The Braille Forum Vol. XII November-December 1973 No. 3 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * President: Floyd Qualls 106 N.E. 2nd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 * National Representative: Durward K. McDaniel 818 18th Street, N.W. Suite 700 Washington, D.C. 20006 * Editor: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 The Braille Forum seeks to promote the independence and dignity of all blind people; to stress responsibility of citizenship; to alert the public to the abilities and accomplishments of the blind. The Braille Forum carries official news of the American Council of the Blind and its programs. It is available for expression of views and concerns common to all blind persons. ***** ** Table of Contents Notice to Subscribers A Masterpiece of Understatement, by Mary T. Ballard That Old-Time Religion!, by George Card Teachers Meet in Knoxville, by Robert McCann Leadership Training Highlighted, by Billie Elder National Alliance of Blind Students Is Born, by Mack Riley VISTA Conference, 1973, by Rosanne Diehl and Jean Dorf Help, Doctor!, by Joseph Wiedenmayer Blind Skiing -- A Sport of Inner Sensation Legislative Roundup, by Durward K. McDaniel Help!, by Sue Graves Hyde Park Corner: An Open Letter to Readers of the Braille Forum, by Christopher Gray Statement on FAA Rule-Making, by Durward K. McDaniel White Cane Tours, 1974 State Convention Highlights Here and There Civil Service Information Specialist: Another AEB Success Story ACB Officers ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large type, open-reel tape (7-inch reel, dual track, ips 3 3/4), and on cassette (ips 1 7/8). Subscriptions and address changes should be sent to Floyd Qualls, 106 N.E. 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to ACB Treasurer Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina 28205. Anyone who wishes to remember the American Council of the Blind in his or her Last Will and Testament may use the following language in a special paragraph for that purpose: "I give and bequeath unto the American Council of the Blind, a District of Columbia not-for-profit corporation, the sum of $_____" or: " _____ percent of my net estate" or: "the following described property: ...". "Said bequest is made and devised to be used for its corporate purposes in the interest of blind and visually impaired persons." If your wishes are more complex, have your attorney communicate with the Council's national office. ***** ** A Masterpiece of Understatement By Mary T. Ballard "This very busy convention adopted a number of resolutions, the most important of which was a resolution to seek affiliation with the American Council of the Blind." What a modest report for so important a step! The American Council welcomes with enthusiasm new affiliates at any time, of course. Such organizations reflect the growing concern of blind persons all over the country in the ideals and goals which brought ACB into existence twelve years ago, and for which the need is as great today as it was then. However, when a new affiliate is one which has proved itself time and again to be among the best, strongest, and most effective state organizations of the blind in the country, this is truly cause for jubilation. In the June 1973 Missouri Chronicle, MFB President Alma Murphey wrote: " ... Please try to be guided by reason, not prejudice; by common sense, not wishful thinking. For no reasonably well-informed person can possibly believe that the MFB, unaided by professional experts, can even hope to protect its fine blind aid program from needless, yet serious injury by arbitrary rulings of Federal agencies. ... Is our pension program in jeopardy today? Or will it be in jeopardy tomorrow? We don't know. ... How else can we relieve the misery of those needy blind persons who, though not poor enough to be eligible for the new Federal aid, are nevertheless very much in need of financial assistance? If you cannot answer that question, friends, do give serious consideration to joining the American Council of the Blind -- a national organization that is able and willing to help defend our interest in the national capital." In achieving the Council's purposes as set forth in the constitution of elevating the social, economic and cultural level of the blind, the effectiveness of local chapters is limited. Missourians have recognized and faced such limitations on the state level. Success on the national level is neither rapid nor easy to attain. It depends not upon the efforts of a small handful of leaders, but upon the enthusiasm, support, active participation, and wholehearted involvement of every member. It is a recognized fact that an organization cannot stand still: it must move forward, or it will deteriorate. The Council's steady growth in the past few years is clear evidence that it is moving forward, and the confidence shown by MFB both underscores and strengthens that fact. By striving to overcome apathy -- by joining together to achieve common goals -- only in this way will the blind succeed in "Improving Tomorrow Today." ***** ** That Old-Time Religion! By George Card Why do we need to be a part of a national organization of the blind? Why can't we go it on our own and save all those dues and ever-increasingly costly delegate expenses to national conventions? Because the decisions in all areas affecting the blind -- in vocational rehabilitation, in social services and in income maintenance -- are now made in Washington. We can get only a very little way at the state level before we run into the stone wall of "nonconformity." As individuals, or even as state organizations, we are voices crying in the wilderness. The members of Congress who make those decisions that affect us so vitally really pay attention when they hear from people or groups in their own constituencies. Each time another state is added to our rolls there are two more Senators and a varying number of Representatives who will pay attention. We are not numerous enough to be a real pressure group, but we have a strong case, and we can use persuasion effectively when the member of Congress will listen. And he will almost always listen when the persuasion comes from the home folks. We have gained a lot of ground since the organized blind movement came into existence but conceivably we could lose most or all of it if a really bad piece of national legislation were to slip through Congress. That is why we keep a highly trained blind lawyer in Washington -- to see that we aren't caught napping. The price of retaining our gains is eternal vigilance and a national membership ready to flood Congress with letters and telegrams whenever the signal comes. Our members are proud of the American Council, of its phenomenal growth and its solid achievements. I was First Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind from 1948 until 1958 and during that period we had perhaps from 5,000 to 7,000 individual members -- the official line was to claim 40,000. We make no such fantastic claims. By actual count we now have about 10,500 members. The NFB is now claiming 50,000 but a more realistic figure, in my judgment, would be around 17,000 or 18,000. We are steadily gaining. Only last October the big Missouri Federation of the Blind threw in its lot with the ACB. It is being welcomed with open arms and with joyous enthusiasm. It has a splendid record in legislative accomplishment and in other areas. Some of the most outstanding blind people of America are among its members. We are not yet the biggest national organization of the civilian blind in the U.S. but there is no doubt in our minds but that we are the cream. And yet it seems to me there is something lacking. Passive approval on the part of our members is not nearly enough. We ought to feel a fierce pride and show it. We are the only truly democratic organization of the civilian blind, where the policies are decided by the membership and not by a cynically self-perpetuating little group at the top. Our last two national conventions have been well planned and have had interesting programs but to me they have not had that blood-stirring, heart-lifting enthusiasm which a national convention of the blind should generate so that the delegates can return home with batteries recharged, hope and faith renewed, the spirit of dedication rekindled. The banquet addresses at the last two ACB conventions were highly entertaining and diverting but were totally irrelevant to the organized blind movement. I sincerely hope that future banquet addresses will bear at least some relation to the reason why we are there. Maybe fervor is the key word -- the kind that was generated during the Medieval crusades. It can be aroused without the hysterical bombast that has been so much a part of recent NFB conventions. Its President gets his applause by raising phony issues, by viciously attacking where he knows that professional ethics will make a reply in kind extremely unlikely. He pours his vituperation on the Library of Congress, the National Accreditation Council or Dialogue in perfect safety because they will not fight back. He blasts us also, of course, and for some time we have been turning the other cheek, but I see no great virtue in that as a continuing policy. One of these days the rank-and-file members of the NFB will come to realize that they are being led by the nose and when that day comes perhaps we can talk about once again having one unified civilian national organization of the blind. ***** ** Teachers Meet in Knoxville By Robert McCann Two sessions were necessary for the National Association of Blind Teachers to complete business last July. After convening on Wednesday morning, July 18, at the Hyatt-Regency, it was found that another meeting was needed to complete the schedule of work that was being considered. The general theme of the meeting was: How to improve ways of getting information to our members, and how to assist the blind student that is preparing to enter the teaching field. An informational brochure is to be prepared that will give general information about the National Association. In this brochure, there will be brief profiles of blind teachers who are now teaching and how they operate. Consideration was given to the possibility of setting up a national directory. Members present were urged to return to their home states and collect the names of blind teachers who are working in the special services or with sighted students. These lists should be forwarded to Bob McCann, 2638 N. Troy Street, Chicago, Illinois 60647, or to Dr. Mabel Bailey, 610 S. Darst Street, Eureka, Illinois 61530. The National Association wants to contact all blind teachers during the next few months so that we can prepare a workshop and seminar program for the 1974 convention in Chicago, Illinois. The resolution that appears in conjunction with this article was drawn up and adopted for the purpose of assisting the blind teacher applicant when applying for a job. This resolution will be forwarded to all institutions and agencies that service the blind student. If you have need for a copy of this resolution, send a request to Bob McCann. If any of our readers know of any blind teachers, the National Association would like to know who and where they are. * Resolution 73-07 WHEREAS, the National Association of Blind Teachers, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, has prepared a resolution advocating the use of video tapes in the training and placing of blind teachers; and WHEREAS, a copy of that resolution has been filed with the American Council of the Blind and read into and made an official part of this resolution; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of the Blind, in assembly on this 21st day of July, 1973, hereby endorses the action taken by the National Association of Blind Teachers in this resolution. * Resolution of National Association of Blind Teachers WHEREAS, and it has collective been convincingly demonstrated, by individual example and collective experience, that blind persons can and do teach successfully at all levels of education with the result that substantial and increasing numbers of blind students are entering the teaching profession; and WHEREAS, Federal legislation and laws in many states prohibit discrimination against blind persons in the expenditure of funds allocated for teacher-training programs; and WHEREAS, the professional placement of blind persons is an official responsibility of agencies administering public programs of vocational rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, despite the progress in the placement of blind public-school teachers, employment continues to depend largely on the ability to convince school administrators and other employers that blind persons can be fully effective in fulfilling assigned classroom and related duties; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Association of Blind Teachers meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Knoxville, Tennessee, July 26, 1973, that teacher-training programs in all colleges and universities in which blind students are enrolled as prospective teachers be strongly encouraged to videotape segments of the actual practice-teaching performance of such students; that the tapes be made available to these students, and that excerpts be included as part of the professional resumes on file in teacher placement offices; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the cost of preparing these tapes be included by state rehabilitation agencies as a necessary and appropriate expenditure in the placement of blind teachers, and therefore be provided without regard to economic status. ***** ** Leadership Training Highlighted By Billie Elder "Training the Volunteer Organizer" was the theme which attracted over forty participants to a Leadership Seminar at the National ACB Convention held in Knoxville, Sunday afternoon, July 15. Not content with the phenomenal growth of the American Council of the Blind during the past thirteen years, the members present had responded to an invitation on the seminar and immediately involved themselves in a study of the techniques of attracting, organizing, and integrating new members into the body politic. The "organization which cannot break through its own concepts is doomed," a concept borrowed from Whitehead, was introduced by the leader. Those interested in the life and health of ACB were asked to break through present thinking and practices and to propose new and challenging programs for organizing and integrating the unorganized and visually handicapped of the nation. In a "Question and Response" period participants were asked to respond to a list of questions pertinent to the theme of the seminar. It was the consensus of the participants that the dialogue which ensued was productive. Experienced recruiters and successful organizers John Vanlandingham, lawyer from Arizona, Jack Lewis, psychiatric social worker from Georgia, J. Root, President of the Florida Council, Casey DeLint, President, Associated Blind of California made noteworthy contributions to the development of the ideas and inquiries raised by first-timers Jerry Eckery, President of the new Nebraska affiliate, Nan Burr, of Colorado, and others. Bryant Moore, Coordinator, Services for the Blind of Colorado, and President Floyd Qualls, Oklahoma, served as resource persons for the dialogue and contributed to the discussions from their wealth of knowledge and experiences. One question of interest and concern to participants was, "How Do We Recruit and Involve Youth in ACB?" The young people present spoke to this question and the over-30 group listened. The dialogue between the generations was illuminating and fruitful and led to the conclusion that ACB spans the generation gap and "unites the generations in a great common cause." One participant stated that it was not a matter of "oldsters" moving over for youth, but the privilege of reaching out, guiding, encouraging and offering opportunities to the young through participation. Furthermore, he stated this type of personal leadership enriches and perpetuates the organization. Durward McDaniel outlined a trifold approach to the challenge of recruitment. The mechanics of the selective, the general, and the personal approaches to recruitment were discussed and the merits of each were analyzed. Using the analogy of salesmanship he stated that the salesman must know the product he has to offer. He suggested ways of communicating to the prospective member, the uniqueness of the Council and the desirability of ACB membership. He emphasized that recruitment must be carefully planned, definite procedures outlined, responsibility for specific tasks assigned, and time factors considered. Betty Jones, President of VISTA, described the format of the One Day, One Topic Leadership Seminars which have proved successful in the New York affiliate. She stated, "These seminars held in conjunction with board meetings in the various geographical sections of the affiliate have carried the opportunity to participate to widely dispersed membership and has resulted in greater involvements of the total membership." Bradley Burson, First Vice President of ACB, told of the experience of Illinois with the "mid-year conference" as a leadership development tool. In this type of meeting all time is devoted to program, as no business is scheduled. Billie Elder gave a report of the Leadership Seminar conducted by the Illinois affiliate in Carbondale on the campus of the University of Southern Illinois. Members of the faculty of the university, recognized leaders in both the fields of rehabilitation and leadership development, cooperated with the Illinois Federation in this seminar. The usefulness of the open board meeting as a method of training leaders was pointed out by Ed Bradley of Oklahoma. He emphasized the fact that the local unit of the organization is the seed bed in which leadership skills are nourished and the best scanning device for locating potential members. Communications as a factor of the outreach program was a topic of lively discussion. Ways of improving the communication systems of the organization proved to be of special interest. Communications was seen as the life-giving bloodstream which carries nourishment in the form of information to every unit of the organization. The coordinator of Leadership Seminars was therefore instructed to work toward: 1. A one day seminar at the 1974 national convention with full utilization of resources available to the national organization; 2. Sponsorship of regional and statewide seminars; 3. Compilation of a manual for training volunteer organizers; 4. Creation of a body of appropriate leadership materials. ***** ** National Alliance of Blind Students Is Born By Mack Riley Since early 1972, the National Coordinating Committee of Blind Students which I chaired has worked consistently to organize a permanent national blind students association. Despite the burden of communicating long-distance (committee members live from coast to coast), pressing academic studies, and for myself the additional job of completing a master's thesis and editing my university's literary magazine, the Coordinating Committee and students from almost a dozen states met at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Knoxville July 17-21 to formally proclaim the new blind student group. After five days of working sessions at Knoxville, the Committee drew up a constitution giving birth to the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS). During workshop sessions, a debate arose whether or not to provide membership for non-student spouses of student members and sighted students who were interested in the new organization. The issue was resolved by providing supportative membership for non-students and sighted students in a separate non-voting category. Another issue resolved provides membership for legally blind high-school seniors who plan to pursue a college career. The organization's purpose is to work with agencies, government, and institutions dealing with blind students in all facets of education, with an emphasis on protecting the rights and interests of blind students. Regular membership is provided for legally blind students in accredited post-secondary educational programs, in addition to blind high-school seniors throughout the United States, its possessions, and the District of Columbia. Officers elected to guide the new group during 1973-74 are: Ed Bradley, Oklahoma City College, President; Gary Marshall, University of Kansas, First Vice President; Gail Duchmann, Loyola University, New Orleans, Second Vice President; Bernice Kandarian, University of Arizona, Tempe, Secretary; and Jim Dobie, Phoenix College, Phoenix, Arizona, Treasurer. Those interested in the National Alliance of Blind Students may direct their inquiries to Ed Bradley, President, 5609 Rockwood Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73119. ***** ** VISTA Conference, 1973 Discussion of work methods, adjustment to new situations, opportunities for advancement, and "moonlighting," demonstrations and displays of new equipment of value to the office worker: These were among the attractions which sparked an enthusiastic turnout for the annual meeting of the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association July 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Knoxville, Tennessee. Monday's program began with a panel moderated by William C. Boaz of the Chicago Office of the Internal Revenue Service, on the topic "Work Problems and Adjustment to Job Situations." Considered were such questions as: How do we, as blind people, adjust to our fellow workers and to the job situation? Where can a blind person go for help in solving a particular problem? The importance of accepting change was stressed, as was the need to learn to operate new equipment, even though it might sometimes be necessary for an employee to do this on his own initiative, where there is resistance or reluctance on the part of supervisory personnel. Bryant Moore, Coordinator, Services for the Blind of Colorado, led a discussion of "Placement and Possible Advancement -- Opening New Fields." Stressing the fact that the blind office worker, as any sighted worker, wants to move up the ladder, assuming more responsibility and commanding a higher salary, he suggested that placement personnel throughout the country should be encouraged to come into a job situation and evaluate the possibilities for more advanced and challenging work. Mary Jane Schmitt of Rochester, New York, told of her experiences as a former bilingual secretary, stressing the value of further study to aid in meeting new and ever-changing job requirements. The subject of Telephone Service Representatives for the Federal Government was discussed, and the Leadership Seminar held at Southern Illinois University was reviewed. On Tuesday morning, George Illingworth of Detroit, Michigan, led a discussion on overcoming work problems. The exciting possibilities for moonlighting were presented by Shirley Boaz of Chicago, freelance typist who does work at home for marketing research companies, and by Betty Ann Jones of Utica, New York, VISTA president, who described her work for the New York State Supreme Court reporters. Equipment demonstrations and/or displays included the following: the IBM Self-Correcting Selectric Typewriter, which incorporates a device for literally lifting the ink from the paper so that a correction may be made with no trace of an erasure; the Optacon, a tactile reading aid, demonstrated by representatives of Telesensory Systems, Inc., and commented upon by Helen Moore, who uses the devise both in her work as a computer programmer and at home; and the Stereotoner, an auditory reading device which changes ink-print letters into audible tone patterns, demonstrated by Mary Ballard of Rochester, New York, who finds it invaluable in her legal secretarial work with a large Rochester law firm. At the Wednesday morning business meeting, Loretta Bourgoin of Rochester, New York was elected treasurer, to fill out the unexpired term of Charles Johnson who had resigned. It was decided that there will be a monthly newsletter for VISTA members, to keep them abreast of matters of interest to the blind office worker. VISTA is always eager to have new members. If interested, contact Miss Betty Ann Jones, President, at 907 Harper Street, Utica, New York 13502. ***** ** Help, Doctor! By Joseph Wiedenmayer (Editor's Note: Mr. Wiedenmayer was recently named Associate Editor of the Braille Forum by the Board of Publications. A retired Foreign Service officer, he brings to the staff a rich background of experience and ideas. Since joining the Council last January, he has already become well known to members as chairman of ACB's Committee for the Deaf-Blind.) The physically handicapped need more help from the medical profession. Otologists and ophthalmologists seldom provide non-medical guidance to their partially sighted or severely hearing-impaired patients on the many particular things that can be done to alleviate the handicap of deafness or blindness, or both. Patients with inoperable neuro-sensory deafness or retinitis pigmentosa or other kinds of blindness are told after diagnosis that there is nothing to do. These doctors rarely go beyond surgical and medical service and recommending glasses or hearing aids. It can be argued with reason on their behalf that such specialists are not rehabilitation people, nor do they have the time to counsel patients on how to live with their handicap. To take the time to do so would result in their treating fewer patients and charging higher fees, it is said. Consequently, too many people with very severely impaired hearing or sight are left to their own resources. Few know where to turn for special help to utilize to the maximum their residual senses. In my own case, for example, with a lifetime of deafness, and later in life blindness, I had been examined and diagnosed many times by otologists and ophthalmologists. I was always told that nothing could be done to correct, retard, or alleviate my condition. Many of my deaf and also blind friends have had similar experiences. We never received advice from any medical doctor on sources of rehabilitation training, nor about the possibilities of employing visual communication methods for the deaf or "low vision" aids for the blind. "Nothing can be done." These are four shocking words for the afflicted and their relatives, coming from medical men without one word of encouragement. Much can be done for the seriously handicapped when surgical or medical procedures are not possible or beneficial. And it should be incumbent upon every otologist and every ophthalmologist to take a few minutes at the conclusion of his original diagnosis to tell such patients, orally or in printed form, some of the many things patients can do and where they can get special assistance. This would not involve rehabilitation counseling by doctors, nor would it be very time-consuming, but it would guide patients to the road to better living. Doctors need only provide lists of sources where a deaf, blind, or deaf-blind person can get help -- for example, "low vision" clinics, optometrists, audiologists, speech and hearing clinics, as well as the non-profit associations and foundations for visually or hearing impaired persons; and, if needed, vocational rehabilitation agencies and special training centers such as "lighthouses" for the blind, with courses in mobility, braille, sensory development, lip-reading, and other methods of communication. To facilitate the collection and dissemination of such information by otologists, ophthalmologists and pediatricians, they could request their respective medical associations to collect material from the various associations and agencies serving the visually handicapped or hearing-impaired people, and make it available to their patients who cannot be helped medically or surgically. No doctor should ever, ever tell a handicapped person that "Nothing can be done," without offering guidance for the patient's self-help and some glimmer of hope. ***** ** Blind Skiing -- A Sport of Inner Sensation The smell of clean fresh air -- the sound of swishing snow -- the experience of a controlled slide down a hill: Skiing is usually thought of as a visual sport. However, To Sam Skobel, it is also a sport of inner sensation, one which Sam, himself blind, believes offers new challenges and rewards so far experienced by only a handful of blind persons throughout the country. According to his statistics three out of every 1,000 people in the United States, or about 600,000 citizens, are legally blind. Of these, about one-third, or 200,000, are between the ages of 12 and 30 and are considered potential blind skiers. It is estimated that presently there are only 100 to 200 blind skiers in the United States. The reason for such limited participation in this sport has been that few people know how to reach potential blind skiers or how to teach them, because of the lack of an organized program. Sam Skobel decided to do something about this, and the result is the American Blind Skiing Foundation. With the help of the Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council a pilot program was launched last year, in which 42 blind people between the ages of 12 and 42 participated. This winter, the American Blind Skiing Foundation has sold two Illinois ski areas on the idea of blind skiing. These two ski areas will donate space (a beginners' slope) and equipment to the Foundation. Instructors at Aspen, Colorado, have volunteered their time to teach other ski instructors how to deal with blind students. The goal for winter 1973-74 is to provide the "skiing experience" for 100 blind potential skiers. The program consists of six weekend trips to Midwest ski areas, with the most proficient skiers spending a weekend skiing in Colorado, all expenses paid, in cooperation with the Blind Outdoor Leisure Development Program of Aspen. In addition to the Chicago program, there are organizations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and California which have expressed interest in establishing blind skiing programs. "Skiing Blind," a 12-minute color-sound film showing the interaction of skiers and their guides on the spectacular slopes at Aspen, Colorado, is available to organizations interested in the Foundation's program. How do the blind ski? A ski instructor first explains to the student the equipment and the fundamental elements of skiing. Then the two start down an easy slope, the instructor slightly behind, calling instructions: "Turn left. Turn right. You're doing fine." It's much the same as with any beginning skier, except that the instructor acts as a guide and the student wears a red bib identifying him as a blind skier and attracting the attention of other skiers. An electronics firm has even come up with a walkie-talkie radio to enable instructors and blind students to traverse the same slopes, but at a safe distance from each other. The American Blind Skiing Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt national organization chartered in the State of Illinois. Its purpose is to provide an educational skiing program which will give all blind and partially sighted persons the opportunity to learn the sport of skiing, not only for the enjoyment it provides, but also for its tremendous physical and psychological therapeutic value. The idea for such an exciting and far-reaching program had to spring from the mind of a man who himself refuses to be held within ordinary bounds. And that's the kind of man Sam Skobel is. Sam lost 90 percent of his sight at the age of four due to an illness. He went on to become a Roller Derby skater, a member of the Roller Derby Hall of Fame, and still holds the Roller Derby's one-mile world record for speed skating. Those interested in further information on the American Blind Skiing Foundation are invited to contact Sam Skobel, 710 South Williams Street, Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056. ***** ** Legislative Roundup By Durward K. McDaniel On October 13, 1973, Senator Jennings Randolph introduced S. 2581 to amend the Randolph-Sheppard Act. It contains most of the progressive provisions which the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, the American Council of the Blind, and other organizations have been supporting. Strong opposition from unions of Federal employees can be expected again, because S. 2581, if enacted, would phase out over a three-year period the present illegal practice of permitting groups of Federal employees to receive commissions from vending machines operated on Federal property. S. 2581 provides that vending-machine commissions shall go to the licensed blind vendor operating on the property, subject, however, to an income ceiling to be established by the Commissioner of RSA. Commissions from vending machines on Federal property where there is no licensed blind vendor would go to the state licensing agency to be used for training, establishing new vending locations, replacing equipment, assuring a minimum return to operators, and for management services. The bill would permit set-aside funds to be used for retirement, sick leave, and vacations. Hearings on S. 2581 are scheduled to be finished in December. Amendments have been passed twice in the Senate, and it is expected that more difficulty will be encountered in the House of Representatives. Congressman John Brademas of Indiana is Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on Education of the House Committee on Education and Labor. The other members of the Subcommittee are: Patsy Mink, Hawaii; Lloyd Meeds, Washington; Shirley Chisolm, New York; Ella Grasso, Connecticut; Romano Mazzolli, Kentucky; Herman Badillo, New York; William Lehman, Florida; Edwin Eshleman, Pennsylvania; Earl Landgrebe, Indiana; Orval Hansen, Idaho; Peter Peyser, New York; Ronald Sarasin, Connecticut. Correspondence may be addressed to Committee members at U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America are supporting S. 2581, but with some important amendments. RSVA will advocate that vending-machine commissions (where there is no licensed blind vendor to receive them) be earmarked for a retirement system and for medical and hospitalization coverage for vendors, rather than for training and set-aside purposes. RSVA will oppose the payment of retirement, sick leave, and vacation benefits from set-aside funds withheld from the proceeds of their businesses. RSVA will also advocate that the licensed blind vendors be permitted to participate officially in the management of a system for retirement and medical and hospitalization coverage. Your support for the position taken by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America will be effective and much appreciated. Please send copies of your correspondence with the above-named Congressmen to the ACB National Office. The address is on the front cover. Hearings will be completed in November on workshop legislation which will extend the authorization for appropriations to the Federal agency which allocates Government orders pursuant to the amended Wagner-O'Day Act. ACB will attempt again to obtain amendments which would require the extension of employee benefits to handicapped workers in workshops, such as Social Security, unemployment compensation, Workmen's Compensation, collective bargaining, sick leave, medical and hospitalization, and vacations. The General Council of Workshops for the Blind in 1961 endorsed the objective of a workshop wage which would be at least 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage. The legal minimum now for handicapped workers is 50 percent of the minimum wage, but under some circumstances, even lower wages are permitted by law. The Wagner-O'Day Act affects workshops employing blind and other handicapped persons who produce commodities or perform services on Government contracts. The Senate has passed S. 2651, which provides that: "Any air carrier or foreign air carrier, under such terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, may grant reduced-rate transportation on a space-available basis to ministers of religion and to persons who are 65 years of age or older or 21 years of age or younger." ACB had advocated that provision be made for a reduced rate for a sighted attendant accompanying a blind or severely handicapped passenger. Such provision will be advocated when S. 2651 is considered by the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, of which Congressman Harley O. Staggers of West Virginia is the chairman. S. 2651 also amends the Interstate Commerce Act to permit reduced fares on surface carriers to "persons who are blind or otherwise physically or mentally handicapped, as further defined by regulations of the Commission, or to persons who are 65 years of age or older or 21 years of age or younger." ACB is part of the Washington Health Security Action Coalition, which recently sent the following letter to all members of the Senate: The Washington Health Security Action Coalition is an organization made up of representatives of 45 national groups. The Coalition's sole purpose is to work for a good national health insurance bill for this country. By "good," we mean one that would include the following concepts: universal coverage, comprehensive benefits, Federal financing, and public accountability. It is vital that the health insurance program serve to bring about systematic change in the organization and delivery of health services, with such features as strong cost and quality controls. The Long-Ribicoff Catastrophic Bill falls tragically short of meeting these criteria. We have asked those members of the Senate who associate their names with this legislation to review it carefully and reconsider their decision. Enactment of this bill, while perhaps helpful to the very poorest and those affluent enough to utilize the catastrophic coverage, will not help the majority of Americans either find or pay for basic health services. In addition, its passage would seriously delay enactment of meaningful national health legislation. In the light of this, we ask you to weigh carefully your position on national health insurance for this country. Sincerely, Walter Davis Grover Bagby Co-Chairmen of the Health Security Action Coalition The Long-Ribicoff Bill does not meet medical and hospitalization needs of the blind population of this country, and would, if enacted, serve to delay by many years the adoption of a comprehensive healthcare system such as that provided in the Kennedy Bill (S. 3) and the Griffith Bill (H.R. 22). ***** ** Help! By Sue Graves In the March-April, 1973 issue of the Braille Forum, I authored an article entitled "Pass the Word Along." In this article, I described the use of an ACB cookbook as a fund-raising and publicity project. The idea was received with much enthusiasm and encouragement. However, the response from people willing to send recipes for the book has been more than disappointing. Those who have sent contributions were very generous, one sending as many as twelve. But the number of contributors has been far too few. We still need all types of recipes. Those collected so far have been varied and interesting, but there is still room in every category for more. Send your recipes in braille, ink-print or tape recording to Mrs. Sue Graves, 5017 Starker Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53716. Please include your name, address, whether are blind or sighted, and any comments about the recipe as to its origin and/or preparation. Your name will be used in the book unless you request that it be withheld. Entries for the book will close February 15, 1974. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those of you who have already sent recipes. To all of you who have not submitted your contributions, may I offer the suggestion that your conscience will rest more easily when you have answered this simple request and have taken the small amount of time it requires to send that recipe which you know would be a good one, but you "just haven't gotten around to copying and sending." Won't you please help us make this project a success? Whether it succeeds or fails will depend on your response now! ***** ** Hyde Park Corner (EDITOR'S NOTE: This column exists to provide a forum for the expression of divergent views of writers on timely subjects. Views expressed need not necessarily be concurred in or endorsed by the publisher.) * An Open Letter to Readers of the Braille Forum By Christopher Gray For some time now, I have been attempting to research the organized blind movement, and in particular the historic events related to the final split within the National Federation of the Blind which ultimately led to the formation of the American Council of the Blind. In the State of Washington, this is a topic of considerable discussion both within our new ACB affiliate and within the NFB state affiliate. I feel that a complete understanding of the split is essential to better appreciate the philosophy which guides the total organized blind movement. With this in mind, I felt it appropriate to write both to ACB and NFB to request general literature, in an attempt to gain an overview of each organization. At the same time, I requested specific material relating directly to the split. I was shocked to learn that ACB had little to give me either concerning its philosophy or the split. Although Dr. Jernigan permitted me to pick and choose from a wide variety of NFB literature, including old issues of the Braille Monitor dealing with the split, this material, though informative, was by no means complete. Since that time, I have been attempting to find copies of the Braille Free Press and other pertinent magazines such as, for example, the ABC Digest, but without success. In view of these circumstances, it seemed appropriate to write this open letter to the general readership of the Braille Forum to ask: Are there any readers who would be willing to loan me pertinent information on the split? Communications in ink-print, braille, open-reel or cassette tape (excluding ips 15/16) are welcome. -- Christopher Gray, 803 S. Henderson, Seattle, Washington 98108. ***** ** Statement on FAA Rule-Making (Statement to the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of the American Council of the Blind, by Durward K. McDaniel, regarding proposed rule-making of the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration) The Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration is basing its rulemaking responsibility on erroneous premises. Unproven safety risks are obviously assumed and are used as a rationale for improperly authorizing airlines to refuse to carry handicapped passengers. Moreover, consideration of the entire notice reveals that factors other than that of safety are factors and they will be commented upon later. The reference to "terms and conditions governing air transportation of physically disabled passengers" implicitly challenges the equality of rights of handicapped persons to travel on airlines. Commercial airlines are common carriers and should be required to sell a ticket to and carry as a passenger any handicapped person who wishes to travel by air. The question should be, "What arrangements are desirable or necessary to assure to every passenger his right to travel by air?" The Board should reopen "the proceedings in which it approved the ATA agreement dealing with interline acceptance criteria for disabled persons under section 412 of the Act." That agreement was designed to accommodate the industry, and the traveling public deserves an opportunity to be heard on the merits of such an agreement. While the proposed rulemaking relies on "safety" for its justification, it is clear that the 1962 agreement which has been officially approved authorizes subjective non-safety criteria for the refusal to carry passengers. These classifications and criteria are herewith challenged as a matter of law and fact. They are good examples of the government's unseemly deference to the convenience of the industry without proper regard for the convenience and rights of handicapped passengers. They are at best improper delegations of regulatory authority. Several of the classes not normally accepted as passengers by airlines have no relevance to safety in flight. In any event, the biases and prejudices of airline personnel and other passengers should not be a factor. Obviously, some conditions do make the presence of an attendant desirable as a matter of necessity or convenience. In those cases, the airline should be required to carry the attendant at a free or substantially reduced fare. It is noteworthy that on the recent occasion of hearings before the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Senate Committee on Commerce on S. 1705 and other bills, the chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board and a representative of the Air Transport Association appeared in opposition to provisions which would authorize airlines to carry handicapped passengers and their attendants at free or reduced rates. "The accommodation of the more severely handicapped will almost certainly affect the outcome of an emergency evacuation." The speculative language in the foregoing quoted sentence suggests that it is not based on objective information. Serious studies and tests planned and executed with the help of knowledgeable handicapped persons would be a desirable prerequisite to conclusions on which regulations properly should be based. The term used, "more severely handicapped," is not defined and is so general that in its application it would lead to arbitrary judgments. Is there any body of knowledge which supports the contention that the presence of handicapped passengers would materially affect the evacuation of an airplane? The notice recites "23 survivable aircraft accidents in which fire impact was reported." No claim is made that the evacuation of passengers in those cases was in any way impeded by the presence of handicapped persons. The questions posed are answered as follows: 1) All types of physical and functional disabilities or limitations should be allowed, and evacuation criteria should be revised according to the facts. 2) If a special attendant or assistance is provided to accomplish an emergency evacuation from an aircraft, all types of handicapped persons or physical/functional disabilities should be allowed. However, airlines should not be permitted to economize by requiring a handicapped passenger to travel with an attendant or at his cost. 3) Regulations should not limit the number or type of handicapped passengers. Regulations should assure rather than "permit" the carrying of handicapped passengers. 4) There should be no requirement of an attendant (except for airline personnel) because of the presence of an unassisted handicapped passenger on a flight. The question implies a prejudicial assumption which is not supported by the facts. 5) Handicapped persons can use the same means for emergency evacuation as any other passenger. 6) The length of the planned flight should not be a consideration in determining the number and/or type of handicapped persons to be accepted as passengers. 7) An identification card which certifies the ability of a handicapped person to perform certain physical tasks would not be useful in eliminating uncertainties regarding his acceptance as an unaccompanied passenger. 8) I am totally blind and have traveled by air, mostly unaccompanied, for more than 500,000 miles. I am confident that I can leave an airplane by any means provided for any passenger. Airlines will not permit me to sit in an exit row of seats because they assume I would impede rapid evacuation. I dispute that assumption. Negative assumptions are real factors in the rulemaking process, and I recommend that such assumptions be re-examined scientifically. 9) I am not seriously concerned by the notion that I could be the last passenger evacuated from an aircraft. With reference to the apprehensive assumptions about evacuating handicapped passengers, there is not in any event any guarantee by the government or an airline that any passenger will be safely evacuated after a survivable accident. Handicapped passengers are as aware of the risks of flying as anyone else, and it is no solution to merely exclude such persons. Nor is it any solution to anybody's problem to exclude such persons on the speculative assumption that their presence might increase the risks for other passengers. This organization urges a revised governmental perspective, one which would regulate the airlines rather than the passengers. In the process of developing regulations to be promulgated, the government will almost certainly be conferring with industry representatives and other interested parties. This organization is interested in participating in such conferences in order to represent and protect the interests of visually impaired persons. Accordingly, we request the opportunity to be present in such conferences. ***** ** White Cane Tours, 1974 Evergreen Travel Service announces the following tours for the coming year. Orient Tour -- April 4, 1974 -- Departing from San Francisco. Visit Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Enjoy the world-famous games in Bangkok; shoot the rapids in the Philippines; visit spectacular Victoria Peak; have cocktails at sunset aboard a sampan. Based on two persons to a room, per person, $1,795.00. Week's extension in Honolulu on return if 15 or more sign up -- per person, $275.00. Yellowstone Park -- July, 1974. Fly into Jackson Hole and out of West Yellowstone; visit the old-time night life in Jackson Hole, the Grand Tetons, spouting geysers; explore the new Braille Trail. Based on two to a room --per person, $295.00, plus air fare from home town. Spain -- October 14, 1974. Two fascinating and exciting weeks in Spain on the famous Costa del Sol in your own fully furnished apartment. Many different and interesting tours, including Seville, Mijas, Nerja, and a special barbeque, with native entertainment, and night club tour. Price per person, based on two to a room, $706.50. Possible tour to Alaska by boat -- August, 1974. Price, $660.00 per person, two to a cabin. Includes all meals on board, entertainment, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. If this interests you, let us know immediately. If 20 or more sign up the for the trip to England and Ireland in May, we will operate the tour. If interested, contact us immediately: 15 days, departing from New York and/or Montreal on May 31. For information on any of the above trips, contact Betty J. Hoffman, Evergreen Travel Service, Inc., 19429 44th Avenue, W., Lynwood, Washington 98036. ***** ** State Convention Highlights Oklahoma Convention Spotlights Programs of National Concern -- Home industry, public transportation, and the Radio Talking Book were among topics highlighting the 1973 convention of the Oklahoma Federation of the Blind, held in Muskogee, September 21-23. Registration showed 111 in attendance. Several out-of-state guests were present, among them Dr. S. Bradley Burson, First Vice President of the American Council of the Blind. Saturday's program featured a presentation by Miss Laverne Humphrey, Director of the Knoxville Association for the Blind, on the home industries program in that city. State Representative James Townsend spoke on mass public transportation and the need for supportive legislation and a workable system not only in Oklahoma, but throughout America. This is a major problem area confronting the blind, yet strong special-interest factions vigorously oppose such legislation. OFB in 1972 passed a resolution instructing its officers and directors to work with other groups and/or governmental agencies in planning and development of adequate public transportation systems. Blind Oklahomans urge that this is an area worthy of investigation and active support on the part of other ACB affiliates. Much emphasis was given the new Radio Talking Book program. This is the second such program in the nation, the first having been established in Minnesota. The station is now on the air from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Volunteer readers broadcast the newspaper in its entirety, and recent programming now includes a "talk show." Among resolutions adopted at the business meeting was one to endorse all resolutions of the ACB 1973 national convention. The following officers were elected: President, John Simpson; First Vice President, Floyd Qualls; Second Vice President, Marlene Christens; Secretary, Shirley Croxton; Treasurer, Bea Stephens; Public Information Director, Judy Pool. Kansas Holds 53rd Annual Convention --The 53rd annual convention of the Kansas Association of the Blind was held in Manhattan on September 28-30. "Tuned In" was the theme chosen for this year's program, and those in attendance felt it was reflected throughout a stimulating, thought-provoking program. Vito Proscia of Telesensory Systems, Inc. was present for a discussion and demonstration of the Optacon. Dr. Douglas MacFarland, Director, Office for the Blind, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C., spoke concerning "Rehabilitation of the Blind and Physically Handicapped in the Decade of the '70s" and later moderated a panel on "Implications of Trends in Rehabilitation for Your State Agency and You." KAB members also "tuned in" to reports of standing and special committees outlining the Association's activities over the past year. Newly elected officers installed at the business meeting were: President, Georgia Layton; Vice President, Donna Hackerott; Corresponding Secretary, Connie Henson; Treasurer, Minnie Dalton; Membership Secretary, Doris Thompson; Revolving Loan Fund Secretary, Charlotte Korte. The 1974 convention will be held in Wichita. Missouri Seeks ACB Affiliation -- Its attendance spurred, perhaps by a previously published resolution on affiliation with the American Council of the Blind, the Missouri Federation of the Blind held its annual convention in St. Louis, October 12-14. Attendance was excellent. About 150 registered and slightly more than 200 attended the Saturday night banquet. Distinguished blind guests included ACB's National Representative, Durward McDaniel, and Mrs. Myrtle Garis of the Library of Congress, Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The convention was addressed by representatives of the Missouri State School for the Blind, Wolfner Library, and the Social Security Administration. However, the outstanding message was delivered by the Hon. William Cassoy, President Pro Tern of the Missouri Senate. His banquet address combined delightful humor with a serious discussion of our blind-aid problems and the need to keep services to the blind in a separate division when reorganizing state departments. The Optacon, various gadgets and appliances from the American Foundation for the Blind, and literature from the Library of Congress were on display throughout the weekend. This very busy convention adopted a number of resolutions, the most important of which was a resolution to seek affiliation with the American Council of the Blind. An appropriation of $500 was also made to ACB. The convention adjourned Sunday noon, and a few hours later fifteen Missourians flew to Chicago to participate in a Social-Security-sponsored conference on the all-Federal blind aid program scheduled to start in January, 1974. Sincere gratitude is expressed to Durward McDaniel, who alerted MFB to the fact that such a conference was to take place and who suggested names of participants to conference authorities. New York Advocates "Advocacy" -- The theme of the 1973 convention of the American Council of the Blind of New York State, held October 20-21, was advocacy as it relates both to the individual and to the group. The keynote speaker was John Baldwin, Director of the New York State Commission for the Visually Handicapped, who explained the policies and programs of the Commission and cited their need to relate to organized blind groups throughout the State. George Jones of the National Health Insurance Committee, Washington, D.C., described the inefficiencies of the present health-care plan and the need for the National Health Security Act. He was followed by Mrs. Eunice Fiorito, Director of the Mayor's Office for the Handicapped, New York City, who explained the programs of that office, which include an advocacy committee, a legislative action center, an employment consultation service, and an individual advocacy resource center. She illustrated how similar action can be taken in other cities. Mr. George Gillispie, Director of the Veterans Administration Eastern Rehabilitation Center, West Haven, Connecticut, explained the V.A. program and suggested that the Commission should place more emphasis on rehabilitation, medicine, mobility, and placement. At the Saturday night banquet, Paul Kirton, an attorney with the Solicitor General's Office, Department of the Interior, and national ACB board member, pointed out the importance of self-confidence and determination to succeed, no matter what work one chooses. At the business meeting, the constitution was amended to accept membership of special-interest organizations on a statewide basis. Resolutions were adopted to aid in sponsorship of health-care legislation; to establish a consumer advocacy liaison committee to the New York State Commission for the Visually Handicapped; and to establish a consumer professional advisory committee to the New York State Library for the Blind. ACB of Maryland Recognizes New Opportunities and Past Achievements at 1973 Convention -- One of the most interesting speakers on the program of the fifth annual convention of ACB of Maryland, held October 27, was Mrs. Wanda Larman, who recently completed her training in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, as a Social Security Representative and is now employed in Upper Darby Vocational in that capacity. She was sponsored by the Maryland Vocational Rehabilitation Department. Mrs. Larman went into detail concerning her training and employment and recommends very highly that blind persons who are qualified look into the possibilities of such employment in their respective communities. At the Saturday evening banquet, Mrs. Maxine Dorf, Supervisor, Volunteer Services Section, Division for, the Blind and Physically Handicapped, was presented with the Leonard A. Robinson Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her outstanding work at the Library of Congress. The presentation was made by Mr. Charles Gallozzi, Assistant Chief, DBPH. Mrs. Dorf is a member of the District of Columbia Association of Workers for the Blind, which is affiliated with the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** Here and There From GFB DIGEST (Ga.): The talking-book program is gradually being phased out, to be replaced by cassette players (the target date is 1984), according to Carl Sandstedt, Administrator of the Library for the Blind in Atlanta. Lower cost of tapes, ease of mailing and handling, and portability are cited among advantages of the cassette. The plan is to add a special feature to cassette players for attaching a turntable to play soundsheet records, which are being increasingly used for periodicals. -- Perhaps the greatest tragedy of blindness is the social isolation and idleness which too often accompany it. It would hardly be fair to blame ourselves for not having 20/20 eyesight. On the other hand, if we possess anything less than 20/20 insight, we have only ourselves to blame. -- When a customer in the snack bar operated by Richard Lee near Marietta bent over to pick up a quarter, he saw a rattlesnake coiled up under the cigarette machine. The snake had apparently taken up residence there after having been uprooted from its natural habitat because of nearby construction. The snake was apprehended, and everything came out all right -- including Richard, who undoubtedly set a speed record for mobility in his exit. -- An Adult Basic Education Program was initiated last June by the Macon chapter of GFB. Twelve blind persons enrolled for script-writing, and it is anticipated that enrollment will increase rapidly as new subjects are added. The National Braille Association announces completion of the NBA Manual for Large-Type Transcribers. This manual, as well as the NBA Tape Recording Manual, is available free of charge from the Library of Congress, Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. From ABC DIGEST (Cal.): Blind and visually handicapped persons can now use the ancient abacus and modern braille writing devices when taking tests for state jobs, according to a recent announcement of the Health and Welfare Agency, State of California. Recognizing the need of blind persons for such devices when they take tests requiring use of mathematics, the State Department of Rehabilitation and the State Personnel Board worked together to change state Civil Service procedures to permit use of such devices. -- The Deseret News (Salt Lake City) reports that about a dozen blind people took part in a braille speed-reading course based upon a technique first explored in a workshop at Brigham Young University last summer, which may revolutionize the usually slow process of reading braille. In a six-day introductory course, reading skills rose dramatically. Reading speeds of beginning students ranged from 32 to 211 words per minute. By the end of the week, one student had reached 700 to 800 words per minute. -- Seven fact sheets, each describing a common visual condition or cause of blindness, are available free from Office of Information, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. -- Vincent Lopez of San Jose recently became the first blind American to win his scuba diving certificate from the National Association of Underwater Instructors. "Citizens forfeit the right to responsible protest if they do not have some constructive alternatives to suggest, and propose them with dramatic and decisive action. Be involved! Do your duty! Be a citizen!" -- Dr. Bob Riley, Lt. Gov., State of Arkansas From the VENDORSCOPE: Leonard Robinson, the blind man who first conceived and worked for the idea of vending stands for the blind in public buildings, is now retired. He has spent most of his lifetime working for the improvement of the lot of the handicapped. His new book, Light at the Tunnel's End, is the story of his life and the long, hard struggle that ensured in work for the blind from 1904 until the present. It gives the history of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, and one chapter deals with the organization of RSVA. -- A new drug known as DMSO is expected to halt the effects of retinitis pigmentosa and clear up cloudiness caused from detached retina. It is still under study by the National Academy of Sciences. -- This year a law was enacted by the Louisiana Legislature eliminating blind stands from the collecting or paying of sales taxes in that state. The legislative committee that did the work was able to get unanimous approval for the bill in both houses. In an effort to aid handicapped shoppers, Zeitzer's Wholesale Food Warehouse of Long Island City New York is open to the disabled every other Monday. Store personnel make special efforts to aid handicapped shoppers, who are the only ones in the store on the designated days. From NEWSLINE (National Center for Law and the Handicapped): Lawyers are becoming increasingly aware of, and active in, the battle for legal rights of handicapped persons. At a recent American Bar Association conference on "Mental Retardation, Law and Ethics," former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, father of a mentally retarded child, outlined four basic themes for advocates in this field: (1) be wary of institutions and push for services in the community wherever possible; (2) look to the procedural and substantive rights possessed by others, and try to obtain those for handicapped citizens; (3) keep in mind individual needs and differences, and do not seek generalized solutions which are unresponsive to the problems of particular individuals; and (4) bear in mind the right of all persons to be treated with dignity. The conference also included a discussion of the role of NCLH in assisting attorneys across the country in legal battles on behalf of handicapped persons. America is the only country in the world where people jog ten miles a day for exercise and take an elevator up to the mezzanine. Recording for the Blind, Inc., is a non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to supply, free of charge, recorded educational materials to over 10,000 students and professional workers. RFB's latest catalog, containing over 20,000 titles, is now available at a cost of $2.00 to cover mailing and handling, from the main office at 215 East 58th Street, New York, New York 10028. From CNIB NATIONAL NEWS OF THE BLIND (Canada): A Saskatoon blind curling rink won the first Lions Annual Western Canada Curling Bonspiel for the Blind, held in Calamar, Alberta. -- Ed Thompson of Verona, British Columbia, totally blind, has been a professional magician for forty years. When he lost his sight in 1957, he at first thought his magic was over. But as many of his tricks, including the popular escape act, were done "blindly," he decided to continue. -- "Swish," a form of table tennis using bats and an audible ball, is popular with the blind in Australia. -- In a new program to determine whether fashionable clothing can be produced at competitive prices by handicapped operators, and whether visually handicapped operators are competent enough at certain sewing skills to work in a regular factory, students in the Clothing and Textile Department of the University of Manitoba have been adapting fashion design to sewing skills of the visually handicapped operators in the CNIB garment shop. -- Every twelve seconds, someone's sight is saved or restored, thanks to fourteen medical teams sponsored by the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind. -- In a special service for the blind, Alpine Everest, a supplier of food in bulk for home freezers, labels meat, poultry and ice cream in braille as well as in ink. From SKAVI NEWSLETTER (Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired): White Cane Safety Day, October 15, was heralded widely by all news media throughout southwest Kansas. SKAVI members showed films, gave talks, demonstrated use of the white cane, discussed the White Cane Law, and distributed brochures at schools, churches, civic organizations, and shopping malls. Citizens of southwest Kansas are felt to represent the best-informed geographical region in the country on the meaning of the use of the white cane and state laws governing its use by blind pedestrians. What is your state doing to educate and inform the public on this subject? Tim, a German Shepherd guide dog, turned detective recently and led Philadelphia police to the man who had allegedly robbed his master of over $200 in Blind Pension and Social Security payments. After Louis Prather was slugged over the head and robbed, Tim was taken and later either escaped or was released. While cruising the area in a police patrol car, Tim began barking wildly. When let out of the car, he started growling in front of the home of the alleged assailant. A neighbor testified that he had earlier seen the man with Tim the night of the robbery. From LISTEN: Ed Casmer, legally blind, with only 5 percent vision, has been selling cars for a Detroit automobile agency for 35 years. -- Engineering student Dennis Martin programmed a University of South Florida computer to print braille, in a program considered by his teachers to be unprecedented by an undergraduate. Martin said he did it so he wouldn't have to "keep pestering people" to check his work. From THE STANDARD BEARER (NAC): At its June meeting, the Committee on Accreditation granted accreditation to the Vocational Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, State of Mississippi, and to Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped. This brings the number of accredited agencies and schools to 49 in 30 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 140,000 men, women, and children. "There's strength in numbers," points out Kenneth Hinga, President, Michigan Federation of the Blind. "Our late MFB president, John Luxon, had a dream for which he worked vigorously during the last few years of his life, and even through his dying moments. John wanted to establish a strong and effective organization for the blind in Michigan, which would include both the Michigan Federation of the Blind and the Michigan Association of Workers for the Blind. Both organizations maintain a progressive philosophy, without resorting to useless character assassination and radical exploits that do more harm than good for the visually impaired. -- The consolidation of the two groups will give a working force of about 700 members." From THE HADLEY ORBIT: At any given time, our worldwide registration numbers over 2,000. In the course of a year, we teach more than 3,000. Counting library readers and blind persons counseled or given referrals to other resources, we serve nearly 5,000 in a twelve-month period. -- At a well-known Ivy League university, the option of performing volunteer service to the university or to their local community is given student violators. For instance, the shoplifting penalty carries a fine of $75 or forty hours of community service. Community service being the preferred penalty, several students reported that it proved to be a real growth experience for them. -- Prototypes of Audible Pedestrian Crossing Signal have been tested in New Zealand, and blind individuals find the "buzzer type" crossing signal entirely satisfactory. It has been requested that those installed be allowed to remain and be adopted as a uniform device throughout New Zealand. -- North Carolina University joins the parade of schools no longer identifying extension and correspondence credit as such on student records. From WCWB NEWSLETTER: The American Council of the Blind is now represented at WCWB by Floyd Qualls, President, in place of Judge Reese H. Robrahn. -- Agreements made by the American Foundation for Overseas Blind with the governments of Indonesia and El Salvador for partnership programs to eradicate xerophthalmia among pre-school children are being implemented. -- A young French teacher, Roland Emmanuel, 95 percent blind since age 8, gained first place in a recent show jumping contest at Aix-en-Provence, in competition with 53 sighted riders. -- Churchill Traveling Fellowships of about three months' duration are awarded each year to blind people who by traveling abroad can gain useful experience and on their return use it for the benefit of the community. Jack Hoskisson, blind physiotherapist and research psychologist, will visit the United States, Australia, and Maderia to study the development and teaching of manipulative techniques. Sewing with all types of modern fabrics is now made easier for anyone with defective vision by a specially designed version of the Viking 6000 sewing machine. Work with the modern double knits, sweater knits, swim suits, lingerie, fake furs, and leather. Features include a raised symbol to adjust tension and pressure on the presser foot; easy threading through an open guide; grooved needle plate as starting guide for edge of fabric; raised symbols on knob for stitch selection; low-gear pull know for complete control -- makes one stitch at a time. Braille instruction book available. For further information, contact Husqvarna, Inc., 151 New World Way, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080. ***** ** Civil Service Information Specialist -- Another AEB Success Story (Reprinted from ABC Digest) Seven blind persons have begun new careers helping others seeking information and jobs with the Federal Government. The seven are the first graduates of the Civil Service Information Specialist Training course now offered at the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. They reported for work May 1, 1973 at offices located in Boston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; and Houston and Dallas, Texas. The CSIS project began in January, 1973, and is a combined effort of state rehabilitation organizations, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Civil Service Commission, and the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. HEW provided a grant to AEB to develop selection criteria and a course of training, to train clients of the rehabilitation agencies, and to follow up and evaluate performance. The initial grant finances two classes in 1973. The Civil Service Commission, in addition to promising jobs, participated in the initial screening process through its area offices, and through its Little Rock area office provided information and material needed to develop the course curriculum. Little Rock area personnel also took part in the training itself. Training included development of knowledge and skills needed in complete job information education. This includes familiarity with examination announcements, qualification standards, and the most commonly asked questions on such subjects as retirement and leave benefits, the program for employment of Vietnam veterans, summer employment, and complaints. Pertinent materials were brailled and went with the new employees to their new jobs. Tape cassettes will be furnished as needed to keep abreast of changing programs, requirements, etc. The CSIS program at the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind sprang from another successful and exclusive training project begun in 1967 with the Internal Revenue Service. Under the Taxpayer Service Representative program, more than 100 blind persons have been trained to assist taxpayers with questions, and are employed in IRS offices in more than 40 states. ***** ** ACB Officers President: Floyd Qualls, 106 N.E. 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 First Vice President: Dr. S. Bradley Burson, 917 Kenyon St., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515 Second Vice President: Mrs. Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72204 Secretary: Mrs. Catherine Skivers, 836 Resota St., Hayward, California 94545 Treasurer: J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205 ###