declared the changes would cause children "to pay for the real or supposed sins of their parents." But the crackdown on AFDC was defended by Rep. Wilbur D. Mills (D-Ark.), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. "Is it in the public interest for welfare to become a way of life?" asked Mills in a House speech. "We want the states to see to it that those who are drawing welfare checks as unemployed fathers or drawing as mothers that they take training and then work. Is there anything wrong with that?" It is far easier to define the problems of public welfare than to pinpoint solutions. Many reforms have been proposed over the years and many have been adopted. But because of the emotion-packed problems involved, nearly all create new difficulties. Experts of all stripes argue that it would be better if the poor could earn their own way and not have to depend on Government handouts, but the obstacles to each proposal are gigantic. Social thinkers agree that practically all heap further indignities on already abused clients, generate more problems for administrators and spark additional resentment among lawmakers. Then there's the bigger cost. Many studies show the staggering price tag of providing training and job-placement services for unskilled and poorly educated welfare recipients. It is cheaper to give them direct aid. More and more, in fact, liberal and conservative economists are turning to some form of minimum guarantee as the best -- and perhaps the only -- workable solution. But this, too, is probably in the future and meantime the problems continue to multiply. Many agree that the approach pushed by Sen. Kennedy -- "Jobs -- more jobs and good jobs" -- may be the best stop-gap answer. The panel named by the President will likely center on this in 1968 as it wrestles to recommend new approaches. What is alarming to almost everyone connected with welfare, however, is what will happen in the meantime. ***** ** Thank You, Hubert Smith! Hubert Smith, Augusta, Georgia, president of Ways and Means for the Blind, the benevolent organization which has given aid to blind individuals, groups, and schools throughout the country, abides by that highly commendable principle of helping those who help themselves. "Bebe," as he is known far and wide, has little time and no gifts for anyone who isn't willing to make every effort to pull his own weight, but he never turns a deaf ear to a worthy recipient. A recent letter brought to Hubert Smith some of the only kind of satisfaction and compensation he will accept. James Brooks, blind Negro of Waycross, Ga., and father of ten children, now all grown, wrote to thank Ways and Means for the Blind and Hubert Smith for help over the years in making him self-sustaining. Twenty years ago the Augusta organization provided financial assistance to rebuild the Brooks home after destruction by fire and assisted the father in learning a vocation to provide for his family. "I want to do everything I can for myself and my community to show my appreciation," said Brooks in his letter. "The Bible says be diligent and not slothful and do unto all men as you would have them do unto you. Other letters also come to Hubert Smith. Ways and Means has for many years sponsored contests in schools for the blind, giving cash awards to students for their literary achievements and naming the awards in honor of persons who have shown a special interest in the cause of the blind. The most recent awards have been named -- The Kennedy Literary Award in honor of Senators Robert F. and Edward M. Kennedy and administered by the Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, Mass; The Art Linkletter Award, administered by the California School for the Blind, Berkeley; the Arthur Godfrey Award, administered by the Virginia School for the Blind, and the Jennings Randolph Award, administered by the West Virginia School for the Blind. Typical of the responses received from these prominent persons, Senator Edward M. Kennedy's letter says in part, "l am very glad to learn of your annual literary contest and I would be honored to have the contest in the Perkins School named the Kennedy Literary Award. I know my brother, Robert is equally pleased, for we both have long admired the dedicated work of organizations such as the Ways and Means for the Blind and of the Perkins School ... President Kennedy also had the deepest respect for organizations providing the opportunity for our blind citizens to express themselves ... such expression is particularly important in today's world, and I congratulate your Institution for sponsoring this most stimulating and worthwhile contest. ..." (Editor's note: We of the FORUM are proud to be among such distinguished company. It is our happy privilege to present the Ned Freeman Literary Award each year at the Georgia Academy for the Blind, Macon. And we are especially grateful for Ways and Means's assistance in the establishment of our Tape Library Services. Ours is only one of several such tape libraries assisted by Ways and Means for the Blind.) ***** ** A Call to Young People We have recently had the privilege of chatting with several young persons -- students and others -- and there seems to be a genuine eagerness among them to know more about what is going on, about the work of ACB, and to find opportunities of meeting and working together. It has occurred to us that some communication between these young leaders of the future is wanted and needed. Therefore, we would appreciate hearing from our young readers with suggestions as to the sort of material in which they would be especially interested and if they have some ideas or suggestions as a preliminary to a special gathering, probably at our convention in Charlotte in 1969. It would be fun to welcome you aboard. So, let the FORUM office hear from you. ***** ** Ned's Corner It had been ten years since Loretta and I had a real vacation. For most of that period the major part of our "vacation time" was devoted to attending and conducting conventions. But this summer was to be different -- no convention responsibilities, no pressure to return home before the end of July. So it was that we parted at the Atlanta Airport on the morning of Saturday, July 6: going our separate ways, I to Toronto and she to Hawaii. We got together again in San Francisco. Following that great ACB convention we had a delightful ten days of travel, visiting and sightseeing on the way home. But we paid a price for our leisure! The mail really stacked up in our absence. Ever since the first issue of the FORUM, and even before, June Goldsmith has been in charge of the mailing list. She has spent many an hour and no little of her personal funds in making additions, deletions and changes in the lists and struggling to locate people who moved and neglected to advise of their new address. In addition to this she has served as chairman of the ACB Board of Publications. No one knows and but few of us can really appreciate the effort and dedication which June has devoted to the FORUM and to ACB. When we reached San Francisco there was a letter from June awaiting me saying that because of the illness of her mother she was being forced to resign from the Board of Publications and would no longer be able to handle the mailing list. When we returned to Georgia we had a phone call reporting that June's beloved mother had died early in August. The sympathy and best wishes of the FORUM staff and, I am sure, of all readers go out to June in this period of her sadness. I suppose I am unintentionally responsible for the whole bale of straw that broke June's back. Early this year notices about the FORUM were sent to a number of magazines serving the blind. Responses began to come in during April and the flood gates burst in late May. Our June had struggled manfully to keep abreast through the first week of July, but when she forwarded her records to this office there were stacks of requests still unopened. Other bundles have been received since. Many hours have been spent making file cards and lists and we aren't up to date yet. All three editions have shown a marked increase, but the greatest proportionate jump is in the tape list. Many of these new readers expressed enthusiasm for additional information about ACB and the FORUM, having heard from their friends or read in borrowed copies about this growing organization. In spite of the many new requests we are still in the market for new subscriptions. If you know anyone who should be reading the FORUM please send names and addresses to this office with an indication of edition preferred. ***** ** Don't Be Alarmed about LC Conversion Because a great deal of concern has been expressed by readers of Library of Congress tape books with reference to the announced intention to convert to quarter track 1-7/8 ips beginning January 1, 1969, the FORUM requested clarification of these plans. We are now in receipt of the following letter from Acting Chief Charles Gallozzi of the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, which indicates that you may continue to use your present equipment 3-3/4 ips dual track for an indefinite period. However, it is suggested that anyone buying new tape-recording equipment take this conversion into consideration. There are on the market reasonably priced quarter track, 3 speed tape recorders which are simple to operate and which should present no problems to blind readers. Mr. Gallozzi writes, "We are aware of the many problems that a conversion would cause. Let me assure you that no reader will suffer through a change in our present standards. All available titles will continue to be issued on dual track 3-3/4 ips tape for as long as necessary. Some of those titles may also be issued on 4-track 1-7/8 ips for those readers who own and use equipment which can take advantage of that compact form. Benefits to readers should be even more significant than benefits to libraries, since fewer reels need be handled, and there should be fewer possibilities for errors or incomplete books. Your interest is greatly appreciated." ***** ** Sound Off for Library Services The Library of Congress has entered into a contract with Nelson Associates of New York to conduct a nationwide survey of reader interest and preferences. Questionnaires have been mailed in both braille and inkprint to a considerable number of patrons of the regional libraries throughout the country. In addition to this, on-the-spot interviews are being conducted with representative reader groups in 13 regional population centers. This is your opportunity to assist the Library of Congress to improve its services in all media. They sincerely want to give you the type of library service you need. The responses to this survey will enable the library to plan future programs in braille, large type and recordings (disk and tape). If you have received one of these questionnaires, please fill it out fully in accordance with the instructions. If you have not received a questionnaire, the Library still wants to hear from you. Letters should be sent to the Library of Congress, Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC 20542. Included in your letter should be information as to age, sex, occupational status, which of the library services you use (braille, large type, recordings (disk or tape), the categories of reading material in which you are most interested, type of equipment you prefer. If you use a tape recorder, give the tape speed, number of tracks and the maximum size reel your machine will accommodate -- and which you prefer. If you have ideas or suggestions for improvement of the library services, or concerning your personal reading needs which are not being met at present be sure to include these either with your questionnaire or your letter. All responses will be given careful consideration. A need often expressed by students and others with special reading interests is for local public library facilities which will enable visually handicapped persons to gain access to reference and specialized printed matter which usually may not be checked out of the library. Some time ago it was reported in the FORUM that the American Library Assn. had approved minimum standards for local public library services to blind readers, which recommended facilities such as special reading room with tape recorders, large type project ion machines, and staff assistance when needed. So far as we are aware, few if any local libraries are providing this service. We would be pleased to hear from you if any progress in this direction is being made in your locality. ***** ** Knoxville and the Multiple Handicapped LaVerne Humphrey, Director, Knoxville Assn. for the Blind Some blind persons within the Knoxville area became disturbed as they checked the records of progress of any economic assistance to the multi-handicapped for the uneducated blind persons in our area. After much consultation with various persons in the community and considerable effort to relieve this situation by working on a part-time basis, it became evident that only full-time devotion to this problem could lead to much-needed progress. In 1964 the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Federation of the Blind began this project. It was well known to those of us engaged in this activity that it would be an uphill fight. Rehabilitation agencies require reasonable assurance of client accomplishment before they can accept a training program. For the blind person who is severely retarded or with other physical handicaps, coupled with a lack of fundamental education, it is next to impossible to come up with a plan without months of experimentation. Our center is small and accommodates only a few trainees at a time, but even so, we have been able to place some individuals trained here in the field of competitive employment, and every person accepted by our group has increased his capacity for earning and certainly has a different outlook on life as a person, feeling that he can take his place within the community. In Knox County we found a group of youngsters with multi-handicaps to which we give considerable attention. Their teacher welcomes our assistance, and the children gain by participating in crafts which teach them finger dexterity, and have specialized help in the reading of braille, writing, and all of the other fields of education in which one teacher cannot give to fifteen students of various ages and capabilities. Time or space could not be made available for many specific cases, but should there be any group interested in this type of work, more information is available. Members of our organization take great pride (as I am sure each person reading this magazine does), when a blind person as an individual excels in one of the professional fields or in fields where there are great advantages. But it is well known that not all blind persons can attain these heights, any more than can all individuals with normal eyesight, due to variations in capabilities, opportunities, and many other factors. It is cruel and heartless to leave such a segment of our population without hope or help. You might find it rewarding to give more attention to these persons within your area. The Knoxville Association for the Blind plans to put on the market a Paint-by-Gem series of pictures. The idea for these pictures originated with employees of a floor-covering establishment who brought it to the attention of the group during its fund-raising campaign. These kits will be similar to the mosaic kits which consist of a picture with different color areas identified by numbers. A package of native Tennessee semi-precious stones is included. These kits are assembled by the blind workers in the KAB shop. For further information on this project write the author at 1326 Broadway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37917. ***** ** GFB Convention Report Special guest at the GFB thirteenth annual convention was ACB's Washington Representative Durward McDaniel who participated fully in the convention program, especially in discussing national legislation, Credit Unions and vending stand affairs. As banquet speaker, he challenged those present to double GFB membership and Credit Union assets by 1972 and expressed his confidence in the fulfillment of these objectives. On Saturday, August 10, McDaniel spoke at a special luncheon for stand operators, and the GFB later adopted a resolution in support of an organization of operators to be a part of the GFB and of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America. (See elsewhere in this issue.) On Monday, August 12, an organizing committee was established composed of the following persons: Luther Phillips, chairman, 410 Hardendorf Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307; Talmadge Barnes, Vice-Chairman; Osella Stanfield, Secretary, 2535 Abner Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30318; Joe Favors and Michael Lee. Among other noteworthy developments to emerge from the convention was the endorsement of quarterly publication of the "GFB Digest." The first issue of this state newsletter appeared in July under the editorship of Jack Lewis, 770 Hemlock St., Macon, Ga. 31201. Initially, the Digest is being circulated in large type only to a mailing list of some 700, but it is hoped eventually to make it available in braille and on tape. Jack requests the editors of other state publications to exchange with the Digest. The convention also approved the action of the Board of Directors in setting up a "Scholarship and Welfare Fund" and voted to continue this program as funds might permit. Two grants of $550 each were authorized in 1968 for advanced study in the field of special methods of education for teaching the visually handicapped. It is anticipated that two more such scholarships will be available in '69. At the post-convention meeting of the GFB Board of Directors two contributions of $100 each were authorized to go to the American Council; the first to be designated for support of the BRAILLE FORUM, the second in support of the ACB Washington office. Ned Freeman, Conyers, was re-elected president and the new secretary is Mrs. Lena Luallen, 120 Montpeller Dr., Mableton, GA 30059. (Editor's note: Similar reports of other state conventions are solicited. Please don't leave it up to us to dig the information out of your state bulletins.) ***** ** Atlanta Referral and Placement (From Ga. Vocational Rehabilitation News) The Atlanta Referral and Placement Project, the only one of its kind in the United States, is a joint venture of the Social Security Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Georgia State Employment Service. The project was initiated on October 1, 1965, and primarily motivates individuals to enter re-employment. This project is based on recognition that in certain types of disability claims rehabilitation is feasible, and stirs many persons to apply the positive aspects of returning to a realistic work goal rather than to allow themselves to live on an inadequate pension. Most of the clients are emotionally involved with their handicap and often have multiple problems. In an effort to help expedite the rehabilitation process, the Project acts quickly to re-motivate and re-orient the client by giving comprehensive early attention to claims when they are first filed. The Project attempt to demonstrate that it is entirely possible in many cases to partially or fully restore a claimant to work before six months of disability have elapsed. All clients who apply for Social Security Disability benefits are referred to the Project before anything concrete is decided. Whether a case is allowed or denied by Social Security, the Project accepts the client. A therapeutic counseling approach is one of the fundamental assets of the program, which strives to recognize and identify the emotional, environmental, and the physical aspects of the client's total problems. Often the entire family participates in counseling sessions. The program uses the concept that the sooner a client can gain a feeling of independence, the sooner he is on his way back to a rewarding and remunerative employment. The Project team is cognizant of the desirability of using all community agencies and facilities in order to provide the best possible services for a client. Every available discipline and facility is fused into one intensive, coordinated team effort on the part of the Project. ***** ** An Opportunity for Earning at Home Dade County, Fla.'s PCEH A large Miami Beach hotel wants representatives in the larger northern and midwestern cities of the U.S.A. and in Canada for example: Montreal, Toronto, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis and others. You would receive telephone inquiries from potential guests of the hotel. You would 1. Give them information, 2. Take names and arrange for the hotel to mail literature and/or you would make conditional reservations confirming dates with the hotel. The hotel promises 1. To pay telephone expenses, 2. Pay mailing expenses and 3. To pay you 10% of the guest's bill. Why Would Guests Telephone you? Well, the hotel will place ads in your local newspapers and make selective mailings to your area. In each they would list your special telephone number. No cash investment is required, but there is no guarantee of income. Your investment is time. The hotel invests money. Hopefully, you would both make money. Act immediately if you would like to be an information representative for the hotel. State your qualifications briefly and mail them to Dade's Employ The Handicapped Committee, 1351 N.W. 12th St., Miami, FL 33125. ***** ** Feel and Read, See and Read Christmas print and braille cards for 1968 are the best ever, reports Harry Fribush, 27 Colonial Ave., Albany, NY 12203, and orders should be placed early. For many months this fine project originated by Fribush has been conducted on a "Non-Profit" basis. Owing to the increase of everything used in the processing of the items he makes, he felt that many blind and deaf-blind people could not afford higher prices. For this reason cards and braille and print combination are listed at cost: 8 for $1.00, 14 for $1.00 and 18 for $1.10. Add 25 cents for name in print for each card set. Name brailled free by request only. Everyday cards are 8 and 14 for $1. Name printed as above. Friskies with hillbilly messages, 21 for $1.25, name in print 35 cents additional. Write for immediate service. Payment should accompany all orders, cards are sent postpaid. ***** ** Loretta's Corner After several months with little to chat about I now have so much to tell you I hardly know where to begin. Many of you have asked that I report on our recent travels and this is a request it will be very easy -- and a real joy -- to fill. The old saying about pinching oneself to believe it's true is really more truth than poetry. I actually find it hard to believe that I have been to the places which our pictures prove. Telling you about it also helps to make it real. From the time the great plane took off from Atlanta it seemed we'd never see anything but clouds, so I gave up and read or napped (mostly the latter after the hectic struggle to get off); hardly stirred when the steward advised that we were going over the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Las Vegas -- we'd toured these years before and that plane was still mighty high up. But then came Death Valley and the High Sierras. This I had to see! But on an aisle seat, three abreast, what chance? Looking to the rear there was a tiny porthole unoccupied. Below was an unbelievable sight. For nearly an hour, as clouds permitted, there stretched out, as far as eye could see at 30,000 feet up, barren desert, rugged ridges, tiny streams and taut across like a strip of tape, an occasional road. Then there were trees and we were told Yosemite was below. A neatly laid out city appeared and our magic carpet was about to set us down. At San Francisco I was met by Julie Bindt in whose gracious Berkeley home I was a guest for the weekend. With the assistance of her many charming friends I was shown much of this fascinating country. We toured Berkeley and the East Bay area with the unusual "Lillies of the Nile," large purple balls standing tall on long straight smooth stems, lining streets and parkways; the magnificent rose garden filling the air with a heavenly smell; the University -- and hippies in unbelievable weird garb; the neat new Albany Orientation Center with its intriguing colored glass mosaic titled "Circus" and cleverly designed kitchen cabinets in a most up-to-date home economics department; and dinner in an attractive and surprising spot overlooking the harbor. On Sunday lovely, patient Ann Jager of Oakland drove us along the ocean front through Marin County, stopping for picnic lunch among the majestic redwoods. Roadways were lined with eucalyptus trees, their deep-smelling leaves frustratingly out of reach; herons and cranes stood solemnly along Stinson Beach; Giant nasturtiums were growing wild in the ditches and up the trees. Then there was fascinating Sausalito with its fabulous Village Fair -- 40 quaint shops tucked in on the side of the hill, and cocktails at Sally Sanford's Valhalla, like stepping on to the dance-hall set of an old Western movie. And next day Julie and I were actually on the plane heading for Honolulu, all wrapped up in ripply blue sky and puffy white clouds again, with nothing but bright blue water below us for five hours -- and very short hours they were. Alas, however, since this is supposed to be merely a short "column" and not a lengthy book, our sojourn on those Heavenly Isles will have to wait until next issue. A pet peeve has now worked its way to the surface and is likely to explode guess I'll have to do something about it, like circularize newspaper and magazine offices, maybe. Every time there appears in print the word "read" in connection with the blind it appears just like that -- quotes and all. Now I wonder, do blind folks sniff, inhale, absorb, the material they feel or hear! The dictionary even defines the word, among other things, "to apprehend the meaning of, otherwise than with the eyes, as with the fingers." Why, oh why should the simple word so well defined be put in quotation marks when referring to the blind, who probably read more than any other group on earth! ***** ** Here and There with George Card From the AAWB NEWS AND VIEWS: The American Printing House for the Blind plan to experiment with a computerized technique to speed up production of printed material for the blind. It will work this way: Teachers at Perkins school will transmit by teletype material what they want printed in Braille. The printing house will feed this material into a computer which will produce a braille tape. This tape then will be relayed back to Perkins by wire. A newly developed braille writer at Perkins will receive the tape from the wire and automatically print out a readable braille page for students. -- A new, and decidedly different, manual for teaching braille has been recently published by the American Printing House for the Blind. The Handbook for Learning to Read Braille by Sight is designed to teach sighted friends and relatives of blind persons, as well as others, the basics of braille reading, without involving the learner in all the fine points of braille usage. Authored by Dr. Leland Schubert, copies may be obtained by writing the Printing House. The cost is $3.95. -- The program for the operation of the centers for deaf blind children, youths and adults passed during the past year by Congress may take some time to get under way because of the current drastic cutback in allowable expenditures for all domestic programs and projects. From the CNIB NEWS: A CNIB grant made to Dr. J. A. Moorhouse of the Winnipeg General Hospital will be used in a research project involving the lack of finger-tip sensitivity experienced by blind diabetics and it is hoped the knowledge gained may help these people to cope with this additional handicap. -- John Turner of Dallas, Texas, a young blind insurance agent, last year sold over a million dollars' worth of life insurance. -- John Day, a town in Oregon, has a blind man on its police force. He is Robert Shoun, 24, who with his guide dog is in charge of the night desk at the police station. -- For the first time in over a hundred years a blind man has been elected to the Swiss lower house. He is Fritz Tanner, a 44-year-old psychologist. From the American Medical Association NEWS: It is predicted that research may find means of eliminating dental cavities within ten years and that a new kind of glue for painless tooth filling may be developed through the study of barnacles. George Howeiler, blind lawyer of Sandy, Oregon, has written me about some very interesting litigation involving a suit to remove the Oregon Commission for the Blind as trustees managing a fund created by the last will and testament of Ella Munro Burdin for the benefit of the needy blind. The suit charged that trust funds have been used for non-trust purposes, that the Commission had an actual conflict of interest in renting trust property to itself and had failed to file annual reports as required by state law. The trial court found for the plaintiff and the Commission appealed. George wrote: "We are confident of receiving a favorable decision on the appeal. There may be similar situations in other states where an agency for the blind has misused its authority as trustee of funds, in which case the blind in those states might wish at least to investigate." The Montana OBSERVER reports that with the addition of Missoula, the Montana Association for the Blind now proudly boasts five official chapters. From the AFB NEWSLETTER: At an AFB-sponsored workshop at the San Fernando Valley State College the use of a special indicator for the deaf-blind is being taught. The indicator lets the deaf-blind person tactually differentiate the ringing, dial tone, busy signal and "yes-yes," "no," and "please repeat" responses from the person called. -- As a result of responses to AFB queries sent to the 250 Spanish speaking radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the Public Education Division is now sending out radio spot announcement kits in Spanish. The spots deal with career opportunities for the blind, aids and appliances, talking books, kitchen aids, guide dogs, travel concessions. From the ABC DIGEST: After 27 years of devoted service to all the blind of California, regardless of affiliation, Perry Sundquist retired on June 30 as Chief, Division for the Blind. He has become editor of the Braille Monitor. He was honored at a special luncheon in connection with the ACB convention on July 21. Perry was the banquet speaker at the 1953 national convention in Milwaukee. -- Bill AB-361, lumping all the categories of aid together, is still in committee. Also, the bill by Senator Schmitz publishing names and addresses of aid recipients is still in committee. We hope these bad bills will die in committee. -- Bert Chombeau, at whose San Diego home Darlene and I were guests in 1961, earned both bachelor's and master's degrees and acted as a counselor for a small agency in order to prepare himself for the civil service examination for teacher-counselor. He was arbitrarily disqualified when the panel learned that he had not asked for any salary from the small agency for which he counseled. In his letter to the editor of the Digest he writes: "There are those individuals who feel that blind persons make excellent rehabilitation clients and good sounding boards for lip service about self-sufficiency, self-support and human dignity but apparently we are expected to remain or become upstanding, self-respecting, self-reliant wards of the state." -- Fred Pearson wrote: "The rejection of blind persons by the larger state-licensed boarding homes, at least in the San Diego area, I found to be entirely too real and the reasons given arbitrary and unrealistic. We recognize, of course, that not all blind persons who wish to enter a boarding home should be permitted to do so but we are firmly convinced that the regulations as presently drawn or interpreted are doing a great injustice to many of our blind whom we know to be ambulatory in spite of other definitions to the contrary and that it is just as wrong to exclude all blind persons from these homes as it would be to admit all sighted persons. The state of New York's licensing agency has announced that it will license no more special homes for the blind and indicating that blind persons who need to live in retirement homes should enter general homes since it is better for the blind to live with sighted people". -- Andrew Marrin, Chief, Division of Vocational Rehab, State Dept. of Rehab, retired on March 31 after 34 years of state service. -- With a new "rate-controlled speech" method, tapes can be hurried without raising the voice pitch and creating the "chipmunk" effect. This enables blind students to hear more words in a given space of time and learn more quickly. -- The Orientation Center for the Blind at Albany will soon be operating at full capacity for the first time, serving 40 blind clients, with six more teachers. -- Good eating habits can become as comfortable as the bad ones if worked on and used constantly. The world may seem to excuse your offensive eating habits because of a visual problem but its expectations and standards do not change and you find yourself in that isolated place called "Second Rate." -- "There are more jobs for the blind than qualified persons to fill them," says Calif. Director of Welfare John C. Montgomery in evaluating a three-year experimental program in Alameda County. "With adequate training and motivation even older blind persons who have been out of work for many years and experienced several employment failures can be placed in jobs," Montgomery believes. -- The present practice of using sheltered workshops for vocational training purposes by the Calif. Dept. of Rehab. can lead to nowhere but disappointment and despair. The year 1967 was Donald Wing Hathaway's 40th at the Hadley School for the Blind and May, 1968, marked his 10th year as its Executive Director. During that 40 years the enrollment has increased from 1 to over 3000 students and the number of courses offered from 1 to 130. He has seen the faculty increase from 1 to 48. During the same period the budget advanced from a few thousand dollars to about $352,000 for 1968. During the past 10 years branches of Hadley have been established in Nathanya, Israel and in Bogota, Buenos Aires, Florence, Madrid, Paris and Mexico to serve students in those areas more effectively and promptly. -- In 1967 Hadley School sponsor, Mr. George Shearing, the world-famous blind pianist, enrolled in business law, a Hadley course which he studies in Braille. From the CCB OUTLOOK: Three young scientists are working on ways to make computers talk automatically as nearly like humans as possible. One ultimate benefit is likely to be a machine that can read to the blind ... One of the scientists foresees the day when a blind person using a page-scanning device will be able to transmit the words to a remote computer and receive back the voice reading with a device small enough to strap on his wrist. -- In describing procedure at an eye camp in India an article continues: "After a snack lunch (biscuits and a banana) the operating session started and continued without interruption for 4 hours. 'We are going rather slowly this afternoon,' said Dr. Bass. This amazed me, as he was doing cataract operations at a steady rate of 24 an hour. This extraordinary speed of working is made possible by the mass production system used. By 6:00 that evening we had done 95 cataract operations. Dr. Bass considered that of the 95 patients, 94 would have sight restored or substantially improved." From the KAB NEWS: In business, government and morality, a physical handicap is not an excuse for lack of insight. -- The 1968 Kansas legislature provided funds for two additional teachers at the Rehabilitation Center in Topeka, as well as expansion of the shop there. -- The legislature approved the hiring of two badly needed teachers at the State School -- provided their salaries should be paid out of any Federal funds available to the school. This creates an impossible situation as teachers cannot be hired with their salaries depending on an indefinite Federal grant. From the OCB BULLETIN: Glen and Katherine Hoffman celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on June 10. Glenn was a co-founder of the NFB and founder of the Cleveland chapter of the OCB. He will be remembered by all who attended earlier national conventions. Louie Armstrong is getting tired of friends asking when he's going to retire. "Where I come from, musicians don't retire. They just stop when there ain't no more gas." From the PEORIAREA OBSERVER: Mr. Tom Hunter, chairman of the Oppenheim Trust, decided that one of the new I.B.M. typewriters should be purchased and placed at the Blind Center for the use of both blind and sighted persons in the area. As times goes on, we feel that more braille material will be needed for various purposes and that such a machine will come in handy for our secretaries and others. -- For years we have believed that Pauline Gohde was the oldest blind person in the world, having known Abe Lincoln and others, but there is a man living in a mountainous area of Russia who is 168 years old and can prove it. From the UNION LABOR NEWS: Man is still the most inexpensive, non-linear, all-purpose computing system that is capable of being mass-produced by unskilled labor. From the August READER'S DIGEST: Today some seven million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses -- the overwhelming majority of them corneal lenses which are worn for cosmetic reasons. The early scleral contact lenses had a flaw. An auxiliary fluid had to be used in the corneal vault, between the lens and eye, to replace the flow of tears - shut off by the tight-fitting scleral shell. But this artificial fluid could not deliver the ever-fresh supply of oxygen the cornea requires. After a few hours of wearing the lens the eye would be "suffocating" -- an irritating condition at best, and one that can be extremely painful. Today's scleral lens, however, solves the problem. Constructed to float on the thin layer of natural tears, it has a tiny hole drilled at one edge of the corneal vault which allows the back-and-forth transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Further, this made possible a "minimal clearance" scleral lens, fitted much closer to the cornea. A corneal contact lens has a tendency to move about and when it moves, it changes the focus of images. A scleral lens, on the other hand, is molded to the contours of the eye and held in place by the eyelids. It stays right where it's supposed to be, so the field of vision and the focus of images remain constant at all times. Scleral contact lenses have also demonstrated their therapeutic value in conditions such as chemical burns and corneal ulcers. They protect from the irritation caused by the eyelid and promote tears which seem to provide nutrition to the area. And they raise the temperature of the eye's surface, acting like a warm compress. The National Society for the Prevention of Blindness reports that three factors contribute to neglect of cataracts by older persons. (1) A belief that cataracts are an inevitable penalty of growing old and a philosophic acceptance of blindness and dependence through the late years. (2) A feeling of uncertainty and an inability to make any decisions which immobilize some older persons facing cataract blindness. These people literally forfeit their sight as an alternative to action. (3) The fear and worry associated with eye surgery based on a lack of information and source of counsel, often makes the acceptance of cataracts seem a lesser problem. Actually surgery is safe and effective in more than 95 times out of 100 in cataract operations. Unfortunately, a number of persistent myths has long militated against hiring of the handicapped. Three of the most frequently heard are: That handicapped workers are more likely to have accidents than other employees, that an employer's workmen's compensation insurance rates will rise if he hires handicapped workers, and that his insurance company "won't let him" hire handicapped persons. ALL OF THESE ARE FALSE. From the Washington WHITE CANE: Australia at present has no vending stands or snack bars operated by the blind. From PERFORMANCE: It is not enough for us to shout, "Employer, hire the handicapped." We must shout with equal vigor, "Handicapped person, be hireable." From LISTEN: A teletype machine that punches a tape I braille has been developed by Ray E. Morrison, a retired telephone company engineer. The device could be used effectively by blind radio announcers, teletype operators, stock brokers and others who use this type of information equipment. -- A blind child has 60 years of usefulness or dependency ahead of him. Until recently estimates were of 400,000 legally blind people in the U.S. and in addition 2 million visually impaired; a more recent census indicates that the figure may be as high as 900,000 blind and a proportionate increase in the number of visually impaired. -- John F. Mungovan writes: Our vending stand operators become so expert in management that they know more about the actual day-to-day operation than do our staff members. Last year the average net income per stand amounted to $6,321 ... The most effective means of demonstrating the capabilities of blind persons is the man or woman operating a vending stand. Hundreds, and more frequently thousands, see him working at his stand every day. They are therefore daily confronted with an active, energetic, capable person who is blind ... Prior to June of 1958 our vending stand program was what is known in the jargon of work for the blind as a "control program." ... In that year we set up the present independent management type program which has been so successful that we now have more than twice the number of stands we had ten years ago, and the operators experience not only an increase of income but a pride of ownership and accomplishment. ... We encouraged the operators to form an association for the exchange of information and the mutual benefit of all. We also encourage the association to establish a grievance committee to protect the operators from arbitrary decisions of our Commission. -- There are nearly 30,000 blind college graduates in the U.S., according to the American Foundation for the Blind. From the WHITE CANE BULLETIN (Fla.): The Sarasota Chapter has met very urgent needs by purchasing four tape recorders for the use of blind children in its public schools and a large print dictionary for its local library. It is contemplating the purchase of another such dictionary for the local school system. -- The high point of the annual convention in Daytona Beach was the banquet at which Don Cameron was toastmaster. It seemed like old times to hear Don introducing and kidding. ... The principal banquet speaker was Judge Reese Robrahn, President of ACB. He is an accomplished and polished speaker whose presentation is modest, restrained and convincing. ... The next day Don Cameron moved for affiliation with ACB and this time it was carried unanimously. A potent factor in the decision was the opening of the American Council's Washington office under the guidance of Durward McDaniel, who also attended and spoke at our convention. As a final action, the Executive Board voted to send its President, Richard Knight, to ACB's annual convention in San Francisco. Mr. Knight had been unanimously re-elected as FFB President. ***** ** Letters from Readers (Addresses Furnished on Request) Jacklyn Redinger, Spokane, Wash.: I borrowed a copy of the Braille Forum from the library and I was quite impressed. This magazine has an awfully general goal and to appeal to people with so many varied interests as its readers would have is quite an attempt: The only thing that the readers of the Braille Forum have in common is their blindness. ... I am a student at the University of Washington, but ... Raymond Cheever, ACCENT on Living, Bloomington, Ill.: I just received the latest issue of the FORUM and enjoyed it immensely. You put out a very clean looking and well edited publication and I find it very valuable as a source of some very excellent material pertaining to the blind. ... Gussie Unterman, Brooklyn, NY: .... Not only does the FORUM afford me great pleasure but it gives me the information needed in many areas. ... Otherwise I would miss out on much information that is vitally needed. ... Willie Gene Saunders, Pittsburg, Pa.: Please send the print FORUM to my employer. ... W. Preston Clemons, Wytheville, Va.: ... I read where you had a magazine for the blind. I have never heard of the American Council or this publication ... The advertisement makes it sound like a very interesting publication. Howard Schwartz, Garden City, N.J.: I expect to be better informed through the use of your program. ... (These letters are typical of dozens we have received in the past few months.) LaGrand Crawford, Norwalk, Conn.: I am hoping this (magazine) will help keep my group up to date. ... Mae Yingling, Cherry Tree, Pa.: I wish to thank all who have made this magazine available. I appreciate your effort and know other blind do, too. ... Will Bowman, Los Angeles, Cal.: We were surprised at your qualification on the article on the Burton Bill, the National Aid grant proposal that would pay the blind $242 a month to start with; and your statement that you did not support this worthy proposal and that the directors of the American Council did not support it either, and the question is "Why?" If we don't support this, what do we support? What is the use of two National organizations having an office in Washington? ... The American Council ... still promoting rehabilitation foolishness in the form of job placements, not realizing that the majority of the blind were past the age of 60 and could not use it ... leaving only ten percent of the rehabilitation to use as a means of livelihood. The answer to our needs is the Burton Bill, and to you who are downhearted for lack of even car fare, I say, there is yet hope. If you will write to your senator and congressman urging the passage of the Burton Bill. Amanda Farley, Allegan, Mich.: People often express a desire to see more letters from readers in the FORUM. I would like to see that, too. For every letter printed for a subject there is one printed against it -- so where do we go? The Burton Bill would free blind people from agencies. I have been blind for 27 years and I cannot see how any blind person can be sufficient unto himself. ... The Burton Bill would enable us to have a reader and many things we must now go without. ... I suppose success stories do help to bolster the ambition of people, but other than that do little good. I would like to see more discussion on this. Helen Nappilitano, Jackson Heights, NY: I had intended being at the ACB convention but due to eye surgery plans were changed. As a deaf-blind I would like to speak on behalf of our magazine "Good Cheer." The editor is having financial problems in meeting the cost of the publication. He had to cut down on the number of pages in order to make ends meet. The number of deaf-blind requesting the magazine has increased ... Any small donations may be sent to the editor, Jack Murphey, 4103 Castleman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110. Mike Sofka, Newark, NJ: The short piece "Let's Face It" in the May FORUM tells the truth although some of the national agencies claim to be educating the general public about blindness. Ned's Corner ... is another good and factual report on the ways of agencies who purport to be dedicated to the rehabilitation of blind people. ... Even organizations that call themselves "workers for the blind" seem to be ignoring this mess ... all applications for services require current information, so why the need of case history folders from discovery-to-the-grave? Certainly not for statistical purposes which can be misused ... The team of Freeman and Freeman as well as the associate editors are already doing a very good job because the BRAILLE FORUM is getting better with each issue. ... Cooperation pays dividends. I sincerely hope so. The fact that several prominent ACB members are now on some boards and committees along with agency personnel does bring us a spark of hope which could lead to something truly tangible. ... So I truly hope that you, Reese and other ACB leaders will experience better results on those boards and committees. Jerry Plumner, Chowchilla, CA: .... I am sure I have seen a 28-cell slate which comes with a pad. This is made on the order of a board slate. ... For taking notes I can't think of anything better than our old standby, the 28-cell pocket slate. Eva Zoe Delia, Olean, NY: I am totally deaf-blind so of course I depend on braille for making things clear to me. Although I have everything for the deaf-blind and know both one- and two-hand manuals I find braille the best. I thank God for slate of any style. ... I could never bother, lugging a braille writer around -- not even the little Banks, though they are easy -- but you can use a slate in bed or in an easy chair! I have often wondered why no one has made a plastic board for slates, it would be lighter. I think we have much to be thankful for. The old slates had heavy brass grooved plate and a brass cell guide, weighed about two pounds and were so clumsy and noisy if the stylus flipped it would set your teeth on edge. The old pocket slate was also brass and weighed more than a pound. I remember how pleased our teachers were when the APH sent the first lot of the new pitted braille slate. They were silver color and so much lighter. They had just 30 cells and children loved them. ... I read the FORUM and watch the laws but sometimes the letters seem very selfish. Horace Martin, Atlanta, GA: Who will do something? The reason I know this needs to be done, I am blind. We need some kind of transportation. In a large city several hundred blind men and women sit at home each day, l bringing on some sort of chronic disease, just thinking of themselves, because they have no way to go to a club, or other outing, so they can have recreation with other people. This is needed so bad. Being blind is not the worst there is, and we don't ask for pity, but please take this to heart. Folks say, Oh, they are doing OK, they draw a monthly grant, but the grant is not all we need, we need to cultivate ourselves by getting out. God bless you. ***** ** Refugees from the Round File "Security is an Eye Patch" is a free comic book, featuring "Peanuts" characters, recently released by the U.S. Public Health Service's National Center for Chronic Disease Control. The innocent looking little booklet tells the very important story of Sally Brown and her playmates Linus, Snoopy, and Charlie and the eye examination that showed she had "Lazy eye." "Lazy eye" must be detected before age six or it may cause blindness. A copy is available from the Center, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Va. 22203. A new monthly service that will provide outstanding books on long-playing records for the blind and other handicapped persons has ben announced. In cooperation with Recording for the Blind, Inc. and the Book-of-the-Month with Club, the Recorded Book Society will make newly published books and some "valuable library standbys" available on a subscription basis. Persons enrolled will receive an advance description of the current monthly selection plus several alternates, and they may choose the selection, an alternate, or none for that month. First issues include, "The Confessions of Nat Turner" by Wm. Styron, "Twenty Letters to a Friend" by Sam Levenson, and "Profiles in Courage," by John F. Kennedy. As an introductory offer any of these will be sent as a "trial subscription," to be returned within two weeks, by writing The Recorded Book Society, 345 Hudson St., New York City, NY 10013. (All titles so far published are available on loan from Regional Libraries.) Irvin P. Schloss, AFB legislative analyst in Washington, was unanimously elected to a second term as National President of the Blinded Veterans Assn. at the Association's convention in San Francisco in July. The following information has come to us from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County (Tenn.) Economic Opportunity Office: Reader service through the medium of the tape recorder is now being offered by Mrs. R.M. Ewbank, 13 Prairie Schooner Circle, Hixson, Tenn. 37343 - telephone (615) 877-6241. Mrs. Ewbank reads in a very articulate telephone manner with a slight British accent and her ability and talent is recommended. Two periodicals in the computer field are now available from Science for Blind, 221 Rockhill Rd., Bala-Cynwyd, Pa. 19004: "Communications of the ACM" contains moderately technical articles on the subject of computer programming and computer work in general. "Computing Reviews" contains bibliographical information and abstracts on literature in the computer field. Franklin Clark has announced a new edition of the instruction manual "Touch and an Occasional Tap with Sensi-Quik, the touch-cane of the Go-Sees." The booklet is available in both braille and recordings (disk and tape) and introduces the new fiberglass cane. "I suppose the blind will always be beholden to their leaders of great gifts who in their own lives have taken their disability in their stride," writes Clark. ... "However, the blind individual of even average ability who gets out with a touch cane and music in his heart of the little engine that said, 'I can, I can,' comes into a kind of leadership in his own right." The Tulsa County Chapter of the Blind (Okla.) reports results of their recent election of officers: Bill Eden, president; Shirley Williams, vice-president; Dorothy Thalman, Secretary; Ruby Harshfield, Treasurer; Goldie Equals, Welfare Chairman; Eddie Bradley, Entertainment Chairman. "We have a very progressive chapter and are planning a very busy year," writes the secretary, "and we enjoy the FORUM very much." From "Ephpheta," New York: In Kansas City the Community Service Agency for the Deaf offers them aid in communicating with others in emergencies. A card which the deaf person carries is presented to someone who can speak on the phone. The person who calls the number on the card tells the agency that the deaf person has need of an interpreter. The agency is prepared to provide this help through a staff member skilled in the sign language. ... The National Center for Health Statistics has taken a survey which shows that, in general, hearing seems to be less keen in white than in Negro adults. People who live in the South tend to have better than normal hearing, and country people are more likely to have better hearing than city people. Actress Agnes Moorehead, of the popular weekly TV series "Bewitched," is studying the language of the deaf with a private instructor. When she has mastered the signs she will use them in her dramatic readings, presented to schools for the deaf throughout the country. Seeing deaf artists perform impressed her greatly and she said it would be exciting to do something like this herself. A nature trail designed for blind persons has been opened in the White River National Forest, Aspen, Colorado. Visitors are guided along the trail by nylon cords and at stations along the way features of the terrain are described by signs in braille on glass fiber. U.S. Forest Service laid out the trail and Job Corps volunteers from a nearby camp constructed it. An interesting, inspiring and helpful little magazine is available, titled "Accent on Living." It is "dedicated to serving all handicapped people ... and is an authoritative clearing house for problems confronting handicapped people. ACCENT is published with the firm belief that each person gains invaluable experience and knowledge as the result of a physical handicap." For a sample copy, write - Accent on Living, 802 Reinthaler, Bloomington, Ill. 61701. The Braille Institute of America, Inc., 741 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90029, is offering a 72-page monthly magazine for the blind featuring editorials and articles from national newspapers and magazines. A $15 gift subscription provides a year's reading pleasure. (Check with your Regional Library about a copy on loan.) The Rev. Harry J. Sutcliffe, a blind priest who heads New York Episcopal Guild for the Blind, received a B'nai B'rith award for his teaching of Hebrew braille to persons of the Jewish faith. Father Sutcliffe is a charter member of ACB and was a speaker at the ACB convention in Chicago. In addition to his New York activities, he is an instructor for the Hadley School in Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Irving Selis reports, "Father Sutcliffe speaks better Yiddish than I do!" New York City's License Commissioner has disclosed a list of 30 items which may be sold by sidewalk news dealers to help hoister sagging incomes, due, according to the dealers, to the death of five major newspapers in four years. The news dealers, backed by the New York Association for the Blind and the Newspaper Circulation Managers, fought for the new rules during lengthy City Council hearings. The items include address books, batteries, change purses, nail clippers, pens and pencils, playing cards, rainwear, sewing kits, etc. The House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported HR 12843 which would establish a National Eye Institute as one of the National Institutes of Health to focus on research into blinding eye disease, visual disorder and the special health problems and requirements of the blind. The bill was passed by the House late in July and sent to the Senate which is expected to act favorably. ***** ** ACB Officers President: Reese Robrahn, 539 New England Building, Topeka, Kansas 66603 1st Vice President: George Card, 605 South Few St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703 2nd Vice President: Vernon Williams, 217 Western Union Bldg., Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401 Secretary: Mrs. Mary Jane Schmitt, 510 Tarrington Rd., Rochester, New York 14609 Treasurer: Fred Krepela, 363 Court St., N.E., Salem, Oregon 97301 ** Directors Mrs. Catherine Skivers, 836 Resota St., Hayward, California 94545 Floyd Qualls, 106 N.E. 2nd St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 F.W. Orrell, 5209 Alabama Ave., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409 Dr. S. Bradley Burson, 917 Kenyon St., Downers Grove, Illinois 60515 J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina 28205 David Krause, 2121 - P St. N.W., Apt. 615, Washington, D.C. 20009 Fred Lilley, 7629 Dale St., Richmond Heights, Missouri 63117 Don Cameron, 4416 Vasconia Ave., Tampa, FL 33609 ###