The Braille Forum Vol. XIII May-June 1975 No. 6 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * President: Floyd Qualls 106 N.E. 2nd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 * National Representative: Durward K. McDaniel 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 506 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-1251 * Editor: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 244-8364 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. ***** ** Contents Notice to Subscribers Nationally Known Figure Names Membership Chairman of ACB, by Floyd Qualls Come Alive in '75 -- ACB Annual Convention ACB Special-Interest Activities and Convention Week Schedule ACB Committees, 1975: Committee Chairmen Credentials Committee, by Roseanne Diehl Correction -- Constitution and By-Laws Committee Nominations for Robert S. Bray Award Criteria for Robert S. Bray Award Mobility, by Harold Rawley Cross-Country Skiing by the Blind -- A Reality and a Success, by Oral O. Miller Calling All Sports Fans! Making of a Will, by John P. Nelson Cash Contest to Share Knowledge Disabled Activists Form National Coalition Proceedings Available -- National Symposium on Employment of Visually Impaired in Secretarial Fields First National Conference on Aging and Blindness, by Reese Robrahn Business Index Available S. 6, Education of the Handicapped Legislation Artificial Lens Implant in Treatment of Cataracts State Convention Highlights: Connecticut Convention, by Anna Godrie Panamerican Council for the Blind Announces Essay Competition Here and There, by Jeanie Campbell ACB Officers and Directors ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, in large type, open-reel tape (dual-track, 3 3/4 ips) and cassette (1 7/8 ips). Send items intended for publication to the editor, Mary T. Ballard, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620, or to one of the associate editors: George Card, 605 South Few Street, Madison, WI 53703 Margaret Freer, 11816 West Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226 Ione B. Miller, 9291 Fermi Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 Joseph Wiedenmayer, 5604 Montgomery Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20015 Subscriptions and address changes for all four editions should be sent to Floyd Qualls, 106 N.E. 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to ACB Treasurer J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Avenue, Charlotte, NC 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: " _____ %of my net estate"; or: "the following described property: ... ". "Said bequest is made and devised to be used for the Council's 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. ***** ** Nationally Known Figure Named Membership Chairman of ACB By Floyd Qualls The American Council of the Blind has attracted many outstanding individuals who had previously demonstrated little interest in the organized blind beyond a special-interest organization. We are very fortunate to have among these new members George M. Gillispie. Those of you who attended the 1974 convention will well remember the stirring keynote address delivered by Mr. Gillispie. His down-to-earth and realistic approach to rehabilitation and other services to the blind is most refreshing. In spite of his many responsibilities, Mr. Gillispie has agreed to serve as membership chairman for the American Council. His enthusiasm and creative ideas are certain to attract many others like himself whose past does not include being active in the organized blind movement. Following is a brief sketch of his background: In the early morning hours of January 28, 1945, George M. (Buck) Gillispie was hit by a mortar shell in Colmar, France, causing loss of both eyes, severe injury to face, hands, arms, and legs. For two years, he was hospitalized at Dibble General Hospital, Palo Alto, California, and McCormick General Hospital Pasadena, California, while undergoing bone and plastic surgery. He received adjustment training for blindness at the two respective hospitals and later observed training methods at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Illinois. Handicapped by a lack of formal education beyond the eighth grade, Mr. Gillispie passed a high-school equivalency test, and in 1948 entered Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, graduating in 1953 with a B.A. degree in sociology and psychology. It was upon graduation from college that Mr. Gillispie began a career of helping blinded veterans. In 1953, he began working as New England field representative for the Blinded Veterans Administration. In this capacity, he helped formulate legislation and processed individual cases of blind veterans before federal and state agencies. He also carried out a liaison with other veterans organizations. In 1963 Mr. Gillispie became a consultant to the Veterans Administration. As such, he counseled staff members of V.A. hospitals, outpatient clinics, and regional offices on service for the blind, motivation of the blind veteran toward rehabilitation, and techniques of rehabilitation. He also developed research that made it possible for the expansion from one V.A. blind rehabilitation center to the present three centers, allowing hundreds of additional veterans to undergo the adjustment training necessary to begin an active role in society as a blind person. In 1967 he became the field representative for the Veterans Administration Blind Center in Palo Alto, California. His role again brought him into contact with hospital directors, social workers, outpatient personnel, whom he assisted in implementing rehabilitation programs for blinded veterans. Because of his active role, many veterans who would not have otherwise been motivated toward rehabilitation began the rehabilitation process. In February, 1969, he became Chief of the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center at the V.A. Hospital, West Haven, Connecticut. In this position, he brought together a new staff, and he continues to direct the rehabilitation process for blinded veterans attending the Center — an ever-changing process that reflects the impact of today's scientific and technical development of sensory aids for the blind. Mr. Gillispie is a life member of the Blinded Veterans Association and of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He spends his spare time reading, fishing, and making repairs around his house. Concerning his plans for ACB, Mr. Gillispie says: "It is my hope to lend a hand wherever possible in developing the largest membership of any organization in the United States in work for the blind. We of ACB are diversified sufficiently to develop an interest for any person, whether he be in the senior-citizen group or an 18-year-old just entering vocational training or college. Although an extremely important part of our goal is to develop legislation and vocational opportunities, let us remember, too, that the largest percentage of the blind today are nearing or already at retirement age. Therefore, we also need to put emphasis on leisure-time and recreational activities, and this is one of the areas I feel has been neglected over the years. As we pull together a membership committee, it will undoubtedly be one of the largest committees in ACB, since it must represent a wide variety of interests. I will be calling upon many of you ultimately to join in the work of the committee." I am very happy to have Mr. Gillispie as a part of the ACB and membership chairman. ***** ** Come Alive in '75 -- ACB Annual Convention The 1975 convention of the American Council of the Blind will take place during the week of July 20-26, 1975, at the Admiral Semmes Hotel, 251 Government Street, Mobile Alabama 36601. Special-interest conferences and other functions will begin on Sunday, July 20, and the ACB national convention itself will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. Conventioners and other guests will stay at the Admiral Semmes Hotel, the Admiral Semmes Motor Hotel, directly across the street from the hotel, and the Sheraton Inn, one short block from the hotel. Special convention rates at the Admiral Semmes Hotel and Motor Hotel are $10 for a single room and $14 for a double or twin room per night; at the Sheraton Inn, $14 for a single, $18 for a double or twin room. At all three hotels no charge will be made for children under the age of 14 staying in the same room with an adult. All hotels are fully air-conditioned. The beautiful swimming pool which serves both the Admiral Semmes Hotel and the Motor Hotel is located in the courtyard of the Motor Hotel, and the Sheraton Inn pool is located on the third floor of that hotel. Both properties have excellent dining room facilities, featuring delicious, moderately priced cuisine. Braille menus will be available. All three hotels have comfortable cocktail lounges. The Admiral's Corner, located in the Admiral Semmes Hotel, features live entertainment every night except Sunday and the Purple Paddle, located in the Motor Hotel overlooks the courtyard and swimming pool. The Sheraton Inn has a 24-hour coffee shop, and there is a 24-hour restaurant immediately next door to the Motor Hotel, which will deliver food orders in the neighborhood. Within a radius of three blocks there are several outstanding restaurants featuring world renowned seafood, Old South, and regular cuisine. All of the hotels have ice, soft-drink and snack machines. Mobile is easily accessible from any part of the country, being served by Eastern, Southern, and National Airlines with convenient limousine service from the airport to the hotels. If there is not a direct flight available from your city easy and convenient connections can be made through such nearby cities as Atlanta and New Orleans. Be sure to inquire about the availability of group rates from your city. The Greyhound bus station is only one block from the Admiral Semmes Hotel. Although it is impossible in so short a space to describe, or even mention, every activity, meeting, and function that will take place during Convention Week, a few features should be mentioned specifically because of their widespread interest. Program plans are still incomplete. However, Program Chairman Joyce Smith promises a wide range of topics of interest and concern to the organized blind. Governor George Wallace has been asked to give the keynote address on Wednesday afternoon. The Friday night banquet speaker, still unconfirmed, will be nationally prominent both as a speaker and because of his concern with affairs of the handicapped. Among the speakers and topics to be included in the general program are the following: Frank Kurt Cylke, Chief Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Dr. Richard W. Bleecker, Executive Director, National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped; Dr. Andrew S. Adams, Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Ralph Brewer, Tennessee School for the Blind, speaking on preschool blind children; Jack Redding, Houston, Texas, organizer of the Blind Writers Association; also, presentations dealing with deaf-blind children, low-vision aids, workshops for the blind, national legislation, public relations, and a panel discussion on agency versus commission forms of rehabilitation services. Among the special-interest organizations and seminars which will meet during Convention Week are the American Blind Lawyers Association, National Alliance of Blind Students, National Association of Blind Teachers, Guide Dog Users, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, Visually Impaired Data Processors International, World Council of Blind Lions, Commission on Citizen Consumer Participation, and Rehabilitation Teachers. The ACB Service Net will operate its amateur radio station from the hotel throughout the week. Most of the special-interest organizations will be sending our conference announcements to their membership. Anyone desiring information on any of these programs may write to the ACB National Office. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of American plan a Victory Dance on Monday evening, July 21, to celebrate passage of the 1974 Randolph-Sheppard Amendments. On Tuesday evening, July 22, the Alabama Federation of the Blind, the official host organization, plans a reception to which all conventioners and guests are invited. On Wednesday evening, July 23, the Awards Gala will take place. The ACB banquet will be held on Friday evening, July 25. It is impossible to schedule tours that will allow conventioners to see and do everything of interest in Mobile within a single week. However, several special tours have been designed for your enjoyment. On Tuesday, July 22, those who reserve tickets will be able to take a boat cruise around the harbor, into famous Mobile Bay, and into the Gulf of Mexico. Since the yachts being used for these cruises are not large ships, the necessary tickets will have to be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. You will never forgive yourself if you leave Mobile without seeing the Battleship Alabama, a huge, retired warship with guns and other equipment you may feel if you wish; the submarine Drum, which you may tour; and the Mobile Greyhound Racing Park. On Thursday afternoon, special tours have been arranged for Gulf Shores Park and Bellingrath Plantation and Gardens. The Gulf Shores tour, which will last approximately six hours and will cost $7.50 per person, will go to a beautiful state park where conventioners may swim in fresh water or swim in the Gulf a short distance away. Each person will also receive a box supper at the park. The Bellingrath tour, which will cost $7.50 per person and will last approximately 5˝ hours, will go to the world-famous antebellum Bellingrath Plantation, whose gardens and house are among the most beautiful and most photographed in the world. You will surely want to come to Mobile in time to see Expo '75, which will take place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Inn from Sunday, July 20, through Tuesday, July 22. Expo '75 will be on exposition featuring products and equipment used by the blind, items produced and services provided for the blind, unusual skills and crafts performed by the blind, and a variety of activities of relevance to the blind. This will be much more than an ordinary collection of exhibits, and it is expected to attract widespread attention among the public. Although one of the primary objectives of Expo '75 is to educate the public concerning the blind, all conventioners will find it to be an interesting and educational experience. By now, you should have received your pre-registration announcement and hotel reservation card. These forms should be completed and returned as soon as possible. Written confirmation of all hotel reservations will be made. You are urged to register in advance if at all possible. If you have not received pre­registration materials, you may write to the General Convention Chairman, Marguerite McKinnon, Route 1, Box 133, Prattville, AL 36067, or to the ACB National Office, 818 18th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. If you cannot pre-register, it is important that you register for the convention as soon as possible after your arrival in Mobile. The registration desk will be open on the mezzanine from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday; from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Thursday; and at other hours as required by circumstances. ***** ** ACB Special-Interest Activities and Convention Week Schedule Over the past several years, many newcomers have been attracted to the American Council of the Blind by the annual conferences of its various special-interest affiliates and by seminars dealing with a wide variety of areas of special concern to the blind. This year should be no exception. ACB's eight special-interest affiliates will meet in Mobile, Alabama, during the first part of Convention Week, July 20-23, and a number of special seminars have also been scheduled during the week. Most of the special-interest organizations will be sending out program announcements to their own membership. However, for those not familiar with the wide range of interests and concerns of the American Council, the following overview and schedule of meetings may be helpful. For more details concerning Convention Week, see "Come Alive in '75 -- ACB Annual Convention," elsewhere in this issue of the Braille Forum. The American Blind Lawyers Association is a national, non­profit organization, established in 1969 for the purpose of providing blind lawyers and blind law students with a forum for discussion of their special problems, to maintain law libraries for their use, and to produce and disseminate legal materials in braille and on cassette. All blind lawyers and blind law students are cordially invited to attend ABLA's sixth annual convention, whether or not they are members of the organization. The program will be designed to provide a full exchange of ideas. There will be seminars on aids, devices, and techniques useful in the office, classroom, and courtroom; lectures by blind lawyers experienced in obtaining public appointive or elective office, and concerning opportunities for employment in government agencies, private corporations, and as general and specializing practitioners. For more information, please communicate with Philip E. Pofcher, Esq., President, 749 South Street, Roslindale, MA 02131. The ACB Service Net has played a prominent role in the Council's conventions for the past four years by maintaining and operating a "ham shack" directly from the headquarters hotel. It will be on the air again this year beginning Saturday noon, July 19. Actually, this ACB affiliate meets regularly throughout the year. Any amateur radio operator is welcome to call in on the net at any time. The net meets year around, Monday through Saturday, on 14,305 mhz., and from 1700 to 1800 G.M.T. Members handle phone patches and messages, provide information on such subjects as library service and devices available to the blind, and give technical assistance to blind persons interested in ham radio. Travis Harris, 3840 N.W. 31st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, is founder and president of the Service Net. Guide Dog Users, Inc. concerns itself with the particular interests and problems of blind persons who use dog guides. These include promoting greater understanding on the part of the public of the dog guide's place in the community as an aid to the blind in achieving mobility and independence, and supporting legislation to prohibit discrimination against those using dog guides. Further details may be obtained by contacting GDUI President Mrs. Catherine Gleitz, 2130 Maple Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. The National Alliance of Blind Students was formed in 1974. Its purpose is to work with agencies, government, and institutions dealing with blind students in all facets of education, with emphasis on protecting the rights and interests of blind students. Regular membership is open to all legally blind students in accredited, post-secondary educational programs, and to blind high-school seniors who plan to pursue a college career. Supportive (non-voting) membership is available for non-students and sighted students interested in the organization. Details concerning this year's NABS conference may be obtained from President Mack Riley, P.O. Box 2401, Bell Gardens, CA 90201. The National Association of Blind Teachers addresses itself to the need for greater public understanding and acceptance of the potential of blind teachers at all levels of the educational system. It also hopes to develop means of disseminating professional information among its members. Past seminars have included discussions and panels dealing with such topics as problems in obtaining employment, suggested training and orientation programs and techniques for would-be blind teachers, how the newly certified blind teacher might best go about applying for a job, and experiences of blind teachers who have overcome a wide range of problems and public doubts to create meaningful, responsible positions in a wide range of teaching situations. Robert McCann, President of NABT, 2638 N. Troy, Chicago, IL 60647, welcomes inquiries from interested persons. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America is ACB's largest special-interest affiliate. Its accomplishments over the past year in leading the fight to secure passage of the Randolph-Sheppard Amendments of 1974 speak for themselves and are eloquent testimony to what can be accomplished through unity of interest and purpose. RSVA's quarterly bulletin, Vendorscope, contains information of general interest to operators of vending facilities, as well as news of the activities of RSVA affiliates throughout the country. Its annual conferences not only update legislation affecting blind vendors, but also bring together information on the latest products and equipment. Those interested in further information may contact Homer Steele, RSVA President, at 3907 N. Ashton, Peoria, IL 61604. "Secretaries -- Problem Solvers" is the theme of the 1975 convention of the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association. This year's meeting will attempt to provide practical information and techniques to assist the blind secretary in developing her full potential. Two workshops, "The Goals of a Secretary" and "In the Office Basket," will be conducted by Bertha Stronach, Manager of Training, Office Products Division, IBM Corporation. VISTA's booth at Expo '75 will feature the latest in office equipment and demonstrations of how it can be productively used by the blind secretary and transcriber. Details concerning VISTA and its 1975 conference may be obtained from President Trudie Musier, 22-A Byrne Court, Wayne, NJ 07470. Among ACB's newest committees is the Committee for the Deaf-Blind. At its 1973 meeting, this committee voted to focus attention on the "hard core" deaf-blind adult, and to support federal, state, and local programs for the deaf-blind, in an effort to make this sometimes-forgotten segment, even among the blind population, more a part of the mainstream. Last year, the Committee's social hour and display of communications techniques and devices used by the deaf-blind was a colossal success. A reception is again being planned for this year, which Committee Chairman Jack Murphey cordially invites all conventioners and friends of the deaf-blind to attend. The schedule of special-interest activities is as follows: American Blind Lawyers Association: Sunday evening, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 ACB Service Net: Saturday Noon, July 19, throughout Convention Week Guide Dog Users, Inc.: Tuesday, July 22, through Wednesday noon, July 23 National Alliance of Blind Students: Sunday evening, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 National Association of Blind Teachers: Sunday evening, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America: Sunday afternoon, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 Visually Impaired Data Processors International: Sunday evening, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association: Sunday morning, July 20, through Wednesday noon, July 23 World Council of Blind Lions: Reception and dinner, Tuesday evening, July 22; general session Wednesday morning, July 23 Commission on Citizen Consumer Participation: Wednesday morning, July 23 Rehabilitation Teachers Breakfast: Thursday morning, July 24 Committee for the Deaf-Blind: general meeting Thursday afternoon; reception Thursday evening, July 24 ACB Board Meeting: Tuesday evening, July 22 ***** ** ACB Committees, 1975 * Committee Chairmen Awards (Ambassador and George Card): Carol Derouin, 3655 Monroe Avenue, N.E., Salem, OR 97301 Robert S. Bray Award: Charles Gallozzi, Box 254, Tilghman, MD 21671 Budget: Reese Robrahn, 818 18th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006 Centers for the Blind: Jack Warren 3728 North Ashton Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 Commission on Citizen Consumer Participation: Reese Robrahn, 818 18th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006 Constitution and By-Laws: Delbert Aman, 105 Clark Building, Aberdeen, SD 57401 Convention Guidelines: Oral Miller, 3701 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., No. 220, Washington, DC 20008 Credentials: Roseanne Diehl, 8601 Parliament Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Credit Unions: John Vanlandingham, 5800 N. 19th Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85015 Deaf-Blind Adults: Jack Murphey, 4103 Castleman Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 Educational Radio: Travis Harris, 3840 N.W. 31, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Electronic Aids: William Pickman, 414 E. 77 Street, New York, NY 10021 Federal Civil Service -- Employees and Employment: Nicholas Williams, 5512 Quennsberry Avenue, Springfield, VA 22151 Finance: Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29 Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 Legislation: Dr. S. Bradley Burson, 917 Kenyon Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Libraries: Crawford Pike, 605 North Street, Talladega, AL 35160 Membership: George Gillispie, 100 Stevens Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516 Public Service: O.L. Joiner, P.O. Box 775, Alachua, FL 32615 Publications Board: Harold Dachtler, 600 West Rouse Street, Lansing, MI 48910 Resolutions: Mary Inez Mauldin, 108 South MacArthur Drive, Panama City, FL 32401 Seminars: Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 Sheltered Workshops: Len Hoskins, 348 Georgetown Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32018 Special Education: Dr. Grace Napier, Aspen Arms, No. 32, 1624 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 ***** ** Credentials Committee By Roseanne Diehl Since the Credentials Committee is responsible for each vote being recognized at the convention, this Committee benefits greatly when affiliates cooperate. Members in attendance at the 1974 convention heard the writer express her appreciation for the assistance and cooperation of the Committee. It worked long hours to solve problems and referred six recommendations to ACB President Floyd Qualls. Implementation of two of these suggestions, in particular, can be carried out only with the continuing assistance and cooperation of ACB affiliates and membership as a whole. First, it was determined that order and business can best be carried out when questions an affiliate might have during conventions are directed to the Credentials Committee by only the delegate or alternate. Secondly, the Credentials Committee is responsible for determining exactly how many organization votes each affiliate has on the convention floor. When many membership lists arrive at the last minute -- some on scraps of paper, and in many forms of writing -- it's an overwhelming task to speedily reconcile each person at registration for certification or eligibility to vote. Last year's Credentials Committee did not feel it was expecting too much for each affiliate to furnish a completely alphabetized list of its members. If not a member, surely a friend would be happy to compose this list. The 1975 Committee was appointed not only to conform to the ACB Constitution, but also to represent different areas of the United States. Those serving are Helen Vargo, Wally Menning, Delbert Aman, Ollie Bledsoe, Ruth Knowles, and Cy Selfridge. You can assist them by cooperating in the two suggested ways. Please direct any questions you might have to me at the address listed above. ***** ** Correction -- Constitution and By-Laws Committee Please note that the address for Constitution and By-Laws Committee Chairman Delbert Aman was incorrectly listed in the March-April Braille Forum. Proposed Constitution and By-Law amendments should be sent to Delbert Aman at 105 Clark Building, Aberdeen, SD 57401, either in ink or in braille. Although the ACB Constitution provides that proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing on or before the first day of the convention the Committee would greatly appreciate receiving these beforehand, and no later than July 1, if possible. ***** ** Nominations for Robert S. Bray Award At its mid-winter meeting, the ACB Board of Directors approved the creation of an award to honor Robert S. Bray, who died November 26, 1974, and who was known to almost all blind persons in this country for his long and distinguished career as Chief of the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. To carry out the wishes of the Board, President Floyd Qualls has appointed the following to serve on the Robert S. Bray Award Committee: Mr. Charles Gallozzi, Chairman; Dr. Margaret Rockwell; Mr. Crawford Pike; and Mr. James Chandler. In addition to drawing up the criteria for the award (see the following article), they have been asked to recommend a recipient to receive the award at the annual convention in Mobile. Time is short, and nominations must reach the committee by the first week in July to be properly processed. If sufficient names are not received, there will be no presentation this year. Please address your nominations to the American Council of the Blind, 818 18th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006, marked: Bray Award. ***** ** Criteria for the Robert S. Bray Award The Robert S. Bray Award is presented from time to time, not necessarily each year, by the American Council of the Blind, to recognize outstanding achievement in extending library service or access to published materials, or in improving communications devices and techniques. For example: This award may be given to recognize increased availability of materials in any format usable by the blind and/or the physically handicapped; It may recognize improved announcement services or bibliographic control of materials; It may recognize development or operation of information services beneficial to the blind and/or physically handicapped; It may recognize the extension of "conventional" library service to a blind and/or physically handicapped segment of the population. It may be awarded for a local effort that has been or might be applied regionally or nationally. The award shall be in the form of a certificate, supplemented by an appropriately boxed cassette recording the presentation ceremony and words of appreciation by beneficiaries of the services recognized. ***** ** Mobility By Harold Rawley (Reprinted from ACB of Indiana NEWSLETTER) A dog at his side makes a wonderful guide, And a cane can help lighten the strife. But there's nothing you'll find for a man that is blind That's as good as a seeing-eye wife. ***** ** Cross Country Skiing by the Blind -- A Reality and A Success By Oral O. Miller "Don't you realize that skiing is for only the young, the able-bodied, and the daring?" Although I as a blind man had enjoyed my first and only attempt at skiing approximately five years earlier, and although I was quite familiar with various programs aimed at teaching the blind to ski, I still had serious doubts, until about two months ago, as to the ultimate popularity, practicability, success or whatever, concerning skiing as a significant and vital physical activity of continuing benefit to the blind. Drawbacks (if they may be called such) are obvious -- it is strictly a winter activity; it requires snow and suitable terrain; the equipment is fairly expensive; it can be somewhat risky for the untrained or the careless; and it is necessary for a blind skier to be guided in some satisfactory way. In the following paragraphs you will discover how I converted from the position of a mild skeptic to that of an enthusiastic convert, who, along with many others, sees cross-country skiing as the key for opening countless doors, behind which may be found a great variety of delightful, beneficial, enjoyable, and rehabilitative physical activities. In January, 1975, I first heard of the upcoming "Race For Light," a cross-country ski "race" to be conducted for the blind in Summit County, Colorado, during February, 1975. Further inquiry revealed that the "race" (which is really a race against the clock rather than against other blind skiers directly) was being patterned after the "Knights Race" which has become a traditional race for the blind of Norway in the past ten years. That race was begun as an annual event through the tireless efforts of Erling Stordahl, a blind Norwegian musician and recording artist who believed with almost religious fervor that such a demonstration by the blind of all ages would open the eyes and minds of Norway to the capabilities of the blind and other handicapped groups in not only the athletic world but also the areas of vocational training, employment, intellectual accomplishment, social adjustment, and meaningful self-recognition. Mr. Stordahl persuaded the Norwegian government to support the race by publicizing it and by permitting the Norwegian army to assist through preparation of the race course and serving as sighted guides for the blind skiers. The interest ignited by that race and subsequent events resulted in the establishment of the Norwegian Center for Rehabilitation of the Handicapped Through Sports, located in Beitostolen, Norway. Mr. Stordahl is now the Executive Director of that center. Further inquiry about the "Race For Light" revealed that approximately thirty-five blind people, ranging in age from the teens to the forties or fifties, from the United States and Canada, were being invited to take part in the week-long instruction and training program which would culminate with the "Race For Light," a timed demonstration in which each blind skier accompanied by a sighted guide would ski either once or twice around a prepared course approximately two and a half miles in length; that a contingent of approximately twenty blind Norwegian skiers would also participate in the program as examples of what could be accomplished through practice and training; that the American skiers and many of their sighted guides and instructors would live in the homes of families in the community while there; that the skiing equipment would be furnished without charge; and that instructions would be provided by competent instructors (many of whom turned out to be professional or semi-professional skiing instructors from Colorado and elsewhere). It would be a gross understatement to say that I was merely curious while preparing to travel to the Colorado Rockies to be introduced to cross-country skiing for the first time. There are definite differences between cross-country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing or ski touring) and downhill or Alpine skiing. In cross-country skiing the object is to travel from one point to another by propelling oneself over the intervening terrain, be it uphill, downhill, or across flat country. On the other hand, in downhill skiing most of the propulsion comes from the force of gravity as a skier glides down a slope. Also, there are significant differences in the equipment used. Cross-country skis are generally longer, narrower, and much lighter in weight than are downhill skis. In addition, cross-country skis are attached to the feet at the front of the lightweight boot, which is much thinner, more flexible, and lower than are downhill ski boots. Further, a cross-country skier propels himself by thrusting with his ski poles and by moving his skis in a motion which vaguely resembles skating. Most of this came as news to me as I prepared to go out on the practice course for the first time with my instructor, an official of the Norwegian Information Service who humorously referred to himself as a "skiing eye dog." The course which we used consisted of two sets of parallel "tracks" or "grooves" in the deep, packed snow. The "tracks" making up each set were about twelve inches apart and the other set of tracks was approximately three feet away. It was a simple matter to follow the right-hand set of tracks by placing my skis in them, although I could also leave them very easily if I wished. My instructor skied in the left-hand set of tracks, usually staying slightly behind me in order to observe my movements and to inform me constantly concerning upcoming changes in terrain or turns in the course. He used a variety of appropriate instructional methods -- verbal descriptions of the desired positions and motions, physical demonstrations, and, in a few instances, virtually placing me in the desired positions. One of his more important roles was that of an enthusiastic source of encouragement, especially during the first few days of exhausting instruction and practice in the very thin air of Summit County. The culmination of the week's activities was the "Race For Light" itself, during which each skier with his guide traversed the course at least once, and twice if possible. The skiers left the starting line at thirty-second intervals and there was an established procedure which enabled skiers to pass other skiers on the course by switching to the lefthand set of tracks. Although each skier was timed, the competitive aspects of the program were de-emphasized, and accomplishment aspects were accentuated. Erling Stordahl, the first participant to leave the starting line, was escorted by Governor Richard Lamb of Colorado and the first American to leave the line was escorted by the Honorable Soren Somerfelt, Norwegian ambassador to the United States. The elapsed times of the Norwegian skiers were, of course, considerably faster than those of the Americans and Canadians, almost all of whom had never attempted cross-country skiing before that week. While everyone who participated in the "Race For Light" program received tremendous personal satisfaction therefrom, its real significance goes beyond mere personal satisfaction. At the time Erling Stordahl was contacted concerning Norwegian participation he conditioned such participation on the commitment that the race would not be a "one shot" affair and that it would be used as a springboard for the generation of interest in a program of rehabilitation of the handicapped through sports activities. I am not naive enough to believe that cross-country skiing will become the most popular of all possible activities for the blind and other handicapped groups or that organized physical activities for the handicapped will ever enjoy the popularity here which they enjoy in vigorous, outdoors-minded Norway, but I believe that as such programs are repeated in the future, both nationally and regionally, they will foster greater acceptance of the premise that meaningful physical activity is a route to rehabilitation and social adjustment or integration which thus far has not been used sufficiently. Programs similar to the one held in Colorado can be set up fairly easily in other parts of the country, thereby simplifying problems of logistics and reducing transportation costs considerably. Looking beyond the 1976 "Race For Light," to be held in Minnesota in February, there are now plans afoot to seek grant assistance in order to study the feasibility of establishing in the United States a center such as the one in Norway. It is important for rehabilitation experts, educators and recreation professionals, as well as the handicapped themselves and organizations of the handicapped, to recognize the potential long-range value of the pioneer work begun in Colorado in 1975. An article of this length cannot possibly give due credit to everyone involved in the planning and the conduct of the 1975 "Race For Light." However, fairness requires that special recognition should go to its local coordinator in Colorado Olva Pedersen (a Norwegian-born ski instructor now residing in Colorado), the Sons of Norway Foundation (for its generous financial assistance), the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and the Norwegian Information Service, the American press media, the Janay Co. of Minneapolis (for the excellent equipment given to the American and Canadian participants), the Scandinavian Airline System (for outstanding travel arrangements and consideration provided for the Norwegian participants), the Lions Clubs of Norway and Colorado, and the dozens of Norwegian and Danish college students in the United States who served as instructors and guides. ***** ** Calling All Sports Fans! Feeling Sports, published by the Braille Sports Foundation, is a monthly magazine available in braille or on 33 1/3 r.p.m. sound-sheet discs. The subscription rate is $8 annually for either edition. This new magazine is unique because it is written exclusively for the visually handicapped sports fan. Anyone, young or old, male or female, of the unsighted population will find an entirely new dimension in sports reporting. The articles will be written in such a manner as to enable readers to gain meaningful mental pictures and interpretations. Much coverage will be given to the major sports events and their participants, and much attention will be paid to the sporting activities of the blind. I is the intention of Feeling Sports not only to inform the blind about the magnetic world of athletics, but also to strongly encourage their active participation in sports and physical fitness programs. Feeling Sports welcomes the opportunity of providing a much-needed service to the 1.3 million blind persons in the United States and to the nearly six million with limiting degrees of visual impairment. Its editors are thrilled at the prospect of creating an important social link between the sighted and unsighted population. To subscribe, send your name and address, an indication of which edition (braille or recorded) you wish, and a check for $8 to the Braille Sports Foundation, 8800 Hiway 7, Minneapolis, MN 55426. All checks should be made payable to the Braille Sports Foundation. ***** ** Making of a Will By John P. Nelson (This is the first in a series of articles by members of the American Blind Lawyers Association dealing with various aspects of the law as they apply particular to blind persons. Suggestions from readers as to areas which might be included are welcome and may be sent either to the Forum Editor, Mary T. Ballard, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620, or to ABLA President Phillip E. Pofcher, Esq., 749 South Street, Roslindale, MA 02131.) Can a blind person make a Will? Certainly a blind person, just like any other person of legal age, with mental capacity, can make a will. The way in which a Will is signed is very important. Certain requirements must be met so that when the signer of a Will (called a Testator) is dead others can be sure that the Testator knew what he was signing and that the Will expressed the intention of the Testator. When a blind person executes a Will, particular care should be used to make certain that the witnesses know that the Testator knew what was in the Will, and that he knew he was signing a Will. Probably the best way to do this is to have one of the witnesses read the Will to the blind person in the presence of the other witnesses before anyone signs it, or have someone who is not a witness read the Will to the blind person in the presence of the witnesses, making sure that the witnesses see that the entire Will was read accurately. If, however, the Testator does not want the witnesses to know the content of his Will, things become more complicated. There are things which can be done, such as having a trusted person read the Will to the Testator while it is being recorded on tape, along with the Testator's comments. This tape could then be preserved with the Will. However, the best way is to have witnesses who can be trusted to know the contents of the Will. If the blind person cannot sign his name, in most states he can sign with an X or any other mark, so long as he intends it to be his signature, and this fact is made known to the witnesses to the Will. Any person executing a Will should sign the Will in the presence of the witnesses. The number of the witnesses will depend on the law of the particular state, but generally you should have at least two. The witnesses should sign as witnesses, in the presence of the Testator, in the presence of each other. The Testator should declare the fact that the instrument is his Will, so that the witnesses know he intends it to be a Will, and the Testator should also make it known that he wishes the particular witnesses to serve as witnesses to his Will, so that they are serving at his request. Normally, a blind person should not be a witness to the Will of another, because when the Will is admitted to Probate, a witness may have to identify his signature and the Will. Anyone who is to receive benefits from the Will should not be a witness, and it is the best practice not to even have a beneficiary who is named in the Will be present when the Will is being executed. This is to avoid a claim that a beneficiary used undue influence on the Testator. Sometimes people who make out their Wills include instructions for their funeral arrangements. However, quite often the heirs are reluctant to become involved with such material things as the estate until after the funeral. If, therefore, the funeral arrangements are in the Will, if the Will is not opened until after the funeral, the instructions will not be discovered until it is too late to comply with them. It is therefore better to make other arrangements to let relatives and friends know what is desired by way of a funeral. Careful thought should be given to the making of a Will by anyone. properly drawn Will, as a part of an overall estate plan, not only distributes the Testator's property to the desired beneficiaries, but also helps to keep taxes and other expenses at a minimum. ***** ** Cash Contest to Share Knowledge Are you a blind householder who would like to earn hard cash for sharing with others your experiences on tools and techniques you have found successful in making your own home repairs? The Hadley School for the Blind will pay $25 each for the ten best letters, not exceeding 500 words, in which you describe just such points on any home repair topics you choose to write about -- walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, doors, plumbing, electricals: You name it. Fancy writing will not count, but the helpfulness of your ideas will. Entries become the property of the Hadley School for the Blind for possible inclusion in a supplement to its forthcoming free correspondence course, in braille or cassette, called "Home Repairs for the Blind Householder." Send braille, typed, or recorded entries to: Home Repairs Department, Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. If you yourself would like to take the course when it is ready, please indicate the fact. ***** ** Disabled Activists Form National Coalition A national coalition of disabled activists and activist organizations will seek an amendment to the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, to bar discrimination against disabled persons in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Washington, D.C. based American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Inc., formed last year to combine the energies and resources of dozens of local organizations has pledged a massive campaign to include disabled persons in all laws protecting the rights of minorities and women and to seek stricter enforcement of legislation already including disabled persons. Eunice Fiorito, newly elected president of the Coalition and Director of the New York City Mayor's Office for the Handicapped, said: "The time has come for disabled persons to participate more fully in the making of decisions affecting their lives. The needs of disabled Americans must be articulated by disabled Americans in a coherent and well-thought-out manner. The Coalition will articulate these needs and will propose the means by which these needs must be met. We are a united front, and we speak on behalf of more than forty million disabled Americans." She added that positions taken by the Coalition would reflect the consensus of the nation's disabled community, and not just the views of one organization or disability group; and she emphasized the fact that both the membership and leadership spanned nearly the entire range of disabilities and represented all regions of the country. "And we are still growing," she added, "because active consumer groups are springing up all over the nation and are seeking affiliation with the Coalition through the formation of local chapters." Delegates to the Coalition met early in May to elect officers and to set priorities for the coming year. They resolved to promote and protect the civil rights of disabled persons through: (1) an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include disabled persons; (2) urging the passage of anti-discrimination laws protecting disabled persons by states without such legislation; (3) demanding stricter enforcement of existing federal and state legislation and the correction of weaknesses and ambiguities. Officers elected at the May meeting are as follows: President, Mrs. Eunice Fiorito, New York City, First Vice President, American Council of the Blind of New York State, Director of New York City Mayor's Office for the, Handicapped; First Vice President, Frederick Schreiber, Silver Spring, Maryland, Executive Secretary, National Association of the Deaf; Second Vice President, Miss Diane Lattin, Washington, D.C., Editor, Performance, President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, member, Capital Area Chapter, National Paraplegic Foundation; Secretary, Lex Frieden, Houston, Texas, graduate student, activist, organizer of several local groups for independent living for severely disabled persons; Treasurer, Louis T. Rigdon, II, Washington, D.C. member, Capital Area Chapter, National Paraplegic Foundation, attorney, U.S. Department of Justice. Members elected to the Board of Directors are: Roger Peterson, Washington, D.C., ACCD staff volunteer, member, Nation's Capital Chapter, National Association of the Physically Handicapped; Frank Mershon, New York City, President, New York State Chapter, National Association of the Physically Handicapped, and member, Disabled in Action; Miss Judy Heumann, Washington, D.C., activist, founder, Disabled in Action, member, Board of Directors, National Rehabilitation Association research assistant, Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare (Senator Harrison A. Williams, Chairman); Miss Gini Laurie, St. Louis, Missouri, Editor, Rehabilitation Gazette; David Williamson, Chicago, Illinois, National Executive Director, National Paraplegic Foundation; Dick Santos, Berkeley, California, former Executive Director, Center for Independent Living; Jack Martin Seattle Washington, Coordinator, Disabled Student Services, University of Michigan. Member organizations include the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Association of the Deaf, the American Council of the Blind, New York's Congress of People with Disabilities, Berkeley Center for Independent Living, the Massachusetts Council of Organizations of the Handicapped, and the Florida Council of Organizations of the Handicapped. Local chapters of such groups as the National Paraplegic Foundation and the National Association of the Physically Handicapped are also represented. Among the associate (non-voting) member organizations are the National Association for Retarded Citizens and the National Rehabilitation Association. Meetings of the Coalition's Board of Directors have been scheduled for New York City, Fort Worth, Chicago, California, and Florida, in an effort to stimulate participation at the local level. ***** ** Proceedings Available -- National Symposium on Employment of the Visually Impaired in Secretarial Fields Blind persons throughout the country are performing a growing number of complex and difficult secretarial jobs in both the public and private sectors. The Office of Education, through the Upper Midwest Area Manpower Institute for Development of Staff, funded a conference held in Houston, Texas, in December of 1973. The program for the three-day seminar was formulated by the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, in joint cooperation with the Houston Lighthouse for the Blind. The Symposium report prepared by VISTA, a consumer organization, will be of great value to persons interested in being employed in this field. The publication outlines both employer and employee needs, as well as highlighting successful and satisfying performance on the part of employed blind persons in a number of secretarial positions. The Proceedings illustrate the positive and effective results achieved through the cooperation between a national consumer organization of blind secretaries and educators, rehabilitation personnel, and employers. The Proceedings, in print or in braille, may be obtained from Trudie Musier, 22-A Byrne Court, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. ***** ** First National Conference on Aging and Blindness By Reese Robrahn As a result of the mandate of the Congress to increase services to older Americans, there appeared in the Federal Register under date of May 21, 1974, Vol. 39 (910.2), the following charge to the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging, Department of Health, Education and Welfare: "The Commissioner will give special consideration to ... (4) provide services to assist in meeting the particular needs of the physically and mentally impaired older persons, including special transportation and escort services, homemaker services, home health and shopping services, and other services designed to assist such individuals in leading a more independent life." On April 24, 26, 1975 at New Orleans, the first National Conference on Aging and Blindness was held, co-sponsored by the American Foundation for the Blind, the Administration on Aging, Department of Health Education and Welfare, and the Office for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Department of Health, Education and Welfare and very ably coordinated by Dorothy Demby, Specialist in Aging on the staff of the American Foundation for the Blind. From all corners of the nation, and from public and private agencies serving the aging and the blind, and from consumer organizations came the 276 participants registered for the conference. The conference theme was "Meeting the Challenges of Elderly Persons with Sight Difficulties -- Action '76." The specific charge to the conference participants was to devise a coordinated and integrated plan for direct services to older blind persons which will meet identified needs; and with particular emphasis on assessment of services, availability of services, accessibility of services, and adequacy of services. Arthur S. Fleming, United States Commissioner on Aging Office of Human Development, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, was the keynote speaker for the conference and his address was emphatic in the urgency of the need for much more input and political action from the private sector, and especially strong consumer groups, with regard to the promulgation of regulations to implement legislation affecting the aging; with respect to passage of new acts or amendments of existing acts which will have broader and more specifically directed mandates for provision of services to the aging; and with respect to the great need for additional funding. Conference participants were divided into small discussion groups, in accordance with the ten Department of HEW regions, and at the close of the conference, recommendations were made by all discussion groups. Judge Reese Robrahn, immediate past president of the American Council of the Blind, served as a discussion leader for the Region 2 group; and Billie Elder, Second Vice President of ACB, gave a reactor commentary to a formal paper delivered as a part of the program on the subject of adequacy of services. The official report or proceedings of the conference has not yet been issued. However, it may be reported that it was the consensus of the participants that there must be an energetic and dedicated outreach stemming from the conference to encourage, stimulate, and in some instances exercise personal initiative to bring about fruition in the coordination of planning among agencies, both public and private, together with consumer organizations and groups, and on the local, state, and regional levels, to bring about comprehensive and relevant services to aging persons who are blind or visually impaired; that great emphasis should be given to prevention services and early identification and intake in order to avoid and to avert the many circumstances and problems which otherwise frequently become inevitable. It was generally agreed that legislation must address itself to the specifics of the problem and must be mandatory; and finally, it was agreed that the success and impact of the conference must hinge on follow-up and follow-through. ***** ** Business Index Available The 1975 edition of the Index of Blind Mail Order Business Persons is now available to the visually handicapped in the medium of their choice. Containing entries in 24 categories, this index offers basic data on blind-run businesses willing to sell by mail order to their fellow visually impaired. The publication was prepared as a service to the Cleveland Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The 14-page large-type edition and the 22-page thermoform braille edition are each $1.00 postpaid, while a recorded reading is offered on tape free to anyone supplying a good C60 cassette or 1,200 feet of open-reel tape. A reference copy is also available at each of the regional lending libraries of the Library of Congress network. Orders should be made payable to the Cleveland Public Library and sent to Warren Sladky, Special Projects Editor, Braille and Talking Book Department, Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue, N.E., Cleveland, OH 44114. ***** ** S. 6, Education of the Handicapped Legislation (Editor's Note: The following material was prepared by Irvin P. Schloss, Director, Governmental Relations Office, American Foundation for the Blind, and was filed with the sub­committee on the Handicapped of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, April 8, 1975, on behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, the American Association of Workers for the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, and the Blinded Veterans Association. Reese H. Robrahn and Irvin P. Schloss testified in person on this legislation. (Excerpted, with introductory omissions) All four of these organizations believe that every handicapped child should have the right to educational services at least equal to those he would be entitled to if he were not handicapped. We believe that each handicapped child is entitled to individualized special education procedures which will enable him to benefit from as comprehensive an elementary and secondary education as he is capable of absorbing, so that he can move into advanced education or other vocational training which will equip him to earn his own way in life as a contributing member of society. The recognition of educational needs of the handicapped and decisive action by the Congress to meet these needs have been gratifying to those of us in national voluntary organizations who have seen increasingly critical problems in the education of handicapped children, which only federal financial assistance can solve. The outstanding leadership given by the Bureau for the Education and Training of the Handicapped and the Office of Education has been a major force in the progress made thus far in the effort to assure educational opportunities to handicapped children throughout the country. We are gratified that the Congress has strengthened the administrative structure of the Bureau. We hope that the integrity of the Bureau in administering all aspects of federal programs relating to the education of handicapped children, including research, will be preserved and strengthened. S. 6, with clarifying and strengthening refinements, is urgently needed legislation. The steadily increasing number of court decisions requiring states to provide appropriate, free education to handicapped children makes more emphatic the need for federal financial assistance to meet the additional cost of compliance. An equitable formula through which the Federal Government assists the states to meet the excess cost of educating handicapped children over the cost of educating non-handicapped children would be an effective way of meeting this objective. By requiring an individualized, written education program for each handicapped child, as well as due process procedures for parents dissatisfied with educational services provided their children, S. 6 would minimize arbitrary rejection of handicapped children by school systems. The bill would also foster de-institutionalization of handicapped children, too many of whom were too hastily institutionalized on the basis of inadequate advice and inadequate diagnostic procedures. Among the refinements to S. 6 which we would suggest are the following: 1. Section 602(7), defining "equipment," should be amended to include reading machines and other technological aids. Technological advances have already resulted in the development of machines which convert the printed letter to a letter which can be read by touch. Research is progressing in the conversion of the printed word to an audible output. Aids like these should be made available under the Education of the Handicapped Act to handicapped children who can benefit from their use as these aids become technologically feasible. 2. Section 602(16), defining "related services," should be amended to include "orientation and mobility instruction for the blind and visually handicapped," reader service for the blind and visually handicapped," and "interpreter service for the deaf" in the parenthetical examples following "supportive services." Orientation and mobility instruction, provided by professional specialists in any setting, including the home and school, at the earliest feasible age, is a vital factor in the adequate development of a blind or seriously visually handicapped child. Reader service for the blind and visually handicapped and interpreter service for the deaf are essential supportive services outside of the classroom to enable children with these sensory handicaps to do homework and other education-related projects. 3. Although the reason for additional financial support to the states for educating handicapped children is clearly to cover the excess cost over the cost of educating non-handicapped children, we believe that it would be administratively simpler to extend the existing entitlement formula for Part B of the Education of the Handicapped Act, especially since there is presently no authoritative method of determining excess cost. Therefore, we strongly urge enactment of S. 1264, which would extend the Part B entitlement formula for an additional two years. 4. State-planned provisions should foster inter-agency cooperation within a state so that handicapped children in all institutional settings can be adequately served. 5. Section 613(a) should be amended to require parent counseling. This will be particularly important for the families of children who will receive special education services in a variety of settings, especially for the parents of de-institutionalized children. 6. Reimbursable costs for special education and related services under Part B of the Education of the Handicapped Act should not include debt retirement, construction costs, or other capital outlays. We specifically endorse the provisions of proposed Section 618, as contained in S. 6, establishing an affirmative-action program for employment of qualified handicapped individuals in special education programs. This reaffirmation of the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 should foster the creation of additional employment opportunities for individuals who have sometimes been arbitrarily barred from employment in education programs solely on account of their handicapping condition. As the impact of improvements in the Education of the Handicapped Act to provide a free, appropriate public education to all handicapped children is increasingly felt, it will become even more urgent to assure the availability of professionally qualified teachers and other specialized staff. Therefore, the requirement contained in proposed Section 614(a) (3), coupled with other provisions of the Education of the Handicapped Act for training of personnel, are particularly important. In conclusion, the four national organizations I am representing endorse enactment of the provisions of S. 6 not contained in present law, with the amendments recommended. In particular, we strongly urge substitution of the provisions of S. 1264 for the entitlement formula contained in S. 6. ***** ** Artificial Lens Implant in Treatment of Cataracts From Long Beach, California, comes news about an innovative treatment for cataract sufferers. Dr. G.F. Worst of Holland, speaking to a group of ophthalmologists attending a recent Interocular Lens Implant Conference, described a highly promising technique of implanting an artificial lens within an eye from which because of the cataract the natural lens has been removed. While the treatment is highly controversial, these implanted lenses can give optimal advantages, according to Dr. Bradley Straatma, the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California at Los Angeles. In his lecture, Dr. Worst said he had implanted 2,000 of the Medicallion lenses which he designed. This type of lens is totally supported and anchored to the iris by a steel suture. Implanted lenses are not for everyone. Diabetics, for example, are excluded because there is a danger of bleeding during the surgery and after. Also there is the possibility of corneal dystrophy degeneration of the cornea, which may seriously interfere with vision. When there is such corneal involvement, everything looks fine, but the patient can't see, said Dr. Worst. Dr. J. Kiewit De Jonge of Wormond, Holland, interviewed in connection with this technique, said the Dutch ophthalmologists lead the world in lens implantation, with 10,000 to 15,000 such operations to date. Dr. De Jonge, who himself does the operation, said that he trained with Dr. C. D. Binkhorst of Holland, who is considered the world leader in implantation and has done about 4,500 operations himself. According to Dr. Worst, the operation requires about 45 minutes and can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Patients are hospitalized for three to four days and can return to work in from two to four weeks. The patient's lens power is built into the artificial lens before it is implanted. ***** ** State Convention Highlights * Connecticut Convention By Anna Godrie The newly organized Connecticut Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, held its first "mini-convention" on Saturday, April 19, at Christ Church, West Haven. Chairing the entire proceedings was Arthur Egan, President of the new organization. Following the Invocation, the morning speaker was William Patton, Director of the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind, whose talk encompassed the latest information on all of the services offered by his agency. After a brief question-and-answer period, a buffet type luncheon was served by the women of the church. The first speaker of the afternoon session was Durward McDaniel, National Representative of the American Council of the Blind, who brought those present up to date on federal legislation and afterward answered quest ions from the floor. The final speaker was George Gillispie, CCB fund-raising chairman, who talked on a variety of subjects, including methods for raising money for the establishment of a live-in type adjustment center in this state, where every blind person needing help could obtain it. The convention was concluded by a short business meeting. ***** ** Panamerican Council for the Blind Announces Essay Competition In honor of Louis Braille, the Panamerican Council for the Blind is sponsoring its first international essay competition. Prizes for an original paper on the Braille system, either historical or scientific in nature, will be awarded as follows: first prize: for the best scientific paper -- $250, a medal, and a diploma; second prize: for the best historical paper -- $150, a medal, and a diploma; third prize: for the paper which is next best, whether scientific or historical -- $100 and a diploma. The competition will run from May 31 to October 31, 1975. All blind persons of America who are of Spanish, Portuguese, English, or French language background are eligible to participate, except for members of the Executive Committee of the Pan­american Council for the Blind. Manuscripts must be typewritten, double-spaced, on 8˝ by 11-inch paper; must be at least fifteen pages long, and must be submitted in triplicate. All entries must include complete name and address, age, and nationality of the author and must be accompanied by a verification of blindness provided by an organization of, or for the blind, or by a person residing in the same community as the author. Manuscripts must be signed by the author and addressed as follows: Concurso Internacional Referido al Sistema Braille, Comite Ejecutivo, Oracio Urteaga No. 1770, D-D-Jesus Maria, Lima, Peru, South America. Judges will be residents of Lima, Peru. Prizes will be declared forfeited if, in the opinion of the judges, none of the papers presented embody the quality or meet the requisites set forth herein. ***** ** Here and There By Jeanie Campbell From TSI NEWSLETTER: Telesensory Systems Inc. has become the sole U.S. distributor for the electronic mobility aid for the blind known as the Wormald Vigilant Binaural Sensory Aid. Following almost a decade of research, development and evaluation, this device is now available from TSI, with major manufacturing operations being carried out by Wormald Vigilant, Ltd., of New Zealand. The Binaural Sensory Aid is a sonic guide used by a blind person for travel or mobility in conjunction with a cane or dog. This sonic guide probes the immediate environment of a blind person, using ultrasonic energy, and transforms the returned energy into audible sounds which convey environmental features. The folding spectacle frame contains ultrasonic sensors built in above the nose bridge. The frame is connected to a detachable control box containing a rechargeable battery. Audible sounds are transmitted into both ears through earphones on the side arms of the spectacle frame. A training class normally lasting three or four weeks is required of any user. Basic price of the Mark II Binaural Sensory Aid is $1,850 f.o.b. Palo Alto, California. Training expenses and optometric and audiometric tests are extra. The Georgia Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped reports in its last Newsletter that there are now nine subregional libraries serving the blind and handicapped of that state. The newest is in Rome. Sound Enterprises for the Blind announces a new variety magazine for the blind and physically handicapped. Sound Magazine is available on open-reel tape. The $12 annual subscription fee, which covers the cost of production and supplies, entitles a member to twelve monthly issues of the magazine, which he may keep for ten days. For further information, write Claude A. Besemer, Sound Enterprises for the Blind, 1421 W. Burke Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55113. From ACBI (Ind.) NEWSLETTER: Dr. Paul Filpus, president of the Indiana Council of the Blind, reports that he took part in a symposium entitled "The Physically Disabled Scientist -- Potential and Problems," on January 30, 1975, at the convention of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in New York City. In the conference planning, it occurred to Dr. John J. Gav in of Miles Laboratories, Elkhart, Indiana, that even though the theme of the symposium concerned the employment of minority group persons in the sciences, the handicapped scientist had been overlooked entirely. When he brought this to the attention of the program committee, he was asked to develop such a presentation. Dr. Filpus points out that there are about 22 million handicapped persons in this country, truly comparable to other minority groups in size. From MAB NEWS (Mich.): C. LaVerne Roberts, 68, of Lansing, believed to be the first blind attorney to practice in Lansing, died on December 26, 1974, following an apparent heart attack. LaVerne Roberts was a Circuit Court Commissioner and a past president of the Lansing Lions Club. He was very active for many years in matters concerning the blind, and more recently in the American Blind Lawyers Association. ---- The first World Conference for the Jewish Blind will take place in Jerusalem, Israel, August 2-4, 1975. The conference objective is to raise the standards and condition of the Jewish blind and partially sighted throughout the world in general, and in Israel in particular. The Jewish Braille Institute of America, Inc., has arranged three separate tours of the Holy Land, each to allow time to attend the conference. For further details, write 110 E. 30th Street, New York, NY 10016. ---- "Mealtime Manual for the Aged and Handicapped," published by Simon and Schuster, discusses small appliances and equipment helpful for people with various disabilities. The United States Braille Chess Association announces that its annual correspondence chess championships will commence on approximately July 1, 1975. Those interested in competing may write to Gintautas Burba, 30 Snell Street, Brockton, MA 02401. From THE MATILDA ZIEGLER MAGAZINE: Best Sellers on cassette are available for national circulation from the Library of the Jewish Guild for the Blind, 15 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023. The collection contains more than 30 titles of fiction appearing on the 1974-75 Best Seller list. A catalog in braille and ink-print will be forwarded on request. Charles Gallozzi, Assistant Chief of the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, retired on May 1, following more than 25 years of service to the blind and handicapped. In 1949, he was appointed head of the Library for the Blind, Free Library of Philadelphia, where he started the first regular tape program for the blind. He came to DBPH in 1958 as Assistant Chief, the position which he held until his retirement. Mr. Gallozzi is a member of the D.C. Association of Workers for the Blind and chairman of ACB's Robert S. Bray Award Committee. His retirement plans? To enjoy sailing and fishing in the future more than his busy work schedule has permitted in the past. There is no doubt that there is a pattern between eyesight and personality, according to a study reported recently in the National Enquirer. Eye specialist Dr. Earle Hunter said studies have shown significant differences in personality between nearsighted and farsighted people. In a study of 119 students at the Los Angeles College of Optometry, researchers concluded that the nearsighted student has an inhibited disposition, over­control of his emotions, a dislike of physical activity, and he loves to socialize. On the other hand, the test showed that the farsighted student tends to be happy-go-lucky, lively, impulsive, likes vigorous physical activity, really doesn't care about study, and is not one to socialize at tea party gatherings. Dr. Hunter said a study at the University of California at Berkeley revealed that nearsighted students tended to score higher on I.Q. tests than the farsighted. This doesn't mean that nearsighted people are more intelligent, but, rather, that their higher performance on paper-and-pencil intelligence tests may be due solely to superior reading ability, according to Dr. Hunter. It comes down to a simple principle of seeing: The nearsighted person as a child reads more and has less physical activity because he can't see far enough for outdoor games. A farsighted child tends to ignore class work and engage in athletics. The first trans-Atlantic telephone call between two deaf people was made between London and Washington on May 12, 1975, by means of a teletypewriter acoustically coupled with the regular telephone. Several deaf-blind people were present for the event in the HEW/SRS auditorium in Washington. Robert Nealey, a deaf-blind man in Florida, is one of the top checker players in the country, regarded as the greatest blind checker player perhaps of all time. Mr. Nealey has been playing checkers for over 55 years. At the present time a blind challenger is being sought world-wide to challenge Mr. Nealey for the blind championship of the world. The Hadley School for the Blind announces "Bicentennial History for Americans," a free braille or cassette home-study course dealing with the dramatic, thrilling, formative years when our country came into being and charted its course for the future. For full information, write Registrar, Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. Officers or officials of local, national, or international organizations of deaf-blind persons are cordially invited to communicate with Dr. Richard Kinney, Chairman, Committee on Services to the Deaf-Blind, World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, c/o Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093, regarding the size, membership, purpose, and activities of their respective organizations. The committee is eager to know more about what deaf-blind persons themselves consider their most crucial needs and about effective means of filling these needs. ***** ** ACB Officers and Directors * President: Floyd Qualls, 106 N.E. 2nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 * First Vice President: S. Bradley Burson, 917 Kenyon Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 * Second Vice President: Mrs. Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 * Secretary: M. Helen Vargo, 833 Oakley Street, Topeka, KS 66606 * Treasurer: J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 George Fogarty, 5565 Florence Terrace, Oakland, CA 94611 Jack Lewis, 540 Rogers Drive, Macon, GA 30204 Lester McGlaughn, 2403 Monroe Avenue, Gadsden, AL 35901 Wallace Menning, 2750 Ellis Avenue, N.E., Salem, OR 97301 Herbert Pitz, 403 Merritt Street, Oshkosh, WI 54001 Norman Robinson, 7107 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60619 Reese Robrahn, 818 18th Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20006 Otis Stephens, 2021 Kemper Lane, Knoxville, TN 37920 John Vanlandingham, 5800 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015 ###