The Braille Forum Vol. XV July-August 1976 No. 1 Published Bi-Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * President: Floyd Qualls 501 N. Douglas Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73160 * 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 Secretary Mathews Addresses ACB, by Floyd Qualls In the Interest of United Action -- First Coalition of and for the Blind, by Durward K. McDaniel The Four Senses Nature Trail, by Lloyd Jacklin It Isn't Always Discrimination, by Raythel Jones Tips on Applying for a Government Job The Unseen Minority (A Book Review by James Chandler) ANAC, by Lyle H. Thume Float Trips, Great Group Fun, by O.L. Joiner ACB Electronic Aids Committee Solicits Consumer Input Employment Discrimination Against the Visually Handicapped, by Herbert Eastman One Step at a Time: University of Maryland Concern for Blind Students Social Security Information Items ACB Affiliate News: Oregon on the Move, by Carol Derouin Connecticut Council Convention, by Anna Godrie Alive and Kicking in South Carolina, by Ellen G. Boone Iowa Convention Highlights, by Beula Maddalozzo Here and There, by Carol Derouin ACB Officers ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, in large type, open-reel tape (dual-track, 3 3/4 ips) and cassette tape. Items intended for publication may be submitted in print, braille, or tape, and should be addressed to Mary T. Ballard, Editor, 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, 501 N. Douglas Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to ACB Treasurer J. Edward Miller, 2621 Chesterfield Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205. Anyone wishing 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. ***** ** Secretary Mathews Addresses ACB By Floyd Qualls More than one thousand persons (quoted from the Arkansas Gazette) filled the ballroom of the Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Thursday, July· 8. The occasion was a luncheon addressed by the Honorable David F. Mathews, Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. This marked the first time a Cabinet secretary has appeared before a convention of blind persons. Among those sharing the platform with Dr. Mathews were Mr. Wilmer Hunt, Executive Assistant Director to the Commissioner of Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA), and Mr. Stuart H. Clarke, Director of the Dallas Regional Office of HEW. Dr. Mathews was introduced by former Governor and now United States Senator from the State of Arkansas, the Honorable Dale Bumpers. At the close of the luncheon, Mr. Louis H. Rives, Administrator, Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Little Rock, Arkansas, on behalf of the Governor, conferred the title "Arkansas Traveler" on Dr. Mathews. This is the highest honor bestowed on visitors to the State of Arkansas. Following the luncheon, Dr. Mathews held a press conference. Here many subjects were discussed, not all of them relating to blindness. Questions in areas of special interest were at times referred to aides. But for the most part, Dr. Mathews demonstrated how well informed he is on matters within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The Secretary's appearance was given extensive press coverage. Local and state newspapers, as well as TV cameras from NBC and CBS, were very much in evidence. Throughout the flashing of bulbs, TV lights, and the questioning of reporters, Dr. Mathews was very much at ease. The American Council of the Blind was pleased to have Dr. Mathews as its guest. The visit and interchange of ideas and opinions brought the Secretary much closer to an understanding of the obstacles created because of blindness. ***** ** In the Interest of United Action -- The First Coalition of and for the Blind By Durward K. McDaniel History was made on July 11 and 12 when the National Delegate Assembly of the new voluntary coalition of organizations of and for the blind met to perfect the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America (ALL), to elect officers and directors, and to establish policy on important subjects and issues. ALL was incorporated in the District of Columbia on April 5. And although the time was short, 28 organizations of and for the blind qualified for participation in the first Assembly meeting. Thirteen were organizations of the blind, one was a chapter of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, and fourteen were organizations for the blind. Officers and directors elected were: Chairperson, Durward K. McDaniel (Washington, D C.), National Representative, American Council of the Blind; Vice Chairperson, Jansen Noyes, Jr. (New York City), Chairman, Board of Trustees, American Foundation for the Blind; Secretary, Elizabeth Lennon (Kalamazoo, Michigan), Secretary of the Michigan Association of the Blind; Treasurer, Joseph J. Larkin (Brooklyn, New York), Executive Director, Industrial Home for the Blind. Directors: Louis H. Rives (Little Rock, Arkansas), Director, State Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Little Rock, Arkansas; Ray Miller (Talladega, Alabama), President, General Council of Workshops for the Blind; Ted Workman (Dallas, Texas), President, Board of Directors, Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind; Cleo Dolan, Executive Director, Cleveland Society for the Blind; Eugene Lozano, Jr. (San Diego, California), Immediate Past President of the National Association of Blind Students; Karen Perzentka (Madison, Wisconsin), Immediate Past Secretary, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America; and Dr. Robert McLean (New Orleans), President of the Louisiana Council of the Blind. ALL offers the mechanism for united action on issues, after a consensus has been reached by the participants through the National Delegate Assembly or the Executive Board. Participating organizations are not bound by the decisions, and their names will be used in public statements or actions only if permission is obtained. Each organization retains its identity and autonomy and will continue to be the arbiter of its programs and policies. All organizations of and for the blind which agree with the purposes and Principles of ALL are invited to join. Those purposes were published in the May-June, 1976 issue of the Braille Forum. Dues are paid for the calendar year, and any dues received now will be for 1977. They are based on an organization's expense budget or the preceding year: less than $100,00, $100; less than $500,000, $250; less than $1,000,000, $500; less than $5,000,000, $1,000; more than $5,000,000, $2,000; organizations Wishing to be sponsors of ALL, $5,000. Each organization has one vote in the National Delegate Assembly, which will meet at least annually. For further information about joining ALL, write to Robert D. Carter, Administrative Director, Suite 506, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036. ***** ** The Four Senses Nature Trail By Lloyd Jacklin (Editor's Note: Lloyd Jacklin is with the U. S. National Park Service and was employed by the Service for about ten years prior to losing his sight. He has been able to retain his job and is responsible for the establishment of a nature trail for the blind in a canyon near Salt Lake City. Because of the success of this experiment, the National Park Service plans to establish similar programs throughout the country. A recent article in Inside Interior lists the following "braille trails" presently in use, in addition to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument described here: Yosemite National Park in California, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts, Petersburg National Battlefield in Virginia, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey-Pennsylvania, and Muir Woods National Monument in California.) It is a continuing objective of the Department of Interior's National Park Service to provide a quality park experience to the visiting public. There are now more than 280 areas in the National Park System. These units of the Park System fall in three categories: natural areas, historic areas, and recreational areas. Timpanogos Cave National Monument falls logically in the natural area category. This 250-acre national monument lies 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, in the American Fork Canyon. The Monument was established in 1921 for the purpose of preserving three small natural limestone caves and their surrounding canyon environment, and to do so in such a way that would permit them to be enjoyed by untold generations of visitors. It was with this objective in mind, then, that former park naturalist, Neil Bolington, and the author decided to undertake the design of a nature trail for the blind at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Neil Bolington had several years earlier already designed a Five Senses Nature Trail for Timpanogos, and it was decided that this existing trail could be made to serve the needs of the blind specifically. With this trail, we decided to concentrate on providing information to the blind user, rather than gadgets. So at present, there are no guide ropes or braille signs. The guidebook is available in ink-print form or on cassette tape, with player from the Park Visitors Center. The trail is well designed for users of all ages. It begins right across the highway from the Park Service Visitors Center and runs for approximately one-half mile. The trail is paved, and there are no steep ups and downs. Following are a few excerpts from the Trail Guide: "You are about to participate in a sensory experiment. Since you have some visual impairment, we will concentrate on having a good experience with your remaining four senses. We encourage you to take the trail with a sighted assistant who can identify the points of interest described. "The theme of this trail is 'Change.' We often think of the world as being constant, fixed. Yet, in reality, nothing stays the same for very long. "As you walk the trail today, you will encounter many different features of the natural world, as well as features of human invention, that bear the mark of change. Have the changes been caused by natural forces, or do they represent the effects of human activity? Ask yourself if these changes are good or bad. But what do we mean by that? Good for people? Animals? Plants? Could a change which is good for people be harmful to natural objects and vice versa? Be alert for sensory clues which will make you aware of the physical characteristics of the canyon environment. ... "Stop No. 5. As you stand on the trail, what sounds do you hear? Of course, you can still hear the river. Probably you have also noticed the sounds of the highway. Perhaps you can even hear the sounds from the Visitors Center and snack stand. Why are these natural and man-made features so close together? As you consider this question, you can probably start to realize the physical dimensions of the canyon floor. Notice that already we are starting uphill. The National Park Service Visitors Center where you picked up this trail guide was located hard against one side of the canyon. Already we are starting to climb up the opposite side. What combinations of forces are involved with the changes which have shaped these features? ... "Stop No. 14. Stop at the patch of rocks that border the trail. Pick out one that you feel suits your personality and sit down on it. How many different kinds of rocks can you feel? There are generally two types of rocks in this part of the canyon, quartzite, which is a modified type of sandstone, and limestone, formed at the bottom of an ancient sea. Feel the textures of these two types of rocks and see if you can tell which is which. Feel the sizes and shapes of the rocks. Notice that some of the rocks have rounded corners and others are quite jagged. Why the difference? When formulating an answer, remember the action of water on all materials. ... "Stop No. 15. Walk over to the large stump which is a few feet uphill from the right side of the trail. It is old now, and mostly rotted away. Pick up a small bit of the rotted wood. Feel its texture. Smell it. Now replace it. Did you ever consider that death is necessary to continued life? How has the death of this tree benefitted the soil and nearby plants and animals?" This has been a sample of the type of material found throughout the Trail Guide. Altogether there are 22 stops along the trail. An hour is usually sufficient to cover them all. It is my strong feeling that the blind can enjoy the out-of-doors and can appreciate and benefit from an educational outdoor experience. The National Park Service, by creating the Four Senses Nature Trail, has tried to provide a situation wherein the blind can have access to such an experience. ***** ** It Isn't Always Discrimination By Raythel Jones Like many another blind person, I have felt that we are discriminated against because as blind people we cannot serve on juries. A recent experience in jury duty has given me a different outlook. This is my experience, and I do not mean to intimate that others will have the same treatment. Recently I received a notice through the mail to report on a stated date for jury duty in the Oklahoma District Court. I confess to approaching the jury room with something of a chip on my shoulder. These guys were not going to deny me the opportunity to serve just because I am blind. My misgivings were soon put to rest. The usual number of questions were asked by both prosecution and defense. One attorney pointed out that a defendant was a very attractive girl and he wanted to know if that would influence my judgment on the facts of the case. This was a little tough, but my answer was no. On second thought, I pointed out that if I could see her, it might influence my decision, but between the jury box and the witness stand, there was too much distance for my judgment to be affected. The case proceeded, and before the term was over, I was again empaneled. This time I wasn't called, so there was no challenge. In this experience, I learned that each side in a jury trial has the privilege of dismissing a stated number of prospective jurors. This may be done without any stated reason. Perhaps a lawyer might feel a blind person cannot function on a jury and he may dismiss him. He need not say for what reason. After he has exercised his right to the given number of challenges, then he may have to state reasons. It is easy to suspect that one is challenged because of his blindness, but if the challenge comes within the number permitted, the reason just as well may be for having red hair as for being blind. A former president of the Oklahoma Federation of the Blind struggled long and hard to get blind persons admitted to juries, and he passed away believing his efforts had been futile. I hope he may know that at least in my case, his concern for blind jurors paid off. The judge, the attorneys, and my fellow jurors accepted me and my opinion on a par with others. I felt very good about the experience, and I would do it again. It isn't the kind of responsibility I care to seek, but it is my responsibility as a citizen. Had I been challenged, it would not have been discrimination any more than it would have been had the prospective juror just ahead or just behind me been challenged. I firmly believe it is the responsibility of each potential juror to convince the judge and the opposing counsel that he is capable of handling the evidence presented in a fair and impartial manner. If he can do this, he can, in the vast majority of cases, be seated in the jury room. ***** ** Tips on Applying for a Government Job (Reprinted from Performance, President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped) 1. Start with a counselor at the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in your areas. The rehabilitation counselor can put you in touch with a Selective Placement Specialist of the U.S. Civil Service Commission. 2. Or -- Contact a Selective Placement Specialist through a phone call (toll free) to any of 75 Job Information Centers around the country. The numbers and addresses of those centers can be found in the telephone directories of major cities under U.S. Government listings. 3. Two publications are helpful: Working for the U.S.A., and Employment of the Physically Handicapped in Federal Service. Both of these are available from Job Information Centers. 4. A person with a disability has a choice of seeking employment through the competitive merit system or seeking by "selective employment" because of a handicap. To compete through the merit system, it is necessary to pass the Professional and Administrative Career Examination (PACE) or other exams for different jobs. A rehabilitation counselor can give guidance in making this choice. 5. No matter what, applicants will have to: Complete Standard Form 171 -- Application for Federal Employment (You can get one from any U.S. Post Office. Keep your original copy for your own files and send out Xeroxed copies.) Contact the nearest office of the U.S. Civil Services Commission to find out what job registers are open for applications. File applications and/or other necessary forms. Contact Federal agency coordinators for selective placement to let them know you are available. ***** ** The Unseen Minority (A Book Review by James Chandler) Frances Koestler has written an important book on blindness. It will be a standard work both for reading and for reference for many years to come. Starting out as a routine summary of the accomplishments of the American Foundation for the Blind, The Unseen Minority goes much farther and fully lives up to its sub-title: A Social History of Blindness in the United States. The range is impressive. Education, employment and funding receive extensive coverage. Personalities are well treated, including those who are household words and those who are almost unknown. Do not be turned off by the heft of this volume. Each section is as complete and readable as a popular booklet, whether the subject be The Second Career of Major Migel; The Talking Book; The showcase of the Blind; or Mobility, Key to Independence. Fortunately there is an excellent index. It could be faulted for not being up to date, for failing to mention the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or for closing off most data gathering four years before publication. But this is a history of blindness, not a current affairs journal. This leads to a suggestion that AFB might well consider bringing out an updating pamphlet every few years. It could be organized or indexed in such a way that the basic Koestler volume and the supplement could be used together in dealing with a specific topic such as the incidence of blindness, the use of braille, or the development of mechanical aids. Every person concerned with blindness should become acquainted with this book. Koestler, Frances A. The Unseen Minority: A social history of blindness in the United States. David McKay for the American Foundation for the Blind. 559 pp. $14.95. ***** ** ANAC PREAMBLE: Welcome to ANAC (Agencies Not Accredited by Choice). STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To encourage provision and development of services to blind people. 1. Policies: None. 2. Procedures: None. 3. Constitution: None. 4. By-Laws: None. 5. Amendment of Constitution and By-Laws: Forbidden. 6. Membership: Upon request to any individual, agency, or organization serving the blind. 7. Dues: None. 8. Contributions: Graciously accepted, but not tax-deductible. 9. Officers: As needed. 10. Term of Office: Indefinite. 11. Standards of ANAC: Those of agencies not accredited by choice. Thoughtfully, Lyle H. Thume Temporary Chairman ***** ** Float Trips, Great Group Fun By O.L. Joiner Florida's many springs and rivers provide one of the most beautiful stages I know for true outdoor enjoyment. By planning a float trip down the run of Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, or any of the springs located throughout Florida, one can really get close to nature. I have been included on several of these float trips, and it is truly an exciting experience. Recently a group of about fifteen of us floated down the three-and-a-half-mile run of Ichetucknee Springs near Gainesville. The planning involved a delicious picnic lunch, tubes, floats, a canoe for those who got cold, and ground transportation to and from the springs. Imagine -- Everyone in the water. Boy is it cold! As the first excitement lessens, one becomes aware of Nature all around. You hear a frog jump, the birds sing, and you are probably nearer to God in his glory than ever before. The breeze blows through the trees and a sense of contentment engulfs you. Tensions and problems are gone. Suddenly a squeal breaks the silence as someone gets tipped off their float. Bedlam breaks out and everyone gets tipped off their tube or float. What an odd sensation -- The water is cool, but the sun is warm. As things settle down, once again you begin to chat with your floating neighbor, and invariably the subject turns to food. The end of the float trip is near, but one can hardly imagine the appetite one has by this time. The food is spread and soon devoured. After a rest in the shade, everyone loads up and heads for home, usually tired, but relaxed. The only question: When is the next float trip? ***** ** ACB Electronic Aids Committee Seeks Consumer Input This is your opportunity to tell government and private agencies what you need in the form of devices for blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted people. please write your Electronic Aids Committee and tell us what three or four devices that you find useful and ought to be modified and how, or what three or four devices you feel should be developed for people who are blind, deaf­blind, or partially sighted. It is important that you include information as to whether you are blind, deaf-blind, or partially sighted, since the needs of these three "blind" sub-groups vary enormously and the Committee wishes to serve all of you. Please be assured that your suggestions will be compiled and communicated, as indicated, to government and private agencies. All letters should include your name and address and whether you are blind, deaf-blind, or partially sighted. Write William A. Pickman, 104-60 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Your participation is vital in order that the Electronic Aids Committee may ascertain your needs as consumers. ***** ** Employment Discrimination Against the Visually Handicapped By Herbert Eastman (Excerpted from ACBI Newsletter, December, 1975) * Part I (Editor's Note: Herbert Eastman is a third-year student at Notre Dame Law School, South Bend, Indiana. This address was given at the Fourth Annual Convention of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana in October, 1975, where Mr. Eastman represented the National Center for Law and the Handicapped (NCLH). NCLH was established in 1972 to protect the rights of handicapped persons by devoting efforts to the following goals for all handicapped persons: the right to equal educational opportunity; the right to quality care and treatment in residential facilities and the right to live under conditions less restrictive to personal liberty; the right to equal access to public buildings, public transportation, and public accommodations; the right to equal opportunity to engage in employment; and the right to medical care and developmental services from birth and throughout life, consistent with the highest standards of service available to the community at large. See The Braille Forum, May-June, 1973, "HEW Opens Center for Law, Handicapped." To achieve these goals, NCLH activities are concentrated on providing legal assistance, conducting research, and stimulating public and professional awareness. For further information, write National Center for Law and the Handicapped,1235 North Eddy Street, South Bend, IN 46617.) These are interesting times for the blind and visually handicapped. After years of living on the fringes of society, denied an equal role in the life of the community, and burdened with the stereotype of helplessness, many handicapped persons, including the visually handicapped, are tiring of a life conditioned on the humanitarian instincts of the sighted world. They are seeking full and equal participation in their society, not as a matter of charity, but as a matter of right. I am a legal intern with the National Center for Law and the Handicapped, an agency established and funded by the Federal Government, with private sponsors, among them the American Bar Association and the University of Notre Dame. We are one of several recent responses of the legal system to the increasingly vocal demands of the handicapped for equal rights. There are other indications that the law is now recognizing the unique legal problems of the handicapped, and I want to discuss a few of them with you. Most of you know better than I, however, that recognition of problems does not lead automatically to resolution of those problems. It is this recognition/resolution lag that concerns us. The program says that my subject is "Affirmative Action," but the issue is much broader than that. Rather, my topic is discrimination -- specifically, discrimination against the visually handicapped -- and my focus will be the area of employment, although the various other facets of discrimination appear, also. Work is the way a person supports himself and his family and the way he contributes to his community -- the way he manifests his worth. Discrimination denies that support, that contribution, that worth. A blind person can emerge from rehabilitation eager and able to work, only to face an employer who either openly refuses to hire him or imposes an unfair job qualifying test or standard -- an employer who hires the visually handicapped, but only for menial jobs beneath the potential of the workers' skills -- an employer who will not promote or pay equal wages -- an employer who is willing to hire a visually handicapped employee and treat him equally, but cannot because of outside pressure from superiors, customers, and other employees -- an employment agency who will not actively assist the job search of its blind clients, if it takes the visually handicapped as clients in the first place -- labor unions who fail to protect the wage levels and job security of visually impaired workers -- and co-workers who decline to cooperate with their fellow employees who lack normal sight. I address myself to the visually handicapped person who is employable, but cannot be employed. Why can't he be employed? What does the employer say to the visually impaired applicant, and how do we respond? He may say that an employee without full sight may endanger the safety of his other employees and raise his insurance rates. And we may respond that visually handicapped workers have a safety record considerably better than the national average. Further, we may also respond that in most states, there is a clause in the Workmen's Compensation Law that prevents insurance rates from increasing with disabled workers. This clause is known as the "Second Injury Rule" and provides that if a partially disabled worker is injured on the job and becomes totally disabled, the employer is liable only for the second injury. The remaining compensation needed for the worker comes from a "second injury" fund to which all employers contribute a small amount. These facts, coupled with the progressive attitude of the insurance industry toward employment of the handicapped, demonstrate that insurance rates will not increase for the employer who hires visually impaired workers. He may say that he has no work that can be performed by a sightless person; and we may respond that not all of the jobs within his business require perfect vision, or any vision at all, if the worker is skilled. He may say that he needs efficient workers, not burdens to be carried. And we may respond that studies show that the quality and quantity of work produced by visually handicapped workers is comparable, and often superior, to the work of sighted employees doing similar work with similar skills. He may say that the blind employee cannot be counted upon to arrive at work on time. And we may respond that surveys again show the superior punctuality of visually impaired employees and that, further, transportation is not the employer's problem. He may say that showing an employee around and providing on-the-job training is too difficult when the employee is without sight. And we may respond that all the blind worker asks is a brief orientation to his duties and his surroundings, and this is not a burdensome request. He may say that the equipment cannot be operated by one without sight. And we may respond, "Can't he be trained, or can't we change the machines?" He may say that his other employees would be disturbed by the presence of a blind person. And we may respond, "Wait and see." He may tell the applicant, as one of you were told, "Why should I hire you when I can hire a whole man?" And for that we may have no response, and none may be necessary. When all persuasion fails and the employer adamantly refuses to employ a visually handicapped person -- or, worse yet, requires a discriminatory and unfair qualifying examination that the worker cannot pass -- he has only two alternatives: knock on still another door or turn to the law. As I said earlier, the law has begun to recognize that the unique problems of the handicapped are not only physical, psychological, economic and social, but also legal. Courts and legislators and presidents have spoken of the imperative of civil rights for the handicapped in education, housing, travel, communication, and employment. Many parallels can be drawn, perhaps, between the efforts of the handicapped and the struggle of the blacks and other racial and ethnic minorities. Both began with years of frustration and work that finally broke through to the law. Both won their early victories in the area of education. The problems of the handicapped are unique, however, in that much of the discrimination and exclusion has not been motivated by hostility so much as by misguided good intention and by unknowing paternalism. The blind have not been totally ignored by the law. There are income tax exemptions for the blind, separate welfare benefits for the blind, and laws granting the blind exclusive rights to operate vending stands in public buildings. But the attitude of the law, a reflection of the attitude of society, was that these things should be done for the blind because the blind were helpless to take care of themselves. There was little attention paid to protecting the civil rights of the blind, because the blind did not participate in society, but, rather, were taken care of by society. Such an attitude runs contrary to the facts. All of you here are evidence that the visually handicapped do participate in society, that they contribute to its growth, and that they are entitled to the full protection of its laws and the exercise of their rights as citizens. As society awakens to that fact, the law must awaken, also. The right of the visually handicapped, and all handicapped people, to equal employment opportunity has been articulated by the law in recent years. The Federal Government's Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law with teeth. This law contains provisions which afford three-pronged protection to the employment rights of disabled persons. The first prong is Section 501, which toughens existing Civil Service regulations, prohibiting employment discrimination against the handicapped by the Federal Government itself. An Inter-Agency Committee is established to enforce the provisions, and each Federal agency is required to draft and follow a plan of affirmative action to guarantee equal employment opportunity for the handicapped in hiring, placement, training, and promotion. A second prong is Section 503, which extends the law into the private sphere prohibiting discrimination by those employers who are party to contracts with the Federal Government that exceed $2,500 in value. Each Government contract must contain a provision under which the employer promises to take affirmative action to treat qualified handicapped persons without discrimination in hiring, transfer, training, apprenticeship, promotion, layoffs, and pay scales. Before this section can effectively be applied, regulations must be adopted that will fill in the law's details. The Department of Labor has proposed a set of regulations. The National Center for Law and the Handicapped and others have been commenting on their adequacy. Although these proposed regulations are not now the law, they provide us with a chance to see what Section 503 can do. Among the many holes filled in by the regulations is the precise meaning of "affirmative action." Under the regulations, affirmative action means that the employer must recruit qualified handicapped persons from rehabilitation centers, unions, employment agencies, sheltered workshops, and educational institutions such as schools for the blind. It means the employer must periodically review the handicapped workers already in his employ to ascertain whether their skills are being fully developed. It means accommodating the employer's business to the physical limitations of the handicapped employees -- e.g., adjusting part-time work schedules, providing access to work areas, modifying equipment so that the handicapped worker can nevertheless perform the job safely and well. All necessary things are to be done, provided that they do not impose undue hardship on the business. It means that the employer must strive to foster an attitude of acceptance and understanding among the other employees. Possibly the greatest obstacle to equal employment opportunity is the job requirement — that standard set up by the employer which the job-seeker must meet if he is to get the job. Often these tests are unfair and discriminatory and unrelated to actual performance of the job. The employer may insist that the worker see with a certain acuity, whether that power of vision is actually needed or not. Tests and job standards have been used by employers to discriminate against racial minorities and women, but they assume a particular danger when used against the handicapped. The regulations address themselves to this issue, also. If a job qualification is established or a certain performance test required, they must relate to the specific job and be supported by a business necessity. That is, there must be a relationship between the requirement or the test and the performance of the particular job in question. In the case of racial or sex discrimination, the courts have stated that these tests and these job qualifications must be essential to the safe and efficient performance of the job, and, further, that no non-discriminatory alternative exists. In those situations controlled by the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the employer must be able not only to demonstrate that the requirements are essential, but that there was no other way to get qualified workers. Where the rejected worker was handicapped, it might be easier for the employer to slip over this legal obstacle, since his alleged failure to meet stated qualifications is due not to the worker's color or sex, but to his obvious handicap. If one suspects that he has been discriminated against, he should complain to the employer, if that employer has an internal procedure in his business for reviewing discriminatory complaints. If the employer has no self-policing procedure, or if that procedure fails, then the employee must complain directly to the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. If the Government agrees that the discrimination has taken place, it can either sue in the courts to enforce the non-discrimination clause in the contract or terminate the contract. The third prong, Section 504, is perhaps the most significant of the three. "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal assistance." The language is sweeping. This section has been welcomed as the handicapped community's version of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And, indeed, Section 504 holds much promise for the handicapped. Its reach extends to all who receive Federal funds, schools, hospitals, social welfare organizations, and others. Its precise meaning, however, is not yet known, as the regulations are still in the works, and have been in the works for over two years. One threshold question is whether the discrimination forbidden by Section 504 applies to employment discrimination. Although it does not specifically refer to employment, and despite some previous confusion over its scope, amendments in 197 4 make it fairly clear that employment discrimination is among the forbidden acts. It is a new law. Its full impact has yet to be felt. Clearly, then, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 offers substantial protection to the handicapped job-seeker and employee. It prohibits discrimination by the Federal Government by those who do business with the Federal Government and by those who receive money from the Federal Government. Still, for all its impressive reach, that reach is not without limits. If the employer receives no federal funds and does no Federal business, nothing in this law stops him from discrimination against the visually handicapped. ***** ** One Step at a Time: University of Maryland Concern for Blind Students (Reprinted from University of Maryland Computer Science Center Newsletter, March, 1976) Close cooperation between the State of Maryland, the Computer Science Center and the University of Maryland, and a private computer firm with a commitment to aiding communications between the blind and computers has resulted in the installation of the LED-120, a braille terminal capable of printing 120 braille characters per second, in the Computer Science Center of the University of Maryland. This terminal, which was paid for by a grant from the Maryland State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Services for the Blind, and the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare is one of only a handful in universities in the United States and should have a tremendous impact on services to blind students in the University and throughout the State. At present, the terminal is being used by two blind students in the Computer Science Department. Plans, however, call for the terminal to be used by any blind student on campus who needs direct contact and experience with computers. In addition, there are hopes that the terminal itself can be used as a printer for braille texts and information for use not only in the University of Maryland system, but on a statewide basis. For example, the number of blind students in Prince George's and Montgomery counties is almost as large as the number of blind students in the rest of the State of Maryland. At present, the terminal prints Grade 1 braille, but software is being developed for the printing of Grade 2 braille, a highly contracted form of braille that will increase the terminal's usefulness as a printer of braille texts. In addition, the Computer Science Center and the Counseling Center of the University are applying for a grant from the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare to fund a part-time technician and braille Proofreaders to use the terminal and its printer to its fullest. ***** ** Social Security Information Items Study Group Proposes Major Changes in SSI -- A special study group has recommended thirty major legislative and administrative changes to improve; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The five-member panel, headed by Philip J. Rutledge of Howard University, was appointed by former HEW Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger last April to analyze the SSI program and suggest ways to improve its effectiveness and fiscal accountability. In its 283-page report to Social Security Commissioner James B. Cardwell, the study group recommended a number of steps to simplify eligibility requirements. The panel proposed elimination of the one-third reduction in payment to recipients who live in someone else's household; that only cash contributions be counted as income; that recipients who enter a hospital nursing home, or some other institution as Medicaid patients should remain eligible for checks for a three-month period rather than the present one-month period. The report also called for faster action on SSI applications. The panel suggested that Social Security's goal should be to decide claims by aged people within thirty days and claims by the blind or disabled within 45 days. Decisions on appeals should be made within ninety days from the time a hearing is requested, the panel said, and application forms and notices to recipients should be simplified so they are easier to understand. It was also recommended that Social Security broaden the criteria for deciding presumptive disability, a preliminary judgment that allow applicants to get checks while their medical condition is being evaluated. Presumptive disability, the panel said, should be extended to the blind. SSI checks should go to people with short-term disabilities, too, and not just to people with a disability expected to last a year or more (the panel recommended cutting that period to six months). Other recommendations include a wide range of administrative changes to simplify procedures, eliminate payment errors, provide more accurate accounting of SSI monies, and improve automatic data processing systems Change in Time Limits for Requesting Administrative Appeal -- People who disagree with an initial decision on their SSI claims now have sixty day rather than thirty days, as formerly, to ask for reconsideration. There is a six-month time limit for requesting review of a decision on Social Security retirement, disability, survivor, or Medicare hospital insurance claims, but a regulation change is planned that will shorten that time period to sixty days. A "reconsideration" is a complete review made by someone who took no part in the original decision. It is the first step in the appeals process available to Social Security and SSI claimants. For full information concerning the appeal procedure, call, write, or visit any Social Security office. Medicare's Medical Insurance Premium Increases in July -- The basic medical insurance premium for Medicare beneficiaries increased from $6.70 a month to $7.20 a month for the twelve-month period beginning July, 1976. This increase was limited to 8%, the percentage by which Social Security payments were increased in 1975. The medical insurance complements Medicare's hospital insurance by helping pay physicians' bills, outpatient hospital bills and a wide variety of other medical expenses. About 23.5 million people have protection under the medical insurance part of Medicare, including over 1/8 million disabled people under 65. ***** *** ACB Affiliate News Editor's Note: This column is an expansion of the former "State Convention Highlights." As its name implies, its intent is to broaden the scope of the former column and to publicize the many worthwhile activities of ACB affiliates throughout the country. Fund-raising, public relations, membership, conventions, service programs to the blind and to the community -- these and a wide gamut of other activities deserve notice and sharing with the national ACB membership. Items intended for this column may be sent in print, braille, or tape to the editor, Mary T. Ballard, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. ** Oregon on the Move By Carol Derouin Each year the membership of the Oregon Council of the Blind meets in October and tries to determine what needs exist which are pertinent to improved services to blind and visually impaired persons in the State of Oregon. In 1974, OCB chose to sponsor a one-day conference at which all organizations or agencies which serve visually impaired persons were invited· to define their services in a presentation not to exceed seven minutes in length. It may be surprising to learn that 23 organizations and/or agencies were described, in what proved to be a fact-filled morning. The afternoon provide opportunity for participants to speak directly with representatives of each agency and to ask specific questions. The value of it all has manifested itself. in an increased knowledge of, and communication between, those who choose to work with and for visually impaired persons. In 1975, it took most of our might to cope with 22 bills in the Oregon State Legislature pertaining to blind and deaf-blind persons. However, the Council also found time to sponsor a leadership conference for its members, and the Finance Committee found time to develop an excellent public relations item which OCB now plans to produce for sale annually. This all stems from the fact that I have been keeping lists of occupations in which blind persons are engaged for a number of years. So, one day when the Finance Committee was considering designing its own appointment calendar to be sold for 1976, the first thought was to obtain lists of Bicentennial events to be held in communities throughout the State of Oregon. We soon learned, however, that a list of such events would not be available in advance of the time the calendar would have to be printed. Therefore, we concluded that ou calendar would focus upon blind persons in the working world. Included were a few facts about braille and general information about blindness, but the majority of the information, inserted in the usually empty boxes which complete the short weeks, consists of squibs about real-life visually impaired persons in their work. OCB is presently planning a similar calendar for 1977. These may be ordered by sending $2 ($1.50 for the appointment calendar and $.50 for postage and handling) to Cathy Bickerdike, Finance Chairman, 3334-B Pringle Road, Salem, OR 97302. Make checks payable to Oregon Council of the Blind. You may ask: What did OCB do for its 1976 special-needs project? Answer The Council sponsored a statewide conference for public-school classroom teachers and parents who have visually impaired children in the regular classrooms. In our state, of the 320 blind children who attend school, just 5 attend the residential program. For this reason, we felt it was time to help those classroom teachers who had not previously been provided in-service instruction pertaining to work with visually impaired children. The morning session included discussions by representatives from the Oregon Alliance of Blind Students, discussing attitudes, adjustment, adapting, and techniques to be used by a classroom teacher. In the afternoon, participants were given the opportunity to move from one station to another, observing blind persons demonstrating methods in twelve subject-matter areas. Those classroom teachers attending were enthusiastic and were enabled to take home some practical ideas to try in their own classrooms. Most recently, OCB has caused to come into being the Friends of Radio Reading Services, Inc., the chairman of which is Eldon Lake. A seven-member board concerns itself with coordinating any and all radio reading service programming throughout Oregon and raising funds for receivers to be distributed throughout the state. At this writing, the Oregon Alliance of Blind Students is busy planning for a Bike-a-Thon, proceeds of which will be used for a scholarship for a visually impaired college student. OCB members are constantly on the alert to find new avenues to improve life's circumstances and challenges for visually impaired persons in Oregon. ** Connecticut Council Convention By Anna Godrie The 1976 Spring Convention of the Connecticut Council of the Blind, Inc., took place Saturday, May 1, at Christ Episcopal Church Hall, West Haven. The morning session was called to order by CCB President Arthur Eagen at l0:00 A.M. Before introducing the first speaker of the day, he asked for a moment of silent prayer in memory of our deceased First Vice President, Jack Magee. Two speakers rounded out the morning program. Dr. Peter Vasina, a physical education instructor of the handicapped at Southern Connecticut State Teachers College, gave a most informative talk on development of physical fitness as applied to blind persons, using methods of Dr. Kenneth Cooper, as contained in his book, Aerobics Program. Mr. Richard Byrd, a representative of the Amana Corporation working out of Plymouth Electric Company in North Haven, brought along with him necessary items for a complete demonstration of the Amana Microwave Oven. One of the many fine features of the Amana oven for a blind person is the fact that braille oven dials and recipe books can be obtained from the company. So lively were the question-and-answer periods following both talks that it was felt more time should have been allotted both speakers. However, these are the things a new organization learns from experience. Following a delicious bag lunch prepared by President Eagen's wife and daughters, the business meeting commenced at 2:00 P.M. This was highlighted by the announcement of two new CCB chapters: the Blind People's Association of Hartford, with 34 members, in January of this year, an immediately preceding the May convention, the Bridgeport Association of the Blind, with 31 members. The Connecticut Council of the Blind is off the ground! With an affiliate at each end of the state, both of which have strong legislative committees, plus members throughout the state who will be of great assistance in working with the Council to further the interests of all blind persons in Connecticut, we have only one way to go: Forward! ** Alive and Kicking in South Carolina By Ellen G. Boone The American Council of the Blind of South Carolina wishes to state proudly that we are alive and kicking, despite hopeful rumors to the contrary. We are determined not only to stay that way, but to grow in strength, numbers, and usefulness in spite of discouraging difficulties. Organized in June, 1974, we received our charter in October and an IRS number the following summer. Still in our infancy in the spring of 1975, we fought hard to prevent the passage of an undesirable bill which we believed. would threaten the independence of the State Commission for the Blind. We did not win, but certainly earned a badge for courageous effort. Political leaders became well aware of us -- favorably, we like to think. Our first state convention was held in Greenville in August, 1975, and went surprisingly well, considering that most of the steering committee had never attended one. An amusing, interesting speaker gave us helpful advice about Social Security as applied to the blind. The end of our first year found us not only surviving remarkably well, but with two new chapters in Greenville and Charleston. A third has just been organized this spring in Columbia. This year's convention will be in Charleston, South Carolina, August 13, 14, and 15, at the Francis Marion Hotel, centrally located on King Street, where registration starts at 6:00 P.M., Friday. The small but energetic local group are treating all visiting ACB members and their guests (with proper identification) to a harbor boat cruise and refreshments, setting sail at 8:00 P.M. on Friday night. An entertaining banquet speaker is promised, and a lively business meeting Sunday morning, with the election of a complete new slate of officers and directors. It is hard for any new organization to get started, especially where the lack of transportation is such a persistent handicap. The difficulty is unusually challenging in a state where there is a firmly entrenched rival organization bitterly opposed to this new threat to their power. Their unorthodox methods to stunt our growth and threaten our survival have had the opposite effect -- the effect they least desire -- of stimulating both. They have not heard that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." It is wiser to ignore an enemy than to wound him slightly. When they realize that we are more interested in serving than dominating, we hope they will become resigned to our presence, because we prefer peaceful cooperation with all groups and agencies working with and for the blind. ** Iowa Convention Highlights By Beulah Maddalozzo The Iowa Council of the Blind held its sixth annual convention June 11-13 in the Bicentennial city of Dubuque. Dubuque is known as the Little Rome of Iowa. Nestled among seven hills overlooking the mighty Mississippi, it is a beautiful location to hold a convention. The convention opened on Friday night with board and committee meetings. On Saturday morning, the meeting began with a presentation of the Colors and flag salute led by Boy and Girl Scouts who were assisting at the convention. Mr. Frederick Anderson, chaplain of the Tri-State Independent Blind Society of Dubuque, gave the invocation. After being welcomed to the city by Councilman Richard Wertzburger and Don Gagne, president of the Tri-State Independent Blind Society, the convention got down to business. ICB President James Saeugling gave the keynote address. Following this, Ernest Walk reported on what was new and going on at the Iowa Braille and Sightsaving School. He spoke on new construction and utilization of existing buildings, keeping the main building as a historical site. Mr. Stanley Mattson of the Lions Club told of their eye transplant program and of the drive during their recent convention in Dubuque to collect old eyeglasses. Mr. William Tullock of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, a charitable organization of the Masonic Lodge, spoke on how that organization operates. One state senator and two representatives took part in an enlightening question-and-answer session in the afternoon. The legislators felt they learned a lot, but so did we. At the Saturday evening banquet, Gordon Kilgore of Radio Station KOTH, Dubuque, acted as Master of Ceremonies. The Joe Klosterman Award, in recognition of community efforts on behalf of the blind, was presented to Don Gagne of the Tri-State Independent Blind Society. Joe and Hilda Klosterman received the Chester A. Hill Award for outstanding service to the blind. Entertainment was provided by Larry Schaefer, who played the piano for a "sing along," and by Debbie Saylor, a very talented student at the Iowa Braille and Sightsaving School, who sang and played the piano and guitar. The banquet speaker was Dr. Frank Rocco, former superintendent of the Iowa Braille and Sightsaving School. Dr. Rocco began his speech with a so-called "slide presentation." Although there were no slides and no screen, he recalled some of the events that took place while he was superintendent. He also spoke about a new organization, the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America ("ALL"). A very pleasant surprise to conventioners was a phone call from ACB National Representative Durward McDaniel, who greeted us from Oklahoma City on behalf of ACB President Floyd Qualls. Mr. McDaniel also spoke about ALL and urged that ICB consider membership in the new organization. This was done at the meeting on Sunday morning. After lengthy discussion and consideration, ICB members voted to become a member of the Affiliated Leadership League. New officers were elected as follows: President - Joe Klosterman, Vinton; Vice President - Lawrence Schaefer, Waterloo; Secretary - Loretta Rice, Vinton; Treasurer - Hilda Klosterman, Vinton; and Corresponding Secretary - Esther Milliholin, Vinton. ***** ** Here and There By Carol Derouin From NEWSREEL, June, 1976 -- "Dog's Day Out" is a new idea conceived and sponsored by the Puget Sound Foundation for the Blind. Although the idea originated among dog users of the State of Washington, dogs from any school or state are welcome to participate. The event will be held August 20-21. A program will take place Friday night, August 20, with a picnic on Saturday afternoon. Cost will be minimal; fun will be maximal. Housing arrangements for Friday night will be cared for upon request. Requests for information and housing may be sent in braille, print, or tape to Dog's Day Out, c/o Puget Sound Foundation for the Blind, 5634 South Park Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98408. Reservations must be received by August 10. From VISUALLY HANDICAPPED VIEWS (S.D.), March, 1976 -- "Cooking with Betty Crocker Mixes" is a compilation of package directions and supplementary recipes from Bisquick and twelve other Betty Crocker products. The large-print edition is available without cost from Cooking with Betty Crocker Mixes, Inc., Box 114, Minneapolis, MN 55460. The cassette edition is offered at a cost of $2.25 and may be ordered from Cooking with Betty Crocker, Cassette Tape Edition, General Mills, Inc., 9200 Film Center, Box 1113, Minneapolis, MN 55460. The "Touch and Feel" story books provide fascinating fun for little fingers -- a furry pup, a sandy beach, a different texture on each page. Tots can feel in full color! Order from Spencer Gifts, 525 Spencer Building, Atlantic City, NJ 11040. NAT-CENT NEWS, publication of the Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, is seeking articles written by deaf-blind persons. Address all communications to NAT-CENT NEWS, 105 Fifth Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. From THE STANDARD-BEARER -- The annual membership meeting of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 1976, in New York City. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, November 18. Both meetings will be held at the Hotel Roosevelt. The Information Center for Handicapped Individuals, Inc. under contract with the National Capital Parks, is operating a Handicapped Visitors Services Booth at the Bicentennial Information Center (BIC), Washington, D.C. BIC is located in the Great Hall of the Commerce Building, 14th and E Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. The Center will be open seven days a week, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Scope of services includes information on access to hotels, restaurants, museums, sight-seeing, theaters, etc. Also available is information on special transportation services, orientation maps, and aids for the blind. The Information Center for Handicapped Individuals has published "Access to Washington, a Guide to Metropolitan Washington for the Physically Disabled," for distribution. Tape and cassette correspondence among individuals with similar interests is a hobby popular throughout the world. Anyone with access to a recorder is invited to send a 30-minute tape or cassette, with a self-addressed return envelope, for complete information about a new club which will begin with a fall directory and publication. All club correspondence and publications will be in recorded form only, and publications will go out to all members at the same time, thus avoiding circulation delays. If interested, write to Roger and Marilyn Smith, 2114 18th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401. Attention, prospective college students. A recent letter received from Mark Uslan, first Coordinator for the Handicapped at Indiana University, reads as follows: "In my capacity as the new Coordinator of Services for the Handicapped at Indiana University, I would like to publicize the fact that the University is actively encouraging interested visually handicapped students to apply and, if accepted, to attend Indiana University. We have a Readers for the Blind service, a Library Resource Center for the Blind, and a Low-Vision Clinic on campus. Additionally, I bring to the job of coordinator a special background in work for the blind and vision science." Mr. Uslan also has a background in orientation and mobility. He does provide mobility services as part of his duties as Coordinator. For further information, write Mark Uslan, Coordinator for the Handicapped, Indiana University, Student Health Service, 600 N. Jordan Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47401. Florence Du Monthier of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was honored at a dinner on April 3 for her services to the Badger Association for the Blind over the last 40 years. Blind since birth, Florence devoted her entire life to serving the blind. During many years, she did public relations work for the Association and for 22 years was editor of the Badger Informer. After reading of the needs of the deaf-blind for news, she developed a newsletter which for a number of years was sent to some 25 deaf-blind readers throughout the country. Among her many interests was the Voicespondence Club. As a director, she was in charge of welcoming new members in Michigan and Wisconsin. She welcomed James Du Monthier and several years later (in 1971, at the age of 70) married him. Florence Du Monthier served nine years as a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and is a charter member of the American Council of the Blind. The Iowa Board of Regents (nine in number) recently held public hearings on re-accreditation of the Iowa School for the Blind by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. The Regents patiently listened to a lengthy discourse on all the alleged wrongs of NAC. Before a vote on the subject was taken, an exchange of questions and answers took place. Then a motion by one of the Regents directed the Superintendent to seek re-accreditation and become accredited, provided the school meets standards. The motion was seconded, and the vote was unanimous in favor of re-accreditation. The Agency in the State recommended the accreditation, stating that it has no standards by which it can evaluate programs for educating blind children. From NEW OUTLOOK FOR THE BLIND, April, 1976 -- An international listing of schools for visually handicapped children is available from the American Foundation for the Blind. Over 900 schools in 102 countries are listed. Copies may be obtained from Dr. Jeanne Kenmore, American Foundation for the Blind, 22 W. 17th Street, New York, NY 10011. The United States Civil Service Commission has announced that the Professional and Administrative Career Examination (PACE) is now available in braille, large type, and cassette form for visually impaired applicants. Special sample question booklets are also available for study prior to taking the test. For further information or PACE application forms, write U.S. Civil Service Commission, Bureau of Recruiting and Examining, Washington, DC 20015. Accreditation of five more agencies and schools for the blind has been announced by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC). They are: Arkansas State Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Association for the Blind of Rochester and Monroe County, New York, Clovernook Home and School for the Blind, Cincinnati, Ohio, Utah School for the Blind, Ogden, West Virginia School for the Blind, Romney. According to Frederick A. Silver, acting chairman of NAC's Commission on Accreditation, 64 institutions serving more than 200,000 men, women, and children in 39 states and the District of Columbia have now qualified for this public recognition. From VCVH VIEWS AND VENTURES (Virginia) -- Rhubarb is a cat with a mission. She rises daily to her duty as a "seeing-eye cat" for Mrs. Elsie Schneider. Mrs. Schneider, 69, lost her sight 22 years ago. They live in San Diego, California. Rhubarb travels on a ten-foot leash and takes her mistress wherever she wants to go. She is also a household telephone monitor and a "watch cat." Asthmatic children dependent upon medication with cortico-steroids should have their eyes examined at least once a year by an ophthalmologist, according to a report by the National Asthma Center. Long-term treatment with steroids has been associated with the formation of cataracts in a high percentage of asthmatic children. A monthly literary series, SAMISDAT, which includes short fiction, poetry, and literary criticism, is available on cassette for blind readers from Gulf Audio Services, Box 488, Elfers, FL 33531. To receive the service, send a blank 90-minute cassette, a self-addressed return mailing container, and $.25 for postage, to Gulf Audio Services. Merrill A. Maynard, Poets Coordinator, International Blind Writers Association, announces IBWA's first chap book contest. Blind poets of the entire English-speaking world are invited to submit chap book poetry manuscripts for a 24-page book. Preferably the submissions will be on standard typewriting paper, in customary manuscript tradition. If this poses a problem, the poet is urged to correspond for special arrangements. Five chap book poetry manuscripts will be selected to be produced in a championship volume for publication. Graded awards from the five published chap books will be voted by IBWA poets. All manuscripts or commitments to submit manuscripts must be at hand for beginning examination by September 8, 1976. Send all manuscripts and correspondence for this contest to IBWA Contest, c/o Merrill A. Maynard, 171 Washington Street, Taunton, MA 02780. From MAB NEWS (Michigan) -- If you follow the suggestions of the editors of Consumer Reports, a balanced, nutritious diet, minus the convenience frills, could cost just $10 a week per person. The how-tos are contained in a new booklet, "Eating Right for Less." This publication is available in large type at $2 per copy from Consumers Union, Box 65, 256 Washington Street, Mt. Vernon, New York 10550. ---- A postage stamp depicting braille writing for the blind has been issued by the Netherlands, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the invention of this special kind of writing by Louis Braille. The new stamp pays tribute not only to the invention, but also to the inventor. The design features part of a left hand with the forefinger reading the braille dots for "150 Years of Braille." The same inscription appears in Dutch. ***** ** ACB Officers * President: Floyd Qualls, 501 North Douglas Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 * First Vice President: S. Bradley Burson, Sussex House, Apartment 406, 4970 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20014 * Second Vice President: Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29th St., Little Rock, AR 72204 * Secretary: M. Helen Vargo, 833 Oakley Street, Topeka, KS 66606 * Treasurer: J. Edward Miller, 1120 Coddington Place, Charlotte, NC 28211 ###