The Braille Forum Vol. VIII September 1969 No. 2 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * Editor: Alma Murphey 4103 Castleman Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Associate Editors: George Card 605 South Few St. Madison, WI 53703 Earl Scharry 5714 Ridgeway Ave. Rockville, MD 20851 * President: Reese Robrahn 329 Woodbury Lane Topeka, KS 66606 * National Representative: Durward K. McDaniel 20 E Street NW Suite 215 Washington, DC 20001 To inform its readers and to provide an impartial Forum for discussion. * Editorial Assistant Loretta Freeman 136 Gee's Mill Rd. Conyers, GA 30207 ** ACB Board of Publications Chairman -- Miss M. Helen Vargo 833 Oakley St. Topeka, KS 66606 Alaric Nichols 46 Chestnut Ave. Brattleboro, VT 05301 Kenneth Hinga State Dept. of Social Service 426 West South Street Kalamazoo, MI 49006 Jack Lewis 770 Hemlock St. Macon, GA 31201 George Fogarty 2107 - 28th St. San Francisco, CA 94112 ***** ** 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, 106 N.E. 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Letters and material for publication should be submitted to the Editor or to one of the Associate Editors. True to its name, the BRAILLE FORUM presents varied viewpoints on many questions. The opinions expressed in the signed articles and letters appearing in these pages are those of the authors. They are presented for your information and consideration. No implication of approval or endorsement by the editors or the American Council of the Blind should be inferred because of publication in this magazine. ***** ** Table of Contents Notice to Subscribers From the Publications Board, by M. Helen Vargo A Word from the Editor President's Message, by Reese H. Robrahn Convention Report, by Mary Jane Schmitt Resolutions Adopted by the 1969 Convention Vending Stand Amendments, by Durward K. McDaniel Reading Assistants for the Blind Preparation for College, by George W. Keller Blind Computer Programmers Organize, by John Simpson National Credit Union Committee Formed, by Rosemary Distifan Let's Take Up Bowling, by Oral O. Miller Here and There, by George Card ACB Officers Directors ***** ** 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 and address changes for the Forum, braille, large type and tape editions should be sent to Oklahoma League for the Blind, 106 N.E. 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 Attention: Floyd Qualls. There is no charge for the magazine, but please bear in mind that the ACB is temporarily confronted with a serious financial problem. Therefore, gifts are warmly welcomed and should be sent to: Fred Krepela, Treasurer, American Council of the Blind, 241 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301. ***** ** From the Publication Board By M. Helen Vargo The ACB constitution stipulates that the Board of Publications shall meet at least once each year accordingly, we met in Charlotte, North Carolina, July 15th. A major deliberation was considering nominations for editor of the Braille Forum. Editorship is a time-consuming job, entailing much reading, writing, rewriting, evaluating material submitted for publication, scheduling materials for each issue, arranging articles, getting three forms of the Forum to press on time, etc. The job requires much cooperation from associate editors, as well as from many other members, officers, committee chairmen, and unspecified editors, We are very fortunate to find a person with previous editorship experience, who is very active in the work of this organization in its formative years. She is blind herself, and is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of blind persons, and is open to ideas related to implementing methods of improving the general welfare of the blind and visually handicapped; plus the fact, she is willing to assume the editorship, knowing full well that she is assuming a heavy responsibility. Your new editor is Mrs. Alma Murphey, St. Louis, Mo. We wish to commend Mrs. Freeman -- affectionately known by this group as Loretta -- for the excellent May and July issues of the Forum which she assumed primary responsibility for. In the face of personal sorrow and grief, this was not an easy task; but her loyalty to the organization, and personal conviction about the importance of the publication saw her through. She is intimately acquainted with the minute details involved in getting the Forum out, and without her courage to tackle the job immediately, these issues would not have been in your hands on time. Our deepest appreciation to you, Loretta, for an excellent job. A fitting memorial for the late Ned E. Freeman was another major consideration by the Board of Publications. Subsequently, the Board of Directors sanctioned the following proposal: That there be a Ned E. Freeman Forum Article of the Year Award, carrying with it a $100.00 cash prize and a certificate of recognition. The article selection is to be made by the editorial staff, and announcement of the winner is to be made at the annual convention. The selection is to be the best article published in the regular issues of the Forum year beginning July 1, running through June 30. This seems a most appropriate continuing tribute to our beloved Ned, first president of ACB, and more recently a most able editor of the Forum. (An appropriate motion from the floor of the convention was unanimously adopted to implement the above proposal.) The Publications Board is in the process of reviewing the policy statement for the Forum; as well as exploring the possibility and feasibility of having a Talking Book Edition of the Forum. Action and findings on these matters will be reported later. By virtue of Alma Murphey being appointed to editorship of the Forum, and of the expiration of the term of Harriet Fielding, two vacancies occurred on the Board of Publications -- one to be filled by convention election and one to be filled by presidential appointment. Accordingly, during its last session, the convention elected Alaric Nichols, Vermont, and since the convention the president has appointed Kenneth Hinga, Michigan, to fill these two vacancies. The members of the Board of Publications are: George Fogarty, California; Jack Lewis, Georgia; Alaric Nichols, Vermont; Kenneth Hinga, Michigan, and M. Helen Vargo, Chairman, Kansas. ***** ** A Word from the Editor Dear Readers, The Braille Forum isn't the place to record secrets, but I can't help whispering to you that this editorial job was never one of my goals; it isn't the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. As a matter of fact, I accepted it with great reluctance, and with sincere regret that our more accomplished members were "too busy" for the assignment. However, I do feel highly honored that the ACB Board of Directors as well as the Board of Publications seemed confident that I wouldn't wreck the ship. So, while relying heavily upon tact, courage and wisdom of President Reese Robrahn, Washington Representative Durward McDaniel, sweet Loretta Freeman, my veteran editorial colleagues George Card and Earl Scharry, and many others, I promise to do my best. As everybody surely knows, all members of the American Council of the Blind were shocked and grief-stricken by the death of our beloved Ned Freeman, who had figured so prominently in the founding, growth and activities of the organization. Whatever one's role in the ACB, he must still be "all shook up" over that tragic event. Generally speaking however, we shall feel our loss most keenly when reading the Braille Forum because, of all the ACB programs, the Forum was dearest to Ned's heart and most profoundly influenced by his hopes, his ideals, his philosophy -- his personal touch that is as inimitable as his fingerprints or signature. We shall carry on Ned's work to the best of our ability, of course; yet the Forum will never be quite the same -- we must face the fact that change is inevitable. Your comments and suggestions (either typed or brailled) will be most welcome. But only the more urgent communications can be answered. The reason: domestic duties and involvement with half a dozen time-consuming projects. Three cheers for the Braille Forum! Mrs. Alma Murphey, Editor ***** ** President's Message By Reese H. Robrahn In harmony with the general purpose of the American Council of the Blind -- to strive for the betterment of the total community -- we have actively sought representation on the United States Delegation to the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind. Our endeavor came to fruition in February of this year when the American Association of Workers for the Blind relinquished its seat; and the Delegation then voted to assign one of the vacated seats to the American Council and the other vacated seat to the Blinded Veterans Association. For the first time in the history of the United States Delegation to the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind there became equal representation of organizations and agencies for the blind and organizations of the blind. The United States Delegation is now comprised of one representative from each of the following: The American Council of the Blind The American Association of Workers for the Blind The Association of Educators for the Visually Handicapped The American Foundation of the Blind The Blind Veterans' Association The National Federation of the Blind In April of this year your President was elected to the Executive Committee of the World Council, the other two United States members of the Executive Committee are: M. Robert Barnett representing the American Foundation of the Blind and Louis Rives representing the American Association of Workers for the Blind. The World Council for the Welfare of the Blind is presently comprised of 52 member nations. The number of delegates to which each is entitled is determined on the basis of population. The World Council convenes in general assembly once every five years, and its fourth general assembly will convene at New Delhi, India, October 6th 18th, 1969. The American Council has accorded me the privilege and honor of representing it at New Delhi, and Nelda and I are busily making arrangements for the journey and stay in India. We look forward to this opportunity to acquire new friends for the American Council and new knowledge and "know how" relating to any and all aspects of the education of and work for the blind. The general assembly will hear many interesting papers and presentations such as: "Mutual Assistance in the Next Five Years," by Boris Zimin of Russia. "Preparing the Blind to Live in an Age of Science," by Senator Mrs. L.J. de Seneviratne, Ceylon. "Social Service as an Aid to Fuller Living," by General Aramis Ammannato, Italy. The delegates will be treated to a tour of the Taj Mahal and visits to the Government of India Blind Welfare Establishments at Dehra Dun. You will hear more about the World Council meeting in future issues of the FORUM. ***** ** 1969 Convention Report By Mary Jane Schmitt At the 1969 convention of the American Council of the Blind, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the attendance was the best we've ever had -- well over 250 people coming and going throughout convention. For the most part, the program followed the outline contained in the July FORUM, and the diversified program items proved to be both informative and entertaining to the delegates. M. Helen Vargo, Chairman of the Board of Publications, reported the selection of Alma Murphey to edit THE BRAILLE FORUM with George Card and Earl Scharry continuing in their capacity as Associate Editors. Mrs. Vargo further reported that, as a memorial to Ned E. Freeman, her committee recommended the establishment of a Ned E. Freeman Forum Article of the Year Award. The committee suggested that this award be given annually at the ACB convention and that it be in the among of one hundred dollars, accompanied by an appropriate certificate. The convention subsequently accepted the report of the Publications Board and established this Forum Award as a memorial to ACB's own Ned. The convention adopted a motion which requires the president to appoint a Guidelines Committee which will be charged with setting up a set of guidelines to be used by future Convention Committees, so that the numerous problems encountered during preparations for a national convention can be minimized. The convention adopted several resolutions which will appear elsewhere in this issue. After a report on the Programmer Seminar held prior to and in conjunction with this ACB convention, a motion was passed requiring the American Council of the Blind to sponsor a similar seminar prior to our 1970 convention in Oklahoma City. By motion, the convention instructed the Guidelines Committee to include in its instructions for convention planning the idea of utilizing local clergy to officiate at nondenominational, interfaith invocational and memorial services for our conventions. As always, Friday evening's banquet was the outstanding highlight of the festivities. Mr. Harry Golden, outstanding author, humorist, and philosopher, delivered a highly inspirational address. Charters of affiliation were presented to the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and to the American Council of the Blind of Maryland. The recipient of this year's Ambassador Award was Mr. Clyde Ross, of Akron, Ohio, whose efforts on behalf of the blind need no explanation. In view of the resignation from the ACB Board of Directors by Mr. F.W. Orrell, it was necessary to hold an election to fill his unexpired term of one year. Mr. Arnold Whaley, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was unanimously elected to the Board. Since Alma Murphey had agreed to serve as Forum Editor, her place on the Board of Publications became vacant. This vacancy was filled by the election of Alaric G. Nichols, of Brattleboro, Vermont. Milwaukee, Wisconsin was overwhelmingly chosen as the 1971 ACB convention site. ***** ** Resolutions Adopted by the 1969 Convention (Editor's note: For the information of readers who did not attend the ACB convention at Charlotte, North Carolina, we are printing the full text of the eleven resolutions adopted by the convention. We hope you will study them and thus become familiar with at least one valid argument in support of each resolution.) * Resolution 69-1 Whereas, in recent years Congress has been following the policy of granting an ever broadening degree of discretion to Federal agencies which is used to develop the working details of their programs; and Whereas, in order to permit the affected members of the public to participate in the deliberations which preceded the exercise of such discretion, Congress has adopted the Administrative Procedure Act which provides for public notice of all proposed rule-making, including the promulgation of regulations and policy determinations of general application, and an opportunity to appear before the agency in an open hearing and express views on the proposals prior to the adoption of any final action by the agency; and Whereas, the various programs which are concerned with the education, rehabilitation and financial assistance of blind persons are all exempt from the terms of the Administrative Procedure Act, with the result that the entire segment of the affected public is most frequently not provided an opportunity to participate in the policy formation of programs which vitally affect them; Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind that the Congress is petitioned to amend the Administrative Procedure Act to the extent necessary to make all laws affecting the education, rehabilitation, or financial assistance of blind persons subject to the terms of the Act so that blind persons, organizations of the blind and agencies working for the blind might henceforth fully participate in the policy-making process for all programs developed under the authority of such laws. * Resolution 69-2 WHEREAS more than 3,000 blind persons are employed in vending stand programs established under the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and WHEREAS there is need for improving these programs through extension to additional locations and coverage of additional types of vending facilities; and WHEREAS there is need for clarifying and strengthening certain provisions of the present law affecting the rights of blind operators to administrative and judicial review of agency actions; and WHEREAS Senator Jennings Randolph has introduced into the Congress S. 2461, the Randolph-Sheppard Act for the Blind Amendments of 1969, which provides for many improvements in vending stand programs for the blind; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization support the amendments to the Randolph-Sheppard Act embodied in S. 2461. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-3 WHEREAS facilities operated by the United States Post Office Department are now covered by provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and WHEREAS there has been introduced into the Congress H.R. 11750, by Congressman Udall and others, which would provide for operation and management of the postal facilities of the United States by a government corporation to be called the United States Postal Service, instead of by the Post Office Department; and WHEREAS alternate proposals for postal reform are being considered by the Congress; and WHEREAS neither H.R. 11750 nor such alternate proposals provide for applicability of the Randolph-Sheppard Act to postal facilities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization seek the insertion of an amendment into H.R. 11750, or any alternate proposal under consideration, specifically making the Randolph-Sheppard Act applicable to all United States postal facilities under any new entity or administration. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-4 WHEREAS H.R. 11750, by Congressman Udall and others and alternate proposals for establishing a government corporation to operate United States postal facilities are being considered by the Congress; and WHEREAS such proposals do not provide guarantees for the continuation of free mailing privileges for braille, recorded, and related materials used by blind persons; and WHEREAS such mailing privileges are an indispensable factor in the carrying on of educational and library services and communication between blind persons and agencies serving the blind; and WHEREAS the ordinary costs for the sending of such mail would be prohibitive because of the media required; and WHEREAS the continuation of this indispensable service should not be contingent upon the decision of a new postal facility or upon an annual appropriation by the Congress; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization seek an amendment to H.R. 11750, or any alternate proposal for postal reform, which would provide guarantees for the continuation of the free mailing privileges which now exist for blind persons, libraries, and agencies serving the blind without respect to appropriations therefore by the Congress. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-5 WHEREAS H.R. 11750, by Congressman Udall and others, and alternate proposals for establishing a government corporation to operate the United States postal facilities are being considered by the Congress; and WHEREAS such proposals do not provide guarantees for the continuation of reduced rates for non-profit organizations using third class bulk mail; and WHEREAS the use of third-class mail at reduced rates is a significant factor in the operation of many non-profit organizations serving the blind and in the achieving of their worthwhile and socially desirable purposes; and WHEREAS the loss of such reduced rates would so drastically increase the cost of operation that it would seriously curtail the services of many such non-profit organizations serving the blind; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Bind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization support the inclusion of provisions in H.R. 11750, or in alternate proposals for postal reform, to assure the continuation of reduced rates for third class mail for non-profit organizations without respect to annual appropriations for such service by the Congress. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-6 WHEREAS the Federal-State programs for aid to the blind created by Titles X and XVI of the Social Security Act have not met the needs of eligible blind persons in most of the States; and WHEREAS it is a practical impossibility to cure the inadequacies existing in these programs on a State by State basis; and WHEREAS, even though most of the funds for aid to the blind are provided by the Federal government, many of the States are unwilling or unable to provide enough State appropriated funds to meet the needs of recipients of aid to the blind to an extent compatible with reasonable standards for decency and health; and WHEREAS there is no moral, legal, or philosophic justification for such unequal and inadequate treatment of any class of citizens; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization seek legislation to provide for an all Federal program of aid to the blind to be administered by the Social Security Administration; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such legislation include the following safeguards: 1) Provision for an amount of aid sufficient to meet the minimum basic needs of such blind persons and for additional amounts sufficient to meet special needs where they exist; 2) Provision of cost-of-living increases in aid to the blind in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index; 3) Provision of liberal eligibility standards which will meet the needs of applicants for and recipients of aid to the blind; 4) Provision of a guarantee that no recipient of aid to the blind will receive a reduced grant by reason of federalization of the program. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-7 WHEREAS the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare has recognized the need for greater participation by groups of consumers of services funded by Federal appropriations in the processes of planning, delivering, and evaluating such services; and WHEREAS this organization believes that such services could be materially improved by the participation, at all levels, of individuals and groups of such consumers; and WHEREAS this organization stands ready to cooperate in such processes of administration on behalf of consumers of service within its area of interest; and WHEREAS there is a need to establish regular procedures for such consumer involvement as a matter of right on a permanent basis by action of the Congress; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina that this organization support Federal legislation to establish as a matter of right the participation of citizen consumer groups and individuals in the administrative processes of planning, administering, and reviewing the services to the blind funded by Federal appropriations.; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such legislation provide for utilization and participation of consumers and consumer representatives in policy making and advisory bodies affecting services to the blind, at all levels where they may exist, and that the cost thereof be provided as a part of the cost of administration, including necessary transportation, per diem, and honoraria. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-8 WHEREAS the American Council of the Blind and other organizations of and for the blind have recognized the need and justification for travel fare concessions for blind passengers and accompanied by guides on buses, trains, and airplanes; and WHEREAS it is frequently necessary or desirable as a matter of convenience and safety for blind persons to have the assistance of sighted companions during travel and after arrival at their destinations; and WHEREAS such travel fare concessions have been authorized and have worked successfully for all concerned on buses and trains in the United States for more than 30 years and are permitted on airplanes in several European countries; and WHEREAS we believe that the same satisfactory experience would result if airlines were permitted to extend such travel fare concessions to blind persons with sighted guides without adversely affecting the costs or convenience of the airlines; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization reiterate its interest in and support of Federal legislation to permit airlines to extend travel fare concessions to blind passengers who are accompanied by sighted guides. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-9 WHEREAS organizations of and for the blind and the Congress have recognized the desirability and justification for exempting earned income of recipients of aid to the blind as an incentive for the achievement of self-support and for the attainment of better living standards; and WHEREAS the present provision for disregarding the first $85 of earned income and 50 percent of amounts in excess thereof has not been changed since its adoption even though the cost of living has increased substantially; and WHEREAS beneficiaries under Title II of the Social Security Act are permitted to earn greater amounts than those allowed for recipients of aid to the blind; and WHEREAS there is a great need of and ample justification for the revision of the amount of exempted earnings by recipients of aid to the blind; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization support Federal legislation to exempt earnings of recipients of aid to the blind in amounts comparable to those allowed to beneficiaries under Title II of the Social Security Act; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such legislation provide for periodic changes in the amount of such exempted earnings in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index. Approved July 18, 1969 * Resolution 69-10 WHEREAS there is no coordinated effort to encourage or to establish physical fitness activities for blind persons throughout the country; and WHEREAS this organization concurs with the President's Committee for Physical Fitness and Sports, and related public and private authorities, in the need for such activities and in the attending benefits therein; and WHEREAS several leading members of this organization have demonstrated ability and willingness to develop physical fitness projects in cooperation with other persons and organizations in communities throughout the country; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization authorize the establishment of a Physical Fitness Projects Coordinating Committee of the American Council of the Blind to achieve the establishment of such projects for blind persons throughout the country; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Physical Fitness Projects Coordinating Committee of the American Council of the Blind be authorized and requested to develop plans and activities for such projects in cooperation with the President's Committee for Physical Fitness and Sports, the United States Office of Education, and other interested public or private agencies and organizations. Approved July 19, 1969 * Resolution 69-11 WHEREAS Congress many years ago recognized the justification for an additional income tax exemption for blind persons; and WHEREAS the economic justification for this exemption is applicable to many other disability groups; and WHEREAS Congressman Wilbur Mills has introduced H.R. 424 to provide for an income tax deduction of up to $600 for expenses of transportation to and from work for blind and other disabled persons and an additional tax exemption for a taxpayer or spouse who has lost the use of one or more extremities; and WHEREAS other members of Congress have introduced related bills providing additional tax deductions or exemptions for disabled persons; and WHEREAS this organization is concerned with the needs of other disabled people; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at Charlotte, North Carolina, that this organization go on record in support of H.R. 424 by Mills and of related measures providing for additional income tax deductions or exemptions for disabled people. Approved July 19, 1969 ***** ** Vending Stand Amendments 1969, S. 2461 By Durward K. McDaniel On June 20, 1969, the 33rd anniversary of the enactment of the original Randolph-Sheppard Act, Senator Jennings Randolph, of West Virginia, one of the original authors, introduced S. 2461 which is analyzed below. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, and the members of the subcommittee which will be considering the bill are printed at the end of this article. S. 2461 would do the following: Change Section 1 of the Act to read as follows: "for the purpose of providing blind persons with remunerative employment, enlarging the economic opportunities of the blind and stimulating the blind to greater efforts in striving to make themselves self-supporting, blind persons licensed under the provisions of this Act shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any federal or other property. In authorizing the operation of vending stands on federal property, preference shall be given, so far as feasible, to blind persons licensed by a state agency as provided in this Act; and the head of each department or agency in control of the maintenance, operation, and protection of federal property shall, after consultation with the Secretary, and with the approval of the President, prescribe regulations designed to assure such preference (including exclusive assignment of vending machine income to achieve and protect such preference) for such licensed blind persons without adversely affecting the interest of the United States." The underscored words are not in the present act. The foregoing omits the following language which appears in the existing law: "Where such vending stands may be properly and satisfactorily operated by blind persons." And "without unduly inconveniencing such departments and agencies." These provisions are restrictive and have been limiting factors in the administration of the Act. S. 2461 changes the term "vending stand or stands" to "vending facility or facilities" at all places where it occurs in the Randolph-Sheppard Act; deletes the existing requirements of one year residence within the state and the minimum age of 21 years for blind licensees; deletes archaic language "but are able in spite of such infirmity to operate such stands"; changes the wording but not the effect of the definition of blindness; deletes restrictive language in the Act, "articles dispensed automatically or in containers or wrapping in which they are placed before receipt by the vending stand, and such other articles" and adds in lieu thereof the following new language, "foods, beverages and other such articles or services dispensed automatically or manually and prepared on or off the premises in accordance with all applicable health laws as determined by the State licensing agency"; defines "vending facility" -- "vending facility includes but is not limited to automatic vending machines, cafeterias, snack bars, cart service, shelters, counters, and such other appropriate auxiliary equipment (as the Secretary may be regulations prescribe) as are necessary for the sale of the articles or services referred to ... which are or may be operated by blind licensees."; requires after January 1, 1970, that in the design, construction, or substantial alteration or renovation of federal property (or in the renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring of space) for use by any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States, adequate space, electrical and plumbing outlets and other necessary requirements suitable for location and operation of a vending facility or facilities by a blind person or persons shall be provided after consultation in all respects with the Secretary or his designee and the State licensing agency who may make exceptions where the business would be insufficient to justify the location of a vending facility; provides in addition to the existing fair hearing provisions for arbitration of disputes between licensed blind operators and State licensing agencies by a board of three, one chosen by the operator, one chosen by the State licensing agency, and the third chosen by the first two; provides for arbitration of disputes of State licensing agencies and federal departments and agencies relating to the location or operation of vending facilities on federal property under their control by a board of three, one selected by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, one by the federal department or agency affected by the dispute, and a third arbitrator who shall not be an employee of these departments, selected by the two. The decisions of the arbiters are to be published and complied with; provides that any blind person or State licensing agency suffering a legal wrong because of any agency action or adversely affected or aggrieved by such action within the meaning of the Randolph-Sheppard Act or other relevant statutes shall be entitled to and shall have standing for judicial review thereof; and provides that the amendments would be effective as of January 1, 1970. It is very obvious that these amendments would greatly liberalize and permit a substantial expansion of the federal-state programs. S. 2461 has been endorsed and is being supported by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, the National Federation of the Blind, the National Council on Agencies for the Blind, the Blinded Veterans' Association, the American Foundation for the Blind, the American Association of Workers for the Blind, and the American Council of the Blind. Your expressions of interest in this legislation should be sent by letter, telegram, and/or telephone calls to the principal author, Senator Jennings Randolph (there are numerous co-authors) to the following senators who are on the Subcommittee on Health considering S. 2461: Subcommittee on Health Committee on Labor and Public Welfare * D for Democrat, R for Republican D Chairman: Ralph Yorbrough, Texas D Harrison A. Williams Jr., New Jersey D Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts D Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin D Thomas F. Eagleton, Missouri D Alan Cranston, California D Harold E. Hughes, Iowa R Peter H. Dominick, Colorado R George Murphy, California R Jacob K. Javits, New York R Winston L. Prouty, Vermont R William B. Saxbe, Ohio These senators may be addressed at the Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510. ***** ** Reading Assistants for the Blind (Editor's Note: The following bulletin appeared in The Government Employees Exchange of July 9, 1969.) UNITED STATES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION BULLETIN Washington, D.C. 20415 June 24, 1969 BULLETIN NO. 930-13 SUBJECT: Employment of Reading Assistants for the Blind Heads of Department and Independent Establishments: 1. The enactment of Public Law 87-614 (now section 3102 of title 5, United States Code) in 1962 established excellent means through which Federal agencies can employ reading assistants for blind employees. 2. Under this law, Federal agencies are authorized to employ reading assistants without compensation. A reading assistant may serve as a volunteer, or may be paid by the blind employee from his own funds, or may be paid by a nonprofit organization. Also, as stated in chapter 930, subchapter 6 of the Federal Personnel Manual, this law excepts reading assistants from the normal civil service selection and appointment procedures. 3. Another breakthrough for the blind occurred about the same time when the Rehabilitation Services Administration established a policy that vocational rehabilitation funds must be used to pay for the employment of reading assistants. This policy permits State divisions of vocational rehabilitation to pay for the services of reading assistants for their blind clients during the initial phase of their employment -- usually for a period of 6 to 12 months. Several states have taken advantage of this ruling, thereby assuring the entrance of blind persons into the world of work who might not otherwise have the opportunity to show their talents. 4. In some instances, Federal agencies have made effective use of the hiring authorities in section 3102. Recent examples of Federal blind employees who have used reading assistants are given below showing the grade levels at which they were appointed. Personnel Staffing Specialist GS-7. Interviews applicants and employees, rotates as an Intern. Reading assistant used 4 hours a week for initial 12 months. Tax Law Specialist, GS-7. Case work involving research, analysis, and writing. Reading assistant used continuously 20 hours a week since appointment in 1968. Education Specialist, GS-7. Designs, evaluates, implements educational counseling and guidance programs. Reading assistant used continuously 20 hours a week since appointment in 1966. Attorney, GS-9. Legal research in working up cases for hearings and appeals. Reading assistant 40 hours a week for initial 6 months. 5. Generally, however, employing activities have tended to consider most blind applicants ineligible because of their inability to read print, even though they might be highly qualified for the job they are seeking. This is particularly true in the entry level positions in the administrative, professional, and technical career fields where reading is a necessary part of the job. 6. It is urged that all Federal appointing officers become familiar with the employment authority for reading assistants, to seek and offer job opportunities to blind persons, and to work closely with State vocational rehabilitation agencies in obtaining the services of reading assistants. The blind person, aided as necessary by a reading assistant, can be a valuable human resource and can contribute substantially to the work of the Government. Nicholas Oganovic Executive Director BULLETIN EXPIRES: June 30, 1970 ***** ** Preparation for College By George W. Keller (Editor's Note: The author is State Supervisor of Services to the Blind, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Maryland State Department of Education.) It has long been agreed that the transition for blind students from high school to college can often be a difficult adjustment. This is true whether the student is a graduate of a residential school for the blind or has attended a public high school. As preparation for this transition, many State rehabilitation agencies have conducted summer programs in connection with residential schools for the blind or they have used programs especially designed for the college-bound blind student, such as those offered by the Chicago Lighthouse for the Bind, the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, and the Upstate Medical Center of New York University. The purpose of such programs is to give the student a realistic experience of college life and all that it entails. For many years, the Maryland Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has recognized the value of such training for its blind college trainees. This agency has used the program of the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and that of the Upstate Medical Center, New York University, for many of its clients preparing to enter college. The aim of such training is to sharpen the blind student's skills in mobility, note-taking, recording techniques, study skills and any other remedial work that seems to be indicated to allow for a smooth transition into college. Additionally, the student may need counseling in the areas of grooming and other activities of daily living. During the summer of 1969 the Maryland Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is sponsoring six of its clients at the Upstate Medical Center of New York University located at Syracuse, New York. In this program the students are housed in dormitories on the campus at Syracuse University and are enrolled in one of the summer courses at the University. Thus they are exposed to the realities of college life and the competition of the college classroom, which can be vastly different from that of any high school setting. Students are permitted wide latitude in the selection of a course for this six-week summer program, since the object is to help them improve on study skills and to be able to compete in a far more difficult academic setting. In the past the students have gained knowledge, skill, and confidence which obviously have made them capable of facing their new academic environments. The Maryland Division of Vocational Rehabilitation considers such programs a wise investment for most of its college-bound blind students. ***** ** Blind Computer Programmers Organize By John Simpson The first seminar for blind computer programmers was held July 15 and 16, 1969, in Charlotte, N.C. This seminar was sponsored by the American Council of the Blind and held in conjunction with ACB's annual convention. Thirty-six registered for the two-day meeting. Twenty-one of these were blind programmers. Representatives were present from five training schools for blind programmers, employers in the computer industry, rehabilitation personnel, and The Library of Congress. A major topic of discussion during the two days was the selection, training and placement of visually handicapped programmers. Valuable contributions were made by the participating programmers, particularly in the field of training and the rehabilitation representatives gave enlightening information on the problems of placement. The format of the seminar was a panel presentation. After each speaker, designated programmers were asked to react. Wednesday afternoon was devoted entirely to "shop talk." The general theme was, On-the-Job Problems. Out of this seminar came two important developments. One, an International Organization of Blind Programmers be formed. To implement this a three-man steering committee was elected and directed to draft a constitution and bylaws and to plan a seminar for 1970. The committee is: chairman Bob Lagrone, IBM, Washington, D.C.; Ray Jones, FAA, Oklahoma City; Mike Mady, Silas Mason & Co., Amarillo, Texas. Number two, to publish a report of the proceedings and findings of this seminar. It is felt that this report will be valuable particularly to rehabilitation counselors. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of this report may write to the Washington office of the ACB or to John Simpson, 7012 S. Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159. On October 9, 10 and 11 another national conference for blind programmers will be held at the Sheraton-Cleveland Hotel, Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio. This three-day conference is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Cleveland Society for the Blind. The conference will involve blind programmers, their employers, members of rehabilitation agencies and support groups. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 9. The $25.00 registration fee includes two luncheons, cocktail party, one braille and ink print copy of the proceedings and position papers. For further information write promptly to A.F. Collard, Conference Chairman, at Eastern Air Lines, Inc., Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida 33148. The 1970 seminar is scheduled for July 13 and 14 at the Skirvin Hotel Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And again is sponsored by the ACB, whose annual convention begins July 15. ***** ** National Credit Union Committee Formed By Rosemary Distifan A committee to promote credit unions to serve the blind was formed at the American Council of the Blind convention in Charlotte, N.C. this summer. Four Credit Unions operated by and for the blind, (North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma) met with Durward McDaniel, National Representative, as advisor. The purpose of this committee is to distribute information to the blind in every way possible telling of the availability of credit unions, their advantages and their purpose, to offer dependable saving and loan service to blind persons. You will be hearing more from us later. By the way, if you want to know about a Credit Union to serve you, contact A. Hamilton, 4800 Doris Avenue, Charlotte, N.C. 28205. ***** ** Let's Take Up Bowling By Oral O. Miller Would you honestly feel at ease if a friend were to ask you to go bowling with him? My question is directed to the totally blind, the partially blind and the sighted alike. Bowling in some form has been a popular sport since the days of the early Egyptians, but I do not know when it was first tried by a blind participant. I made my first feeble effort at bowling in the late 1940s during a brief visit at the Ohio School for the Blind in Columbus. However, the fact that the American Blind Bowling Association (ABBA) held its 22nd national championship tournament in New York last May indicates that a lot of blind people were bowling in leagues in several cities before the late 1940s. The ABBA was formed in order to promote an interest in ten-pin bowling among the blind and to conduct an annual championship tourney. At the first annual tournament, bowled in Philadelphia, there were fewer than twenty teams, whereas at the 1969 tournament there were one hundred and sixty-seven five-man teams and at least nine hundred and sixty individual participants (not all of whom took part in the team event). In recent years the tournament has been held in New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Louisville, and Washington, D.C. The 1970 tournament will be held in Detroit and the 1971 event will be in Portland, Oregon. In other words, the tournament is always held in a city within easy reach of most of our members. Nevertheless, many blind people throughout the country have not yet experienced the delight of rolling a bowling ball and, after hearing a resounding crash, learning that they knocked down all of the pins. Let it be known to those and everyone else that it is now more than merely possible for a blind person to bowl with and frequently beat his sighted friends. Although there are other aids and helpful procedures, the most widely used aid is the portable bowling rail. It is nine to twelve feet long, three feet high, and it is erected, when needed, alongside the bowling approach. The blind bowler uses it as a guide by sliding one hand along it while walking forward and preparing to roll his ball. Other blind bowlers use it as a directional guide and then deliver their balls from a stationary position. By either walking near or far from the rail a bowler can control where he rolls each ball, although there are other factors which also influence where each ball goes. A sighted scorekeeper then tells the bowler the location of the pins left standing. Bowling rails can be taken apart very easily and stored in bags or boxes. They do not have to be attached to the floor when being used; they are held in place by the weight of several bowling balls. Since they sit on small rubber bases, they do not damage the floor in any way. Rails are sold by the American Foundation for the Blind and they cost from twenty to twenty-five dollars. Since practice is needed to improve any skill and since bowling itself is a delightful form of recreation, the ABBA encourages the formation of sanctioned blind bowling leagues. The ABBA furnishes certain guidelines for the conduct of regular league bowling, but leagues are free to make most of their own rules regarding league competition. At various times during the season the ABBA sponsors inter-league competition -- such as the national championship tournament, an annual Mail-a-graphic tournament and a continuing program under which medals are awarded to bowlers who have bowled especially high scores. Tournament competition is categorized so as to match totally blind bowlers against other totally blind bowlers, partially blind bowlers against other partially blind bowlers, etc. When this arrangement is not used in tournament competition, a handicap is used to offset sight and other advantages. Since all blind bowlers must rely heavily upon sighted scorekeepers, categories have been created so they can also compete against other sighted bowlers in tournament. In many leagues a sighted person is a regular member of each team during regular league competition. This article cannot possibly answer all the questions that will arise regarding the formation and operation of bowling leagues, tournaments, etc. Anyone connected with the ABBA will be pleased, I am confident, to furnish any information he can, but I shall be especially happy to answer any questions and to give any assistance that the ABBA or I can give to anyone interested in taking up bowling or learning more about it generally. Since it is necessary to bowl a minimum number of games in order to be eligible for tournament competition and the various prizes and awards given by the association as well as by most of the sighted bowling associations to which many blind bowling leagues belong, I urge you to contact me as soon as possible so I can give you the information you need to start bowling. As I said earlier, let's go bowling! Oral O. Miller, President American Blind Bowling Association, Inc. 6327 31st Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20015 ***** ** Here and There By George Card From the Washington State White Cane: The $7.50 per month jump in Social Security that went into effect some two years ago wound up as a deduction in computing monthly grants by the State Department of Public Assistance. It just occurs to us that when the legislative hand of our state or nation feels moved to grant some small increase in some small way to needy people, they should take necessary actions to see that the other hand isn't going to take it away. This sort of thing perpetuates poverty, hopelessness and frustration for citizens unfortunate enough to be caught in the welfare rat race. -- "Thirty-eight years ago San McGee was blinded in a mine accident and invested the settlement, which was very meagre in those days, in a bit of land. He and his family have been struggling along ever since with the aid of a monthly blind assistance grant. McGee has cleared the land by himself and has put in his own water system from a spring. They have raised beef and hay for domestic use, selling the hay they didn't use. Now that way of life is threatened in the form of an ultimatum that he sell most of his land, brought about by an anonymous complaint. Contrast this with government payments to rich corporate farmers, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for not growing certain crops on their land, and the whole thing becomes just a bit ludicrous. It may be the law, but is it right? (Editor Al Fisher) -- It has been said by a number of authorities in the field that there are at least some 10,000 blind persons now residing in institutions for the mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed and chronically ill, not because of any primary diagnosis warranting their commitment but simply because they are blind. -- The 49th state (Alaska) has become the first state in the nation to provide that only glasses and sunglasses made of safety glass may be prescribed within its borders. The new law also forbids the sale and distribution of eyeglass frames made of highly combustible materials. The KAB News reports that the four bills supported by our Kansas affiliate were all passed and one bill which it opposed was retained in committee. Among the successes, the lower school age limit for the blind and other special education pupils was repealed and a more comprehensive white cane traffic law including a statement that blind persons shall have equal access to public accommodations, (trains, buses, hotels, restaurants), was adopted. A bill which would have divided the proceeds of the Kansas Use Law (Although this money comes from the sale of blind-made products to state agencies) among shops for workers with handicaps other than blindness was shelved. -- The passing of two dedicated members of KAB, Alice Twitchell, Topeka, who cared enough to work relentlessly for multiply handicapped blind children and struggled for and molded hope where there seemed to be none, and Otto L. Peterson, Garden City, home teacher, is recorded in this issue. -- Gene Marc Roth, Whitewater, junior in animal husbandry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, found legally blind while in sixth grade, works 25 to 30 hours a week and maintains a straight "A" grade average. A part of his job is operating a $20,000 steam flaker which changes the chemical properties of feed so that less feed will be needed for weight gains. Roth hopes to go into some phase of beef production when he graduates. Roth and his wife were first grade classmates when they decided to get married. They told their teacher of their plans and twelve years later they carried them out. From Performance: The plight of deaf-blind Howard Wilson, 52, came to the attention of the Delaware Commission for the Blind in 1967. Investigating the case, social worker Rubel Archuleta found an idle, irritable Howard Wilson. With the Commission's help, he was sent to the Industrial Home for the Blind in Brooklyn for general training and evaluation. With help from the building trades and electrical and vocational agriculture classes of the Sussex County Vocational-Technical Center, a block foundation trailer was constructed, 12 feet wide, 40 feet long and with cages for 468 laying hens. Secondhand candling and grading equipment was purchased for about 10 percent of its original cost and the Laurel, Georgetown and Sharptown Lions Clubs aided him in building and equipping an egg room. Howard feeds and waters his hens and gathers eggs three times daily. Although he is unable to candle his own eggs; Howard washes and packages them after grading and markets them directly to the consumer, thus obtaining a better price than through a wholesaler. In many instances local demand has been so great that customers wait while eggs are being graded. -- "There is one misconception which has been used for years that is absolutely without foundation and that is the age-old adage, 'If I employ the handicapped either I shall not be able to get insurance or my rates will go up.' I know of no insurer who discriminates against an employer who hires handicapped workers. Insurance rates are based on actual claims experience and frequency, and since handicapped workers, properly placed, have outstanding safety records, rates should be lower when proper emphasis is placed on a modern and effective safety program." (George T. Welch, Director of Rehabilitation Insurance Company of North America). -- The Roper study found that disability is three times more prevalent in lower than in upper economic households and that 38 percent of the disabled in a lower economic group compared with 11 percent in an upper group said they didn't know where to go to find out about rehabilitation. -- There are presently 24 blind public-school teachers in New York, with 112 blind students in colleges planning careers in public school systems there. From Listen: "No total eye transplant has been attempted in human beings and any which have been attempted in higher animals to date have completely failed. (Father Thomas Carroll). -- Patty Gibbons and Juanita Davis, both from the Braille Institute in Los Angeles, have been showing Milton Berle, Arthur O'Connell and Dina Merrill how to act for a movie in which the Hollywood stars are playing blind persons. -- Production of the Perkins Brailler is now approaching the 50,000 mark. From the CNIB Annual Report: In 1968 twenty-four blind computer programmers were on the staff of numerous businesses and government departments in Canada. Nine blind university professors were lecturing in the colleges and 100 blind musicians and music teachers were earning their living in some aspect of their art. More and more properly trained blind workers are taking over the more skilled jobs. -- Authorities tell us that half the children beginning their school lives today will enter careers not yet in existence. Donald Capps, of South Carolina, reminds us in the current Palmetto Auroran that a truly viable organization of the blind must have a good public relations program, and the success of the latter depends on the organization's ability to communicate effectively with the public. Is the public listening? In other words are we getting through? -- Capps also wrote, "If organizations of the blind and agencies for the blind are to work together, it is essential for each to understand and appreciate the operation of the other. There must be mutual respect, mutual concern, joint participation and shared enthusiasm." -- The Spartanburg Aurora Chapter of the S.C. Federation probably set a record when it sold 2920 plates at a recent barbeque and netted the amazing sum of $2431.90. -- Mr. J.W. Walborn, plant manager of the Columbia branch of Argus, Inc., has made hiring the handicapped the rule rather than the exception. He says, "They constitute a vast resource of manpower. Exercising a little imagination in conjunction with method engineering will uncover untapped reservoirs of jobs." From the Missouri Chronicle: The Missouri School for the Blind, which has long been a leader in innovating new programs for its students, has another unusual activity under way -- fencing. Your first reaction, and a good one, would be, is fencing the thing for blind children? It has been proved that fencing develops grace, coordination, balance and stamina. To fence properly, the combatant must be within the proper striking distance and know where his opponent's waistline is located, as touching below the waist is a foul. To win points, one must touch his opponent four times in five minutes. -- Editor Laura Welle suffered a severe case of Herpes Zoster (shingles) involving the cranial nerves. -- In the account of the special Board meeting of May 11, President Victor Johnson admitted that a big push for national affiliation might be made at the fall convention. The name of Durward McDaniel was suggested as a speaker. President Johnson opposed. The name of John Nagle was offered. Vice President Fred Lilley opposed. Apparently the battle lines are being drawn and it should be a most interesting convention. -- There has been a lot of confusing publicity about the new rubella vaccine and its proper use. Since another epidemic is expected in a year or two, the following release from the U.S. Surgeon General is important: "Live rubella virus vaccine is recommended for boys and girls between the age of one year and puberty. The most effective use of the vaccine would be the immunization of children in kindergarten and early grades. No pregnant women should be given the vaccine." From the World Council Newsletter: At a recent conference in Denmark it was brought out that there is a definite shortage of competent tuners in Denmark, West Germany, Israel, Norway and Sweden and that at least twice as many blind tuners could do well if they were available. Two WCWB member countries, Canada and Ethiopia, have now reached populations of 20 million and are therefore entitled to four delegates instead of two. The maximum for any member country is six. -- In the remote Central Asian Russian Republic of Tadjik, where 40 years ago there was no work for the blind whatsoever, there now is an organization of the blind with eight industrial enterprises employing a total of 1500 blind workers. The largest is a Gisar and employs 500 people. It includes individual dwellings, a home for women, a club, a school for blind children a kindergarten and a home for the disabled. -- The wide availability of higher education for the blind in the USSR is conditioned by the fact that the application of the law about compulsory secondary education includes blind children. There are also evening schools where working blind boys and girls get their secondary education. The English braille magazines indicate that the blind of the United Kingdom are seriously disturbed by the same problem we face in this country -- namely, the merging (Or is it submerging?) of services to the blind with services to the handicapped generally. Nearly all writers express dissatisfaction with the change which has compelled home teachers to take on mixed caseloads, usually including a majority of sighted clients and the assignment of blind clients to regular sighted caseworkers who have no special training or knowledge of the problems of blind people. Through the efforts of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind a bill containing the following language has just been signed into law: "No person otherwise qualified may be denied a certificate of license from the state superintendent under S. 118.19 (1) because he is totally or partially blind; nor may any such district refuse to employ a teacher on such grounds, if such blind teacher is able to carry out the duties of the position which he seeks. Any school board may request the state superintendent for advice and assistance in interpreting this section." From a report of the Ninth Annual Conference of Blind Teachers of Calif.: Eighty-five blind teachers in California teaching on all levels kindergarten through college, three -fourths of whom have taught for five years or more, attest to the competence of the blind as teachers. A black psychiatrist drew many parallels between his own racial situation and the situation of the blind. He said that in both cases the way we are seen by others affects greatly the way we see ourselves. He also pointed out that the maximal value of the successful black and the blind, both as role models for members of their own groups and, of even wider significance, as examples of competence and achievement to the general population. Another speaker, Mrs. Dorothy Boswell, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said that it has been estimated that "discriminatory practices cost the nation well over 30 billion dollars annually in wasted productivity but the human cost in terms of injustice, frustration and deprivation cannot be measured." From the AFB Newsletter: An occupational therapist's training includes little in the way of preparing him to deal with blind persons. This is because, more often than not, blindness is considered a social rather than a medical problem. Therapists often do not know enough about blindness to be able to proceed normally when they encounter a blind patient. Seventy-five percent of those responding to a questionnaire indicate that they are involved in work serving the blind in hospital programs, programs which are not limited to blind persons and programs which serve blind persons over the age of 60. Of the 1,330 therapists presently working with blind persons, 1,073 had no special training in that area. A whole new area in the improvement of services to the blind has thus been opened. -- The AFB is now producing 2 million discs for the recording of talking books per year. The Peoriarea Observer reports that the lucky group in that city now has a brand new 24-passenger bus and funds to hire a driver on a regular basis -- all made possible by the will of a departed friend. The June New Outlook reports that a national task force on geriatric blindness has been formed. It has been charged with finding the answers to these questions: (1) What steps are necessary to ensure that aging blind persons will be included in all known programs for older people? (2) What services need to be developed by special agencies serving the blind? From Insight: When her employers decided to install an IBM Magnetic Selectric Typewriter, they considered the various typists in the dictaphone pool and chose Mrs. Addie Claypool, who is blind, as the operator. The Magnetic Selectric typewriter uses the conventional typewriter keyboard augmented by additional controls on the tape console. Besides putting regular type on conventional paper (which for this machine is an endless roll with perforations know as hard copy), it also electrically transposes the keys struck into electronic code signals on a reel of magnetic recording tape in somewhat the same manner as coded material is fed into a computer. Other controls on the equipment enable the power keyboard operator to reverse and play back the computer-like recorded material and the stored-up codes or electronic impressions on the magnetic tape activate the type-bars to re-type the information onto the ordinary typewriter paper. This process can be accomplished at about 160 to 180 words per minute. Once the typist has produced her letter-perfect magnetic tape copy, then it is only necessary to insert the multiple carbon paper, turn on the machine, set it for automatic sit back and let the magnetic magic do the work. ***** ** ACB Officers President: Judge Reese Robrahn, 539 New England Building, Topeka, KS 66603 1st Vice-Pres: George Card, 605 Few St., Madison, WI 53703 2nd Vice-Pres.: Vernon Williams, 217 Western Union Bldg., Aberdeen, SD 57401 Secretary: Mrs. Mary Jane Schmitt, 510 Tarrington Rd., Rochester, NY 14609 Treasurer: Fred Krepela, 241 State St., Salem, OR 97301 ** Directors Mrs. Catherine Skivers, 836 Resota St., Hayward, CA 94545 Floyd Qualls, 106 NE 2nd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Dr. S. Bradley Burson, 917 Kenyon St., Downers Grove, IL 60515 J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 David Krause, 2121 P St., NW, Apt. 615, Washington, DC 20037 Fred Lilley, 7629 Dale St., Richmond Heights, MO 63117 Don Cameron, 724 S. Davis Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609 Arnold Whaley, 8458 E. Brainard Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 ###