The Braille Forum Vol. XV September-October 1976 No. 2 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 ACB Officers Notice to Subscribers Civil Rights Amendments for the Handicapped, A Major Goal of ACB, by Reese H. Robrahn Membership on the Move, by Carl McCoy RP? -- Let It Die, by Harriet Fielding Woman Deputy -- Law is Everybody's Business Three Cheers for the Cherry Decision! ... What About the Randolph-Sheppard Regulations?, by Reese H. Robrahn Confusion -- Confusion!, by O.L. Joiner White House Conference Notes — When, Where, Why, and How? Which One Is Blind? Historic Document in Braille U.S. Athletes Win 14 Medals in First Olympics for the Blind, by Charles Buell Employment Discrimination Against the Physically Handicapped (Concluded), by Herbert Eastman Third Annual Ski for Light to Take Place in ACB Affiliate News: Tennessee Council Convention, by Otis H. Stephens New York State Acquires New Dog Guide Law, by David Schreibstein Ask and It Shall Be Given, by Delbert K. Aman Clarification of Misleading Statements Concerning ALL, by Durward K. McDaniel Hyde Park Corner: Letter to the Editor ... Or Unasked-for Opinion, by Margaret Freer Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon ***** ** ACB Officers * President: Floyd Qualls, 501 North Douglas Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 * First Vice President: Alma Murphey, 4103 Castleman Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 * Second Vice President: Billie Elder, 5317 W. 29th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 * Secretary: M. Helen Vargo, 833 Oakley Street, Topeka, KS 66606 * Treasurer: J. Edward Miller, 1120 Coddington Place, Charlotte, NC 28211 ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large type, open-reel tape (dual-track, 3 3/4 ips) and cassette (1-7/8 ips). 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. ***** ** Civil Rights Amendments for the Handicapped, A Major Goal for ACB By Reese H. Robrahn One of the major thrusts of the American Council of the Blind legislative program during the waning months of the 94th session of Congress has been civil rights amendments for the handicapped. Enactment of the amendments of the several Federal Civil Rights Acts to include the handicapped has been established as a major goal for the 95th session of Congress, which will convene in January of 1977. The following is a brief report on some of the activities of ACB in this endeavor. The 1976 annual convention of the American Council of the Blind adopted Resolution 76-01, which calls for the establishment of an ACE Task Force on Civil Rights for the Handicapped (for all resolutions adopted by the 1976 ACB Convention, see the Braille Forum Convention Supplement). Our president, Floyd Qualls, has appointed Carol Derouin, President of the Oregon Council of the Blind, as chairperson of the ACB Task Force on Civil Rights for the Handicapped, and a call has gone out to all affiliate presidents requesting appointment of representatives designated by the affiliates of ACB to serve on the Task Force. The members of this Task Force will provide immeasurable support and assistance in seeking passage of civil rights legislation. In addition to the ACB Task Force on Civil Rights for the Handicapped, the National Office of ACB issued invitations to all local members of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and other national organizations of handicapped individuals to participate in the first meeting of an ad hoc Task Force on Civil Rights for the Handicapped, which was held on the 10th of August. The purpose of convening this ad hoc Task Force was to educate and provide information to other minority groups and organizations interested in establishing and protecting the civil rights of citizens of this country, and thus to gain their support and assistance in seeking passage of Federal legislation for citizens who have handicaps. The group assembled directed that there be established a steering committee for the ad hoc Task Force, which is charged with making recommendations for the ongoing organizational structure of the Task Force and for a program of objectives and goals. Another meeting of this Task Force will be held in October. Another step taken by the American Council jointly with the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities is a series of meetings to discuss and establish a plan for introduction and successful passage of civil rights amendments to include the handicapped, with staff representatives of Senators and Congressmen who have demonstrated interest and leadership in the enactment of legislation concerning the handicapped. The road to success in accomplishing our goal of civil rights amendments for the handicapped is an uphill climb and is full of obstacles and pitfalls. Success in achieving this goal will require an outstanding effort and grassroots support. I urge each of you to lend your support and assistance to this challenge. ***** ** Membership on the Move By Carl McCoy National Membership Chairman Two new affiliates received charters at the 1976 convention of the American Council of the Blind in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Both offer great opportunity and potential for further expansion of membership within their respective states. The Bay State Council of the Blind, the new Massachusetts affiliate, was enthusiastically welcomed into the ACB family. Dr. Otis Stephens represented the American Council and the Membership Committee in this organizing effort which resulted in a statewide organization growing out of the former Boston-area ACB affiliate, the Blind Leadership Club. At the organizational meeting held June 27, the following officers were elected to serve until the first state convention in September: President -- Philip E. Pofcher, Boston; First Vice President -- Todd Eggert, Brookline; Second Vice President -- Steven Booth, Worcester; Corresponding Secretary -- Phyllis Mitchell, Brookline; Recording Secretary -- Donna Eggert, Brookline; Treasurer -- Virginia Cotta, Burlington. Judging from the active participation of those Bay State Council members who attended the ACB convention, we have every reason to expect that this will be an active growing affiliate, one which will be in the forefront speaking on issues affecting blind persons in their state and nationally. The New Jersey Council of the Blind was not far behind Massachusetts in its organizing effort. Having long recognized the value of and need for an organization of the blind, many persons in New Jersey have for some time expressed keen interest in affiliation with the American Council. With the help of the ACB National Office and many enthusiastic workers, the New Jersey Council of the Blind has now become a reality. Serving as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively, until the first general convention in September are Theresa Snyder of Old Bridge and Gertrude Musier of Wayne. New Jersey has long been a leader in work for the blind, and we welcome the enthusiasm, the labors, the talents, and the leadership of this new affiliate, adding its strength to the growing strength of the American Council of the Blind. It was apparent at the Hot Springs convention that there was tremendous enthusiasm for the special-interest conferences and seminars. Without exception, each meeting was better attended than ever before and each special-interest organization continues to grow. With increased membership also come increased enthusiasm and greater benefits to be gained. In addition to existing special-interest affiliates, organizational efforts were set in motion by government employees, piano tuners, blinded veterans, small-business operators, and rehabilitation teachers. As National Membership Chairman, I am anxious to hear from anyone willing to give his or her time and talents to organizing additional affiliates. We now have an active Membership Committee, but we have more requests for help than the present committee can possibly fulfill. Remember, there is a place for all kinds of talent — people who can help prepare material, arrange for publicity, contact prospective members, offer guidance to initial organizing efforts, and follow through. Anyone interested in joining or working with the Membership Committee is invited to contact the ACB National Office, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 506, Washington, DC 20036, or write to me, Carl McCoy, in braille, print or tape, at 1424 Sunland Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32019. ***** RP? -- Let It Die By Harriet Fielding NOTE: This article is written for a publication whose readers are visually impaired or blind. The subject matter is addressed to them. A vox pop question in the summer issue of Dialogue With The Blind has captured my attention. The question is: "Do you think that people who have genetically based diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, have the right to bear children?" This is not a matter of "the right to bear children." In this day and age, when birth control information is so readily available, bearing a child has become a matter of decision between two individuals. There is no reason for them to have a child because they lack pertinent knowledge to prevent conception. Statistics from the National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation in Baltimore indicate that when a child is born to a couple who have RP, that child will also have RP. (See table at end of article.) Therefore, one can conclude that persons who have RP should not bear children if the disease is ever to be eradicated. Many open-minded, well-informed persons with RP have eliminated the danger of passing on the disease to unborn generations through sterilization or vasectomy. Unfortunately, a vast number of persons with RP are not aware of the genetic origins of the disease. Others, either ignorant or thoughtless, have projected the disease into generation after generation. Sometimes children of the second or third generation accept sightlessness as a way of life, not knowing nor caring what it is like to have sight. What is the solution to this dilemma? Because RP is world-wide, the solution will have to be international in scope. Pre-school and school-age children should be tested for RP. In cases where the disease does not manifest itself until young adulthood, tests for RP may be obtained in the ophthalmology departments of teaching hospitals. Genetic counseling should be mandatory for couples with RP who marry. Ophthalmologists have a responsibility to advise their patients of the ramifications of the disease. Until recently, within the last ten years, ophthalmologists had done so little research into the problem, it had become general practice to tell a patient that he had an incurable eye disease about which nothing was known, and that the patient should learn to use braille -- supposedly, an easy way to tell him he would be blind. Now, with research grants sponsored by the National RP Foundation and the National Institute of Health, scientists are studying all aspects of the disease. According to reports from the Foundation, there is now some hope that the disease can be arrested, although it cannot be prevented. In the meantime, victims and carriers of RP who are of child-bearing age should forget what appears to be an overwhelming desire to show the world that they are just as manly or womanly as the neighbor next door. Think carefully -- get advice from a geneticist before making an unwise decision to have a child, thus passing on this insidious disease to yet another generation. What are the chances? See below. * GENETICS: In the case of recessive retinitis pigmentosa, the chances that the disease will be passed on are: A. The chances that a grandchild will have RP if one of your RP children marries, when you know that you and your spouse are carrier is -- one in 640. B. Chances that a person WITH RP who marries a person WITHOUT RP will have a child with RP are one in 160. C. Chance that one RP carrier will have an RP child is one in 320. D. Chance that two RP carriers will have an RP child is one in four. E. Chance that one RP and one RP carrier will have an RP child is one in two. F. Chance that two RP carriers will generate new carriers is one in two. G. Chance that two RP parents will have an RP child is 100%. H. Chance that a grandchild will have RP when only one of the grandparents has RP, and none of the parents have RP, is one in 25,600. I. If you have RP, and at least one of your children has RP, chance that one of your non-RP children will have an RP child is one in 320. J. All children of one RP parent will be carriers. Table from the San Francisco Bay Area R.P. Chapter Newsletter, Fall, 1975. ***** Woman Deputy -- Law Is Everybody's Business (Reprinted from the Aberdeen, S.D. American News, July 11, 1976, By Jean Burgard) "Law is everybody's business. Sheriff It's the law of the land," said Mrs. Casey (Dorothy) Clark, Office Deputy Sheriff for Edmunds County. But in addition to being deputy sheriff, she is also a mother and homemaker, a volunteer for the Edmunds County Fire Department, and has a radio program broadcast daily over Station KOLY, Mobridge. Dorothy Clark has been totally blind since she was 12 years old. "It was a combination of illnesses, and the doctors don't even know what caused the blindness. By the time I got to the doctor's office, all the symptoms were gone, along with my sight. I was also paralyzed from the waist down." she said. "The most depressing thing that I kept hearing was 'Keep on smiling.'" Her husband Casey, sheriff for Edmunds County, and their five children reside in Ipswich in an apartment in the courthouse basement. Mrs. Clark attended school in Gary, which was where the school for the visually handicapped was located before its move to Aberdeen. Later she attended a rehabilitation center in Minneapolis for vocational training and received certificates in Dictaphone typing and switchboard operation. Having been the first visually handicapped person employed by the University of Minnesota Hospitals, she resigned her position to marry. In 1966-67, Mrs. Clark operated her own business, a telephone answering service which had accounts with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Western Communications. Mrs. Clark started working for Edmunds County on July 1, 1969. "I fell right into the job, organizing the office, because when we came, there were no files, little equipment, and the office and furniture was run down," she said. "Casey depended on me a lot, especially when he was gone. So he deputized me so I could okay things when he wasn't in the office. Now I couldn't be deputized, because applicants have to have a complete physical. I can still work because of the 'grandfather clause,'" said Mrs. Clark. "We were having trouble keeping deputies because of the County's financial situation. They weren't getting paid enough for what they were doing, and Casey wanted to keep the office open," she commented. Mrs. Clark has the power to do anything in the line of a deputy sheriff, including communications, office work, telephones, state and county radios, and care of the prisoners. Mrs. Clark feels her job lies largely in the public relations field. "I love my work. It's very interesting, and you have to like people and have a sense of humor and a lot of understanding," she commented. "Sometimes just listening to an individual can solve a problem and helps them." Mrs. Clark's duties for the fire department include answering fire phones, setting off sirens, and keeping radio communications open with the fire and sheriff departments, because the radio is the lifeline of law officials. Edmunds County, which the Clarks cover, is 48 miles long and 24 miles wide and includes the towns of Bowdle, Hosmer, Ipswich, and Roscoe. "Things slow down, but nothing completely quits, and lately there has been a lot of problems with juveniles," she said. Mrs. Clark keeps all notes in braille, and also writes them on newspaper, because it's cheaper than braille paper. "A law enforcer's job is getting more dangerous, and it would depend on a woman's physical and mental condition if she should want to enter this field," commented Mrs. Clark. Clark taught his wife to operate a gun, because it was too dangerous for her to be in the office alone and not be able to tell who was coming in. She can distinguish individuals who come in often by their footsteps, way of walking, and speech. "If I had to be some place where it was pitch dark and needed somebody who knew how to use a gun, I would want my wife there," he said. "My wife feels that the office could run a couple of days without me, but not even one day without her, and it's probably true," he said jokingly. ***** ** Three Cheers for the Cherry Decision! ... What about the Randolph-Sheppard Regulations? By Reese H. Robrahn In February, 1976, James Cherry, who has an orthopedic handicap, and Alpha, an organization of physically handicapped individuals in the State of Kentucky, commenced an injunctive action in the Federal District Court of the District of Columbia to require the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and others to promulgate regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The American Council of the Blind and the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities filed a motion in the case requesting leave to intervene as plaintiffs. The two organizations did so because the original petition in the case was drawn too narrowly, so that the only issue presented was the physical access to buildings and programs. Also, arguments supporting the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment were limited, and omitted some important aspects such as the legislative history as to the intent of Congress in its enactment of Section 504, which was made a part of the record at the time of the Congressional hearings on the 1974 Amendments to the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Our motion to intervene was summarily denied by the Judge presiding at that time. On July 19, 1976, another judge, the Honorable John Lewis Smith, Jr., handed down the ruling of the Court on the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment. The Judge, in sustaining the motion for summary judgment, ruled in part as follows: "Although Section 504 contains no language requiring rule making, the plain-meaning doctrine does not preclude consideration of legislative history when necessary to ascertain and effectuate an underlying Congressional purpose. See March v. United States. The Statute's discrimination prohibitions were certainly not intended to be self-executing. Reports from the Senate and the House on the 1974 Amendments to the Act indicate that Congress contemplated swift implementation of Section 504 through a comprehensive set of regulations." The Judge noted that the Department of HEW at the time of the ruling (July 19) had already published draft proposed regulations and proposed regulations, the latter on July 16, three days prior; and the Court retained jurisdiction of the case, for the purpose of seeing to it that there are no more unreasonable delays in the publication of the final regulations. Thus, it took the Department of HEW approximately two and a half years to commence actual procedures promulgating regulations under Section 504. The Department is similarly in default with respect to regulations to implement the Randolph-Sheppard Amendments which were enacted as a part of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974. Almost two years have come and gone since the enactment. Both the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and the American Council of the Blind adopted resolutions at their conventions in July, calling upon the Department to publish final regulations within 45 days and authorizing court action in the event of further default. At the time of this writing, although inquiry has been made of the office of Andrew S. Adams, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, no date for publication has been forthcoming. Thus, it appears that another court action is in the offing to bring about enforcement of the law by those charged with its implementation Commissioner Adams, Under Secretary Stanley Thomas, and the Secretary, David Mathews. ***** ** Confusion -- Confusion! By O.L. Joiner, Chairman ACB Public Service Committee "A rose by any other name still smells the same." This quotation apparently is not believed by some American Council of the Blind affiliates. Florida, as well as many other affiliates, has changed its name to reflect affiliation with ACB. While on a recent business trip, I spoke with a vending facility operator During our conversation, I asked her if she was affiliated with one of the nationwide organizations of the blind. She answered in the affirmative and commented, "Don't our president make some kind of fierce speeches!" When I asked her of whom she spoke, her answer took me by surprise The president she named was definitely not Floyd Qualls. I ask this in all sincerity: How can we expect the sighted public to distinguish between national organizations when some of us among the blind make this kind of mistake? The above true encounter really made me stop to think. If our affiliates do not reflect the name of ACB some way in their name, how can my committee and I, as Public Service Chairman, do a decent public relations job, when we are always being confused with Brand X? This problem is multiplied immensely for the Membership Committee, and I shudder to think of the pitfalls that may be encountered by our fund-raising chairman. I appeal to all affiliates of the ACB to do some serious soul-searching along the lines of the name of your organization. The next time you are in your garden, smell one of your fragrant roses and call it a daisy. I promise you it will still have the same sensory impact as will your group of the organized blind with a name that attaches itself to the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** White House Conference Notes -- When, Where, Why, and How? The White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals, authorized under Public Law 93-516 and signed into law by President Ford on December 7, 1974, will be held May 25-29, 1977, at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C. Directing the Conference is a 28-member National Planning and Advisory Council, with Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., of Kings Point, Long Island, New York, internationally known rehabilitation specialist and author, as chairman. The Council includes educators, rehabilitation specialists, medical personnel, social workers, government officials, citizen advocates, parents of handicapped individuals, and consumers themselves. Three goals have been established by the Conference: (1) To provide a national assessment of problems and potential of individuals with mental or physical handicaps; (2) to generate a national awareness of those problems and potentials; and (3) to make recommendations to the President and to Congress which, if implemented, will enable individuals with handicaps to live their lives independently, with dignity, and with full participation in community life to the greatest degree possible. Task forces within the Conference will focus on problems shared by handicapped individuals, such as health and medical services, architectural and communications barriers, psychological and social adjustment, family adjustment, education, employment, and civil rights. The importance of research, technology, and early diagnosis and treatment will also be explored, as will the need for adequate residential and community-based programs for handicapped persons who require them. Preliminary to the National Conference, a series of state conferences is now under way in every State and Territory, for the purpose of addressing issues and making recommendations to be included in the National Conference. Major problems affecting the physically and mentally handicapped are being highlighted in a series of 25 Awareness Papers to be used by the states in these preliminary conferences. In an effort to help focus attention on the obstacles and difficulties handicapped people face, the White House Conference recruited authors-editors with topical expertise in such areas as economic, health, educational, social, and special concerns. These papers will be sent as workbooks to all states, to be used as a guide in state conference discussions. "The Awareness Papers and the discussions they provoke will increase the knowledge of all delegates nationwide," commented Dr. Viscardi. In order that no one group of disabled persons will be left unaware of the content of discussions, approximately six hours of informational materials to be used in the state conferences was recently recorded and brailled. These State White Houe Conference Workbooks are made up of materials which include guidelines and responsibilities of state delegates, plus summaries of the 25 Awareness Papers. Single copies of the recorded disks (approximately six hours of listening) or press braille (approximately 600 pages) are available from White House Conference state directors. A limited number of disks and braille books are available upon request addressed to Betty Ann Jones, White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals, 1832 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036. Delegates to the White House Conference will be representatives of those individuals who have participated in the state conferences. Guidelines for both delegate selection and numbers have been sent to the governor of every State and Territory and to the State White House Conference directors who have been appointed by the governors. Of these state conference directors, 47 are handicapped. The Conference will be attended by 672 state delegates. The guidelines call for 50% of these delegates to be disabled individuals, 25% to be parents or guardians of handicapped individuals, and the remaining 25% to include service providers, professionals, state representatives, and representatives of business, industry, and labor. Jack F. Smith, Executive Director of the White House Conference, noted, "The National Planning and Advisory Council of the Conference feels that the percentages not only give the handicapped themselves a voice in their own destiny, but also provide meaningful input on behalf of those mentally and physically handicapped individuals who cannot represent themselves." The number of delegates allotted to each state is based upon existing Federal money grant formulas regarding population and per capita income, as compared with national population and per capita income. As figured by these formulas, 23 states will have eight delegates, ten states will have twelve, and 23 states sixteen. Delegates will be elected either at state conferences or by a panel to include state directors, representatives of handicapped organizations, and at least 50% handicapped individuals. Each State and Territory will also be entitled to an equal number of alternates who may attend as observers or as voting delegates if an official delegate is unable to attend. In addition, invited as observers will be representatives of national provider organizations, members of Congress or their appointees, representatives of business and industry, as well as international guests. Total size of the National Conference will be close to 2,500 delegates and observers. "The White House Conference will reflect state conference findings and their representatives," pointed out Jack F. Smith. "Just as the White House Conference is taking into consideration such factors as urban, rural, economic, racial, ethnic, and types of handicapping conditions, we hope states will do the same in sending delegates to the National Conference." Thus, it appears that the voice of this nation's disabled, parents, and professionals will be clearly reflected in the final report from the White House Conference to the President and to the Congress. ***** ** Which One Is Blind? By Harold Krents (Reprinted from VCVH Views and Ventures, Virginia Commission for the Visually Handicapped.) (Harold Krents was the recent keynote speaker at the Career Seminar held in Charlottesville. Mr. Krents is a member of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, is author of the autobiography, "To Race The Wind," and was the inspiration for the play and the film, "Butterflies Are Free.") "I was playing basketball with my father in our backyard according to procedures we had developed. My father would stand beneath the hoop, shout, and I would shoot over his head at the basket attached to our garage. Our next-door neighbor, aged five, wandered over into our yard with a playmate. 'He's blind,' our neighbor whispered to her friend in a voice that could be heard distinctly by Dad and me. Dad shot and missed, I did the same. Dad hit the rim; I missed entirely; Dad shot and missed the garage entirely. 'Which one is blind?' whispered back the little friend." "I would hope that in the near future when a plant manager is touring the factory with the foreman and comes upon a handicapped and nonhandicapped person working together, his comment after watching them work will be 'Which one is disabled?'" ***** ** Historic Document in Braille A braille transcript of the Declaration of Independence will be on display in the White House throughout the Bicentennial Year. The project was conceived and carried out by Charlotte Goldblatt of Stamford, Connecticut, who is a volunteer braille instructor for the Library of Congress. Measuring 66 by 40 inches, the work is done on parchment paper, with graphic representations of the Liberty Bell and the American Eagle. Included, also, are exact replicas of all the signatures of the original Declaration. Printed below are Mrs. Goldblatt's presentation remarks on the occasion of the White House acceptance of the Braille Document, which took place in the Jacqueline Kennedy Rose Garden, July 13, 1976. The presentation of this document on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of our beloved Nation speaks its own persuasive language to every reflective and virtuous mind. Everything in the world has its decisive moment; the crowning achievement of a good conduct of life is to know and pick that moment. In a day that witnessed movements in all parts of the world by peoples seeking their God-given right to stand erect in world society, the apathy and silence of those who should take action, and speak out against the destructive forces of human perversity that denies others full fellowship in the family of Man, reflects a sad commentary on the morality which withholds a single endowed prerogative from any other man or woman, for no other reason than a physical misfortune which may, in the course of human events, happen to any man. The time is long overdue for rapid advance in our understanding that every human life has some ultimate significance. If we are ever to enjoy a rich culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of potential, one in which each gift, diverse though it may be, will find a fitting place. Whatever we may believe, there is an inmost center in us all where truth abides: to know that truth consists in opening out a way from which the imprisoned splendor may dart forth to illuminate the darkness of ignorance. Active measures must be taken and strong educational statesmanship effected which speak of the human condition most intelligently and most powerfully, to penetrate the subterranean channels of understanding, in order to promote an awareness of responsibility among the masses whose conception of blindness is steeped in a miasma of myths. In an educated society such as ours, there is no room for prejudice against any man or woman. If men can be found who revolt against thoughtlessness, and who are strong enough to let their ideals radiate from them as a force, there must come a new mental and spiritual disposition in humankind. Each transition in the affairs of Man is simply the affirmation of a new beginning. This is more than a beginning. This is a commitment -- a significant turning point, manifest by the acceptance of this document by the President of the United States, which from this moment forward takes its place among our historic documents in the Bicentennial display at the White House for the duration of our country's celebration. Ultimately, it will occupy a coveted place of permanence in the country's historic collection of old documents and be preserved for all time in the annals of our blessed Nation. This occasion marks a momentous step in the history of all welfare. It is the first time in the history of our country that a head of state has made such a strong and meaningful commitment, confirming President Ford's recognition of the need for change. Also, it represents his concern with something essential to the life of every individual who respects dignity and feels the divine urge to realize his full possibilities as a human being. This action represents the fulfillment of the hopes and dreams of those gallant men who conceived and fought for that great truth we all hold self-evident: that all men are created equal. To those of us gathered here today, and to men and women throughout the world who believe in the brotherhood of man, this occasion must bring new hope and new faith, and new promise. It is, therefore, with a great measure of pride and deep humility that I present to the Nation this Braille Document of the Declaration of Independence, created to ensure representation in our great national celebration of the valiant men and women who are without physical sight, and hopefully to stir the spiritual consciousness and thinking of a society geared to materialism to a true humanity toward all. ***** ** U.S. Athletes Win Fourteen Medals In First Olympics for the Blind By Dr. Charles Buell The first Olympic Games for the Blind were held in Toronto, Canada, August 3-11, 1976. Thirty female and 170 male athletes from 26 countries participated. The competition for the blind was a part of a larger event, the 1976 Olympiad for the Disabled, with 1,100 wheelchair and 300 amputee athletes. The largest crowd ever to attend Woodbine Race Track (19,000) viewed the opening ceremonies. The emphasis throughout the games was on ability rather than disability. Thousands of able-bodied individuals gained new respect for the handicapped, while impaired individuals were inspired to work harder to overcome their handicaps. The leading countries in winning medals were Canada, 35; Sweden, 23; Great Britain, 15; U.S.A., 14; Finland, 13; and Poland, 13. Winford Haynes of New Mexico earned a gold medal when he won the 100-meter dash 11.4 seconds. Linda Schwerdt of New York won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke. Her time was 1:51.28. Rhea Collett, Ohio, won a gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly and bronze medals in three other swim races. The high jump was held in the rain, with John Bowman of Indiana winning event (1.35 m.) and Tony Lewis of Pennsylvania placing third. In the high jump, for those with a little vision, Richard Barnhart of Kentucky won the silver medal. Lou Ann Lex, Pennsylvania, won a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke and bronze medals in the 100-meter freestyle and long jump. Sharon Leacock ran 60 meters in 7.7 to earn a bronze medal in the event. In the standing broad jump, for the totally blind, Donna Brown, Pennsylvania, won the silver medal. There are so many good blind wrestlers in the United States that the only fair way to select a team was to hold a try-out camp. Ten coaches and 65 wrestlers attended such a camp, held at the Kentucky School for the Blind, July 25 to August 2. It was the first camp of its kind ever held in the United States. As a result the strongest team of blind wrestlers ever put together was made possible. The team won both of its meets in Canada. First the York University Wrestling Club went down to defeat 21 to 15. The club team was composed of wrestlers with normal vision. A team of bind Canadians was defeated 29 to 2. Five distance runners participated in a five-mile run, which was a demonstration as were the wrestling meets. Two Californians, Louis Lucero and Mike Jones, finished in 29:32 and 29:44. The next day they ran in the 26-mile marathon and finished in a little over three hours. The distance runners certainly demonstrated by their performance that the sport has possibilities for visually impaired athletes. The most important benefits of the wrestling camp and the Olympics in Canada have not yet been mentioned. Both of these events offered many learning experiences. There were sightseeing trips for all. Talking with blind athletes here and abroad made it possible for one to gain much information and form lifelong friendships. The blind athletes gained most of the benefits obtained by regular Olympic athletes. It gives one a tremendous amount of confidence to represent the United States, whether he or she is blind or sighted. Those who participated in the wrestling camp and the Olympics blind are the most enthusiastic supporters of these events. (Editor's Note: Dr. Buell was manager of the U.S. team. In a recent letter, he further reports: "All of us who participated believe such competition should be continued. A small group of us is now working to make a permanent organization a reality. Anyone who wishes to contribute time and funds is invited to contact me." Dr. Buell's address is 33905 Calle Acordarse, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.) ***** ** Employment Discrimination Against the Visually Handicapped By Herbert Eastman (Excerpted from ACBI Newsletter, December, 1975) Concluded It has been suggested by many that one way to extend the "short arm" of the law to the private employer is to bring the handicapped within the protection of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII currently proscribes discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. By adding handicapped to these categories, or by drafting new legislation for the handicapped, modeled after the Civil Rights Act, the power of the visually handicapped to secure equal rights would be significantly enhanced for four reasons: (1) Title VII reaches nearly all employers -- all who employ fifteen or more people and who conduct business that affects interstate commerce -- which means practically all employers. It further prohibits discrimination by labor unions and employment agencies, none of whom are reached by the Rehabilitation Act, except those employment agencies receiving Federal funds. (2) An effective enforcement device is already in operation: the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (3) Should the EEOC fail to act, the visually handicapped person wronged by discrimination is not without remedy, as he is under the Rehabilitation Act, if the Federal Government fails to enforce its contract with the employer. He may sue on his own behalf in the courts. (4) There is a long line of court decisions under Title VII which set hurdles that the employer must clear if he is to justify his refusal to hire a person protected by this law. If he opposes a test or requirement that does not appear to be discriminatory itself -- or example, the ability to see imperfections in glass bottles for an inspector's job -- he must show that this requirement is a business necessity, essential to the safe and effective performance of the job, and that no other alternative exists -- for example, a way to detect imperfections without perfect vision by touch or by machine. If the employer openly declares that visually handicapped persons are unable to perform the job and refuses to hire any on these grounds, he may prove that perfect vision is a bona fide occupational qualification. That is, there are facts that support the conclusion that no visually impaired person could do the job. The employer's personal opinion is not enough. There are problems in the enforcement of Title VII as it now stands, fighting discrimination on the basis of race or sex. Without doubt, there would be further difficulties if the law is amended to protect the handicapped. Whether the advantages of the amendment would outweigh the problems is a subject for discussion, both within the legal community and the handicapped community. I don't mention Title VII to advocate amending it. The National Center for Law and the Handicapped has adopted no position on that issue. I mention it only to show that the Federal Government forbids racial and sex employment discrimination over a wider range, reaching nearly all employers, than it does for the handicapped, and to suggest that we consider methods of correcting this situation. So, to summarize the legal portion of my discussion, let me recite several points which the American Council of the Blind of Indiana might wish to consider to assist the laws of the United States to proceed from the recognition of problems to the solution. The Rehabilitation Act, possibly the most helpful of all the laws I have discussed, must be clarified through regulations -- regulations that have yet to be completed after nearly three years. Additionally, the law does not reach all employers, unlike the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids discrimination on the basis of sex and race. Many of these problems are "lawyers' " problems, yet there is much the American Council of the Blind can do. First, the visually handicapped person who is victimized by discrimination can assert his rights, those that are currently protected by the laws as they stand presently. The wisest and fairest of laws, if they exist in the statute books only, have no existence at all. Those who are protected by them must invoke them if the laws are to have meaning and fulfill their promise. Second, the Council can approach the lawmakers and lobby for the changes they feel are necessary. The blind and visually impaired, who are better organized than many other of the handicapped groups, are in a strong position to stimulate badly needed change. Third, the Council and other organizations of the blind can continue their present public education program of informing the public of the realities of visual handicap, so that when the laws take form that they should, they will be accepted by the sighted world as well as welcomed by the visually impaired world. Fourth, you can educate the legal profession. None of us at the National Center for Law and the Handicapped are visually impaired (except for some of us with relatively weak glasses), and although we like to think that we are more sensitive to the situation of the handicapped than many in the profession, we still can know only what you tell us. If you, the handicapped consumers of legal services, can help the providers of legal services to recognize the problems that exist and persist, and to formulate solutions that make sense, then we can both work more effectively to fulfill the promises of the law to protect your right to education, travel, housing and employment, your right to full participation in your society. ***** ** Third Annual Ski for Light To Take Place in Vermont The third annual Ski for Light ski touring program for the blind will be held at Woodstock, Vermont, January 30 through February 6, 1977. The Third District of the Sons of Norway, organizers of the event, invites blind people from all over the United States and Canada to participate. Prior skiing experience is not required, since each skier will be assigned a qualified instructor who will work with him or her throughout the week. According to Norwegians who developed instruction methods and made the sport available to the blind fifteen years ago, "If you can walk, you can learn ski touring." No one need worry about buying skis, since equipment will be provided free of charge for Ski for Light participants. An easy five-kilometer trail will be laid out on a golf course for training purposes and for the Ski for Light race which concludes the full week of instruction and training. For the more adventurous skiers, there will be a guided ski tour trip through the woods, with naturalists describing the environment at selected points. One of the most attractive aspects of the program is its international flavor. Blind skiers from Norway, Sweden, Canada, and the United States will share an active sport experience and will get the opportunity to socialize in the evening. Blind skiers 18 years and over are invited to write for application papers and additional information, marking the envelope "Ski for Light, 1977." Address all inquiries to Einar Bergh, Norwegian Information Service, 825 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. ***** ** ACB Affiliate News * Tennessee Council Convention By Otis Stephens The Tennessee Council of the Blind held its 1976 convention in Nashville, September 4 and 5. The opening sessions featured a variety of speakers and panel discussions, including a roundtable on library services and a report on current activities of Tennessee Services for the Blind. Jack Lewis, a member of ACB's Board of Directors, delivered an excellent banquet address on Saturday evening. Drawing from his professional background in the field of social work, he discussed the influence of self-image and attitude in accounting for the success or failure of many people in their efforts to achieve occupational and personal goals. He stressed the importance of organizational activity by blind persons in contributing to their independence and self-respect, as well as to their effectiveness in dealing with the realities of discrimination. Pointing to the rapid growth of ACB, Mr. Lewis reminded his listeners that the strength of our national organization depends heavily on the active support and firm commitment of our state affiliates. William G. Ferrell, Director of Tennessee Services for the Blind, was this year's recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, presented at each TCB convention by the Sisterhood of Temple Israel in Memphis. One of the resolutions adopted at the business meeting on Sunday expressed TCB's strong support of the current efforts of Tennessee vendors to bring about full implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard Amendments of 1974. Another resolution requests the Tennessee Public Service Commission to withhold approval of a proposed additional charge for Directory Assistance until South Central Bell submits an acceptable plan for exempting blind persons from this charge. At its final session the Tennessee Council of the Blind elected the following officers and directors: President, Johnson Bradshaw; First Vice President, Otis Stephens; Second Vice President, Bernard Bagwell; Third Vice President, Mary Broyles; Secretary, Helen Wild; and Treasurer, Geneva Thrower. ***** ** New York State Acquires New Dog Guide Law By David Schreibstein A new statute protecting the civil rights of blind persons, especially those who use dog guides, became law in New York State September 1, 1976. This bill, now known as Article IV-B of the Civil Rights Law (Chapter 469 of the Laws of 1976), was sponsored in the New York State Senate by John Calandra and in the New York State Assembly by Guy Velella, both of whom fought hard and long for its passage. They drafted and introduced this legislation in direct response to the problems, suggestions, and proposals put forth by the American Council of the Blind of New York State and the New York State chapter of Guide Dog Users, Inc. Article IV-B (Chapter 469 of the Laws of 1976), which is vastly superior to the old New York State law on this subject, specifically covers employment, housing, transportation, entertainment (including motion pictures, for the first time in New York State), educational facilities, public buildings, etc. The new law also specifically sets forth the right of a blind person to have his or her dog guide in his or her immediate custody, without being subjected to direct or indirect additional charges or the imposition of any conditions or restrictions that are not contained in the law itself. Muzzling is no longer part of the definition of "guide dogs," and guide-dog trainers are now fully covered by the law. Guide Dog Users, Inc. and the American Council of the Blind of New York State are proud of this new law and the role played by these two organizations in its adoption. Appreciation and thanks are extended to the sponsors of the bill and to the many other groups and individuals who worked so diligently in getting a better law in the Empire State. Print and braille copies of the bill are available from the national office of Guide Dog Users, Inc. Write Guide Dog Users, Inc., P.O. Box 174, Baldwin, NY 11510. ***** ** Ask and It Shall Be Given By Delbert K. Aman (Reprinted from Visually Handicapped Views, South Dakota Association of the Blind) Early in April, a gallant and dedicated group of blind persons met with Governor Kneip (South Dakota) to protest plans to reorganize the Office of Services to the Visually Impaired. As a result of that meeting, a committee of four people was appointed to work with the Governor and his staff in an effort to resolve the problem to the satisfaction of all. The committee included three representatives of the South Dakota Association of the Blind, namely, Don Michlitsch, Vernon Williams, and Dean Sumner. The fourth member of the committee was Barbara Ollila, President, NFB of South Dakota. Vernon Williams acted as chairman of the committee. The committee conducted much of its work by telephone and mail, and early in May had another face-to-face meeting with the Governor. Through the negotiations, the committee stressed the unique problems resulting from blindness and the desirability of having an agency with its own budget and with the specific responsibilities of dealing with these unique problems. The importance of specially trained staff was also stressed. Much emphasis was placed on the fact that loss of vision is not a "physical handicap," but rather, a "sensory loss." The committee asked the Governor to intervene and protect the professional and budgetary integrity of the Office of Services to the Visually Impaired. On June 11, Chairman Williams received a letter from the Governor informing him that all plans to reorganize the South Dakota Services to the Visually Impaired had been abandoned. Working together, the South Dakota Association of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota demonstrated the value of cooperation in group social action. They asked for an agency to serve the visually impaired, and that is what they were given. ***** ** Clarification of Misleading Statements Concerning ALL By Durward K. McDaniel, Chairperson Affiliated Leadership League The Fall issue of Dialogue with the Blind contains some misleading and erroneous information about the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America (ALL), which must be clarified in order to avoid any possible confusion or misunderstanding about this new organization. Specifically, the American Foundation did not provide $40,000 to launch the project, and such a fact was not reported. The reference to the dues schedule, "which could run as high as $5,000," is misleading because that amount is not required of any participating organization. Rather, the maximum dues under the present schedule would be $2,000, but any organization wishing to be a sponsor may be by paying the $5,000 fee, which will include the required dues. The caption on the ALL article, "Affiliated Leadership League in Support of NAC," may have implied to some Dialogue readers that that is the title of the organization, which it is now. The complete title of the organization is "Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America." The resolution adopted pertaining to standards and accreditation (see ALL Supplement to this issue of the Braille Forum) accepts the concept of standards and accreditation, but does not express "support" for any particular accrediting body. Dialogue's report of certain complaints derived from anonymous sources may be misleading, because readers may very well have received the impression that such complaints were expressed in official meetings, which they were not. We believe that the Affiliated Leadership League offers the best opportunity we have ever had for a unified effort to improve services for visually impaired persons and to secure and protect their rights as first-class citizens. We hope that this unfortunate publicity will be corrected, without detriment to a good organization which needs and deserves the support of all of us. ***** ** Hyde Park Corner Editor's Note: This column exists to provide a forum for the expression of divergent views of writers on timely subjects. Views expressed need not necessarily be concurred in or endorsed by the publisher. * Letter to the Editor ... Or unasked-for opinion One of the hot issues of the ACB Hot Springs convention was the resolution to suggest changing the name of this publication because of the decline in the use of braille in today's technical world. Despite tape recorders, talking calculators, and other marvels, I disagree, and I hope our Board of Publications Committee will, too. Even though the braille symbol is less popular with some, it is just that: a symbol, and a distinguished one. In this hundredth year since its inception by Louis Braille, it would be a rejection of a magnificent communication before all this machine business. It is still unequaled for self-communication. Try marking your canned goods with a cassette! Those who have taken the time to learn braille should be proud of its exclusiveness. How sighted on-lookers do marvel at your reading this strange language of dots! I know a man who has cultivated more friends on the bus by reading his braille Playboy on the way to work. What an opener for conversation! Seriously, there are already twenty other magazines called The Forum, most all dealing with agriculture. If we drop the word "Braille," which distinguishes it from the others, we may be accused of "spreading it." Truly, I would not want to lose either word in the title, as each denotes our purpose. You have heard the expression, "Too old to change." I think we are too young to change what has become a part of our fifteen-year growth and identity. It tells immediately who we are, and as the official publication of the American Council of the Blind, also speaks of our freedom of speech, as in ancient forums. Let's protect this part of our ACB history by retaining its name as it was first born. -- Margaret Freer, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin P.S. In contrast, we find that Webster defines the word "Monitor" as, "to listen; a governing force." ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon ACB President and First Vice President Honored -- In mid-July, Floyd Qualls, President of the American Council of the Blind, was the recipient of an annual award presented at the Southwest Regional meeting of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, held in New Orleans. The presentation was made by Harold G. Roberts, National AAWB president, in recognition of Mr. Qualls' distinguished service to blind people. In Indianapolis, on July 29, in recognition of her dedicated service as a volunteer in work for the visually impaired, ACB First Vice President Alma Murphey received the Midwest Regional AAWB award. In making the presentation, Robert D. Leighnninger, Sr., Executive Director, St. Louis Society for the Blind, commented on Alma's outstanding leadership in services to the blind. Dr. Otis H. Stephens was recently appointed to the chairmanship of the Commission on Accreditation of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Dr. Stephens, professor of political science at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, is a member of the boards of directors of both NAC and the American Council of the Blind. If you are interested in creative self-expression through drama and song, if you enjoy acting and singing, have a good voice, can read braille rapidly, and live in New York City area, you are invited to join Elbee, a group of amateur blind and sighted repertory players. The troupe opens its 15th season of producing dramatic readings of major plays in September. Interested persons are asked to call David Swerdlow, TR4-5704. Is there a device or a sensory aid that you, as a blind, partially sighted or deaf-blind person, would find useful? Are there devices that you feel should be modified for greater use by the visually limited? If so, send your ideas to William A. Pickman, Chairman, ACB Electronic Aids Committee, 104-60 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375. From DIALOGUE WITH THE BLIND -- The U.S. Braille Chess Association is organizing a correspondence chess competition on a regional basis. Teams in each region will compete with one another. For further information contact Gintautas Burba, 30 Snell Street, Brockton, MA 02401. ---- Evergreen Travel Service is planning two tours for 1977. A fourteen-day music festival tour of Yugoslavia, Rumania, Russia, and Poland is contemplated. A tour of the Canadian Rockies, with stops in Vancouver, Banff, Lake. Louise, and Jasper Park, is also planned. For further information, contact Mrs. Betty Hoffman, 19429 44th Street, W., Lynwood, WA 98038. Through the acquisition or development of sensory aids, the Innovation and Expansion Project of the Optacon Fund, Inc., plans to develop new employment opportunities for job-ready persons who are blind. The vocational specialists at Optacon Fund will consult with businesses interested in employing a blind person, will evaluate job possibilities, and will recommend sensory aids and suitable training for the prospective employee. In addition, the Project arranges for the engineering of new devices that will interface with equipment already used by the business, provides candidates from a list of job-ready persons, and conducts follow-up to ensure that the blind employee's performance is adequate and that the sensory aids used by the individual are functioning properly. For further information, contact Optacon Fund, Inc., 399 Sherman Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94308. From NEWSWEEK, May 24 -- Three promising experimental visual aids were described at a recent seminar sponsored by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. Two systems have been developed (one stationary and the other to be worn while moving) which produce a pattern of electrodes comparable to the shape of images picked up by a camera, and which can be felt on the skin. A second report presented the latest research by Dr. William Raymond Kurzweil of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has a mechanical voice which, through the use of a camera and a miniaturized computer that converts letters into words, will permit the blind to read virtually any book or typewritten material. According to a recent press release from the California Department of Rehabilitation, that organization is one of eighteen state rehabilitation services participating in a Federally funded demonstration program, the Client Assistant Project. These projects are basically "ombudsmen" efforts to aid the severely and moderately disabled clients of state rehabilitation agencies in obtaining proper services. The program is designed to enable disabled persons to determine what services are available to them through the state/Federal vocational rehabilitation programs and how they may obtain these services. The Project also assists applicants and clients in their relations with projects, programs, and facilities providing services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. From Summer Bulletin of the National Braille Association, Inc. -- Tables, in English Braille, which convert English weights and measures into metric measurements as well as metric-to-English, are available from the Braille Book Bank for $1. The tables are excerpted from an official U.S. Government pamphlet. Write NBA Braille Book Bank, 85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Media Projects for the Blind announces that it will begin publication of a braille hockey magazine in October. The magazine will carry up-to-date reports, timely interviews, and serializations of books on the sport. Subscription rate is $5 per year. Make checks payable to Media Projects for the Blind, Inc. Send all requests to Media Projects, c/o David Arocho, 80 N. Moore Street, Apartment 4K, New York, NY 10013. The Amateur Radio Club of the Hadley School for the Blind this year participated in "Field Day." This is an occasion on which amateur radio clubs throughout the U.S. and abroad compete against one another. Each station's goal is to make as many contacts with other clubs as possible within a 24-hour period. Hadley had two stations in operation, with two people manning a given station at all times, one to operate the equipment, the other to keep a log of contacts that were made. This log consisted of the call letters and locations of contacted stations, as well as a signal report indicating how well the signal was received. In all, 381 contacts were logged, including every state except Alaska. From VCVH VIEWS AND VENTURES (Virginia Commission for the Visually Handicapped) -- Deciding that a mobile classroom would be of great advantage to her, Mrs. Mary Okon, Educational Specialist with the Virginia Commission for the Blind, and her husband purchased a small van and entirely re-did the interior. They added tables, cabinets, carpeting, heating, air conditioning, and a converter so that the automobile battery would operate recorders, cassette players, and an Optacon. In her rolling unit, Mrs. Okon drives into the parking lot of a school and has all her equipment ready to go. She can work with pupils in quiet and privacy during her visits. ---- David Hartman, 26, is the first blind student to graduate from an American medical school since 1872, according to a spokesman for Philadelphia's Temple University, where he received his degree. Dr. Hartman is a native Virginian who was blinded by glaucoma when he was eight. despite Before entering Temple, he was turned down by nine other medical schools despite straight A grades in high school and college. He plans to specialize in psychiatry and rehabilitative medicine. From TSI NEWSLETTER -- As the result of many letters in response to an article, "Spoken Word Output from Your Optacon," in a previous issue of TSI Newsletter, Telesensory Systems, Inc. has initiated preliminary studies on the possibility and cost-effectiveness of an accessory unit which would plug into an Optacon and speak the words as they are scanned with the camera. More news on this will be reported in the next TSI Newsletter. From BRAILLE BOOK REVIEW -- Easy Ways to Delicious Meals, a free cookbook containing more than fifty recipes for main dishes, casseroles, soups and sandwiches, is available in braille and large-print editions. To order either edition, write Volunteer Services for the Blind, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. From AFB NEWSLETTER -- Blindness and Diabetes, a pamphlet that provides information to the blind diabetic who wishes to live independently, as well as to friends, family, and professionals working with blind and diabetic individuals, is now available on soundsheet as well as in print. Single copies are free. Order from Publications Department, American Foundation for the Blind, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. "Sharing," a book of recipes and household hints compiled by the Springfield (Illinois) Association of the Blind, is available in braille for $1.50 and on tape for $2.00. The 62-page book can be is obtained available by writing the Springfield District Association of the Blind, P.O. Box 1135, Springfield, IL 62705. ***** Supplement Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America ** Contents Keynote Address to First Delegate Assembly, by Louis H. Rives Response, by Floyd Qualls Affiliated Leadership League Resolutions Affiliated Leadership Executive Board Participating Member Organizations ***** Supplement Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America ** Keynote Address First Delegate Assembly by Louis H. Rives, Administrator Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Arkansas I wish there were someone of greater eloquence who could deliver this keynote speech, because I think it is an historic time. Just as two hundred years and one week ago today a group of people with a tremendously dedicated common desire for independence got together and hammered out a charter which has made it possible for us all to live in independence and be here today, with the rights that we have, on a smaller scale we have the same kind of opportunity and the same problem. Our problem is to draw consensus from diverse agencies and groups, to build together an organization or coalition which can stand for the rights of blind people and services to those people. If we are successful, I think we can materially advance the cause of services to blind persons. If we are not successful, I think the future is not bright, because never before that I know of in the years that I have been actively involved in work for the blind have the issues been more complicated and more difficult, and has the need for acting together to preserve what we have, and to build on it for the future, been more acute. There are all sorts of things which tend to divide us. What we have to pull us together is only our interest in making sure that blind people get served properly. We must, then, stand together. We must put aside some of our differences. We must form out of this group here the nucleus of a group that will expand and speak with a common voice for what is good for blind people. When this idea of getting together was advanced, it came from the grass roots, and it came from the agencies feeling a need to work together, and also a need for incorporating into whatever we do the strength of organizations of blind people. But the question that I get asked is: Why do we need another organization? I think you have to look at what this coalition proposes to do, and why there is nothing exactly like it now. Sure, you have the American Association of Workers for the Blind, an excellent organization, but an organization which over time has devoted itself primarily to the development of professional aspects of service. True, it has within it an interest group for the heads of public and private agencies serving the blind, which could be the kind of catalyst through which consensus could be derived and action taken. But it is not the primary objective of that organization. You have the American Council of the Blind -- yes, another excellent organization, but one which, because of the fact that it is composed of blind people, is not composed of agencies. Hence one side of the picture gets presented and represented, but not the other. You have the Association for Educators of the Visually Handicapped, another strong organization, but it is solely concerned with educational matters. You have the National Federation of the Blind, another organization composed of blind people, which does not embrace agencies in a constructive way. You have the National Council of State Agencies Serving the Blind, which is an organization of public agencies only, and only state agencies that have statewide programs for blind persons. This, then, excludes the great number of private agencies in this country who have not had the kind of forum through which they could cooperate and deliberate and reach conclusions and take action. So, despite the fact that we have a variety of organizations, we don't have one that can, across the board, do the things that need to be done, one that can act together in behalf of agencies and blind people, and through arriving at consensus, take strong action where it is necessary. We don't have an organization which must assume the responsibility not only for policing what it does itself and what its member agencies and organizations do, but which must have the responsibility for policing what outsiders do. We must look at the total picture of organizations and of agencies purporting to serve blind people, and make sure that each of them measures up. It's not good enough to say, "We support you because you're a member of ALL, or because you're a member of ACB." We must say: "We support you because you stand for what we all have reached the conclusion is right. We are not supporting you because you are one of us; we are supporting you because you stand for what we stand for." ... We must have the capacity to support each other against attack and from encroachment on what we believe is right and proper and just. Too many times, agencies have had to stand alone, not only against attack from an organization, but against attack from those who want to cut budget, from those who want to consolidate services, from those who do not have a true understanding of what it is that blind people need and of their right to the delivery of services ... Then of course there is always the matter of legislation. Again, there are organizations each of whom has a legislative representative, but they tend to identify within the narrow area of their own specialty. We need to look across the board at what needs to be done and what must be done to strengthen programs and strengthen the rights of blind people ... How must this sort of organization work? I think that it must have freedom to act. It cannot be subservient to any other organization. It cannot espouse causes or support issues because someone else supports them. It must have the capacity and the will to arrive at its own conclusions and to stand firmly on those. And if it is not so organized and so run that it is autonomous and independent and free, it's going to be just like all the rest of the organizations that I have run through a while back -- all of them good within their field, but lacking that one capacity to be the catalyst for the whole field of services to the blind. If we are dominated by any one group, we're going to lose what we are trying to achieve. I think we must be objective in what we do. We must look at issues clearly. We must reach what we think is the best decision and support that decision. We must support ideas and principles and issues, and we must commit ourselves to them. And then, if it's going to work, it has to be widely based. We must be able to attract most of the agencies who are serving blind people; we must be able to attract organizations of blind people. And we have to mold this together. We can't adopt policies that are going to restrict participation, restrict it for those who believe in what we believe in. We must keep ourselves open. We must always be an open organization. What we do has got to be subject to the close inspection of anyone. Whomever we admit to membership, it has got to be because they believe in what we believe in, and must have nothing to do with what their affiliation may be. We can have no special interest within our group, except the special interest of serving blind people. And that's how I think an organization, a coalition like ours has got to work. So we have a need, and I think we know some of the things we must do to fill that need and how to make the organization work. But then we must stand for rights something. The fact that we stand for the advancement of services to, and the rights of, blind and visually handicapped people is our basic core. This is what we are for. And just to look down the principles that we include in this: We must stand first, as our statement of Principles says, to improve the social and economic conditions of blind and visually handicapped people. But more than just saying we stand for it, we have to take the actions that are necessary to show that we stand for it. We stand for quality delivery of services. That means sometimes that we must stand out and say these are good services and we're going to stand for these services whether other organizations do or not. I am gravely concerned by a tendency which I have noted recently in the advice that has been given to some young blind people — the advice that you don't need to change; you don't need to learn how to manage your blindness; you're as good as anybody else. The public has to learn to change to learn to accept you. I think this is the greatest damage that we can do to the acceptance and to the change of public attitude about blindness, and to these individuals who adopt this view. Blindness is a severe handicap. If it weren't we wouldn't all be here. We wouldn't need this organization or any other. And we have a responsibility to make sure that those services that we deliver to blind people are of a high quality, and that they are the services that will help to overcome the handicap of blindness, and hence to change the public attitude and to create dignity and self-worth among blind persons· Then we stand for the principle of specialized services. Unless services are designed to meet the specific needs of blind people, and unless meeting these needs is vested in an organization, a service delivery system -- and unless it is vested there with exclusive responsibility -- the services are not going to be delivered, because if it's everybody's job, it's nobody's job. It takes special interest, special knowledge, and the time and the dedication that is required to serve blind people well. And this can only come through specialized service units, whether they are at the top echelon of state government in a city or in a voluntary agency. What's more important than where they are is what they are and what they have the authority to do, and that they have the resources to carry out what it is that they are trying to do. We must stand for and promote and be for specialized services. The next item is our Statement of Principles is one which is, of course, close to my heart because I happen to be president of the National Accreditation Council, and that is the advancement of standards and accreditation. We must keep our standards alive and our accreditation process viable so that accreditation means something. Over the years, a lot of changes have taken place in NAC. We stand open for consumer participation. Many people in this room are members of NAC's board or serve on its commissions because they are representatives of blind persons. And we are going to continue that sort of thing, and we are going to make sure that the standards that we adopt change to meet changing needs, and that they are arrived at by consensus. If NAC does something that does not meet what we believe in, then we have got to let NAC know about it, and I pledge you that NAC is going to listen. Another concept which I think is essentially an important one is the concept of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Those of us who have dealt with the problem of blindness ourselves know a lot about discrimination and lack of equal opportunity because we have all experienced it. So we must not only stand for equal opportunity and non-discrimination for all of us who are visually impaired, but we must stand for it in the total community, because when you take away rights from one group, you end up taking them away from all. Another important concept, I think, is the requirement of the recognition of the principle that blind and visually handicapped persons themselves must share in the responsibility for achievement of these principles that we are discussing. This is why, probably, the alliance between ACB and ALL is going to be an important factor. Agencies alone cannot advance everything. This can only be done through the cooperation of the people that agencies are set up to serve: blind persons. So we must stand for the right and responsibility of blind persons themselves to share in what we do, and also to assume the responsibility for its success or failure. Then, the achievement of our goals through democratic processes within the American system. I think that we all know what this means. It means that we are not muzzled; that we have the right to say what we believe and to stand for that belief, without fear of retribution or curtailment of our authority. It is the responsibility of all of us to work together to achieve these goals in which we believe. ... We have an organization for which there is a need. We have principles which are sound, which we must support. We have a mechanism for doing this. We have a chance to build a great future for work for the blind and for the rights of and services to blind people. Our coming here today is not going to achieve this. Our coming here today is a first step, which may or may not work. If it's going to work, it's going to take work on the part of each of us. We're going to have to show that this is worth doing, and that we can work together, and that we can get over petty differences, and that we welcome anyone who wants to work with us. And we must attract others to work with us, because we can't do it with 28 or 27 or 29 agencies and groups. We must have a majority of those who stand for what we stand for. We must have a majority of agencies and a majority of groups who represent blind people. And we must make it desirable for them to be a part of us. They must see that it means something; that it's not just another organization to come upon the scene, where you can hold office or where you can do a given thing. It must be a vital and moving force to shape services to blind people in the future. I hope that in our deliberations here, as we set this organization up, we will keep in mind that it must grow, and that we will not limit it in any way, except to those who believe in what we stand for and who do subscribe to our principles. If we do this, if we work at it, if we believe in what we say, if we are willing to put our own personal commitment and the commitment of the agencies and organizations we represent behind it, it can be sort of a declaration of independence. If we don't, it will be another failure, and failures hurt. Let's get together. Let's stand as one. Let's do everything we can to make our organization, ALL, all that it can be — a strong, vital force to defend the rights and promote the services to blind people. ***** ** Response By Floyd Qualls, President American Council of the Blind Today we are sharing in the birth of an idea. Just as my dad, when he first started out farming back in Oklahoma, had to break out and plow new ground, so this organization today is breaking, is plowing, new ground. In those days of breaking new ground, the farmers ran across in the prairies of western Oklahoma a goodly number of chinooks, a goodly number of persimmon sprouts -- a great many obstacles to getting that ground prepared for the crop that was to be planted and hopefully harvested. Today I think we are prepared to face the same type of obstacles that were faced by the pioneers of this country when they broke out the new ground. They knew there were going to be stumps; they knew there were going to be persimmon sprouts. They had to have an answer to getting those obstacles out of the way. By putting together an organization such as ALL, we will end up by finding that we have broken out the new ground, that we have planted the idea, and with each day, each month, each year ahead of us, we will be harvesting benefits from that effort. I would like to point to two specific references that Lou made rather consistently throughout his talk. Lou said we are for. I don't recall that he said we are against. You can build a following quickly, such as it may be, by being against things. As we have seen demonstrated in this country, you can build a lot of people into a mob-like group by being violently against something. It Is fine to be against those things that are not good, those things that are not right. But if you are against that which is and you are willing to tear it down and you do not have anything better with which to replace it, all that you have done is bad. ALL is an organization that is setting forth with the purpose of being for. It is being for better agencies; it is being for better associations and organizations; it is being for a better program for the blind and a better delivery of that program. The other key that Lou presented which caught my attention specifically was people -- blind people. This is the name of the game. This is why we are in this business. It is very, very true, as Lou said, that if blindness was no obstacle, was no handicap, no deterrent, then we would need no organizations of the blind, because there would be no problems that needed to be solved. We feel there are problems to be solved, and we feel that the time is long overdue when one agency is interested in solving the problems of the blind that specifically relate to its interest; where one association or organization of blind persons strives to find solutions to the problems that are of specific interest to its group. No one agency and no one organization spans a very wide segment of the great circle of blind people of this country. Therefore, the individual organizations, the individual agencies, have heretofore, to a great extent, either tried to pull the load alone or have tried to form themselves into organizations that have had a common interest of their own, but have not necessarily been tied together with the common interest of all blind persons. One of the major obstacles over the years has been, in my opinion, a lack of trust. I think that in many instances agencies have been very much concerned when organizations of the blind were being formed, because they did not look on them as a co-worker, but as a threat to their own ivory tower, to their own programs. They were looking on these organizations as being against. I think, in like manner when many of the organizations of the blind would look at an agency -- be it the American Association of Workers for the Blind, the National Council of State Agencies, or some of the other organizations -- these people were looked upon as being against the things that we were for, the things that we wanted. Consequently, when we met, we each shook hands with one hand and clasped the handle of the dagger with the other, because we did not have full and complete trust one in the other. Today is the first true statement from organizations of the blind and from agencies saying that we are willing to trust you, and you must be willing to trust us. One of the comments that I have heard around the American Council of the Blind convention for the past ten days is: We've got to be very careful about aligning ourselves with such an organization as ALL. On the one side, because of the fact that various organizations of the blind are eligible for membership in this organization, they will dominate it; they will take over and run it because there will be more of them than there are agencies. On the other hand, in talking to people aligned in work with agencies, they say we've got to be very careful, because if we get into this thing, we are going to be on the short end of the stick. What are we doing? We are expressing the same distrust of each other that has dominated work for the blind pretty much throughout the history of that program in this country. But today we are extending the agency hand; we are extending the organization hand. We are saying we are going to work together because the important thing is people. We are saying to each other that no- longer am I going to distrust you; no longer am I going to feel that you distrust me. We are both interested in finding solutions to the problems of blindness and in finding a way to make better and more productive lives for blind people. So let us put petty jealousies aside and let us step forth and say: If we disagree, we will disagree on an honest, fair, rational basis. Because we disagree does not mean that we have got to take up arms against each other. We are going to find in this coalition of organizations and agencies that many of the things that we have feared in agencies, and many of the things that agencies have feared in organizations, are things that we did not know about or we did not understand. Those of us who are not in agencies can so glibly say, "I don't understand why the agency doesn't do it." The agency has restrictions. It has funding problems. It has manpower problems. But most of us are not prone to go into that. We may know it, but we don't want to admit it. We are so much more comfortable in being against something than we are in striving for something. So I see today in this birth of an idea and this beginning of an organization of mutual trust, of mutual concern, of mutual effort, the beginning of a better life for all blind people, and ALL is so appropriate as a part of its title. Let us look forward with the thought in mind that we want to find an answer that serves people, an answer that gives blind people the kind of things they need and must have. Even though all of us may not always agree -- and I am sure that that will be the case, because we are made up of individuals -- when we can support each other on things where we do agree, we are speaking with many, many voices, rather than a fractioning or breaking up, or as small units, saying: I want this, and I want this, and I want this. We are going to say: We want this, because we, all of us, believe it is right, believe it is due us, and we are working together, hand in hand, to achieve it. I hope that in 25 years some of you will look back and realize that because of this meeting held here today, the blind people of America were those that won the ball game. I recommend to you that that will be true. ***** ** Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America Resolutions * Resolution No. 76-1 This coalition wants to bring together the collective interests, abilities, and resources of organizations in this field in a united advocacy of better social and economic conditions for visually impaired persons. We interpret social and economic conditions broadly as touching all phases of the life of the individual and will work to bring about general recognition that the blind people of this country, as a cross section of the general population should have equal opportunities for utilizing their talents and attaining decent living standards. This advocacy will extend to all levels and branches of the government, to employers, to providers of services and materials for visually impaired persons, to the general public, and to the blind population itself. We recognize that there is an increased cost factor for individuals living and working without normal sight. Moreover, visually impaired persons all too often are denied the opportunity for remunerative employment. Accordingly, we advocate: expansion and increased Federal funding of special education, rehabilitation, and social service programs; standards of eligibility in the social security program which will help to offset increased cost factors and which will remove present disincentives to work; preferential employment such as the Randolph-Sheppard and Javits-Wagner-O'Day programs; and the expansion of library, radio, and other reading services to more nearly equalize access to published material. We advocate that an individual's participation in or benefiting from programs and activities designed to assist him in adjusting to living (regardless of age) with less than normal sight be a legally recognized right, without arbitrary restrictions and disincentives based on economic need or other limiting standards. Inasmuch as full participation in the economic and social life of the community is all too often made more difficult by discriminatory exclusions, we further advocate that visually impaired persons be included as a protected class in Federal and State civil rights laws. The social and economic improvements to be advocated by this coalition will affect the entire blind population, but the application of these improvements to particular individuals will vary with their interests, abilities, needs, and desires. (Adopted by voice vote 7/11/76) * Resolution No. 76-2 It has been said that the highest purpose of a democracy is to promote and safeguard the well-being of its people, and that this is best realized by assuring each individual a fair opportunity to fulfill his potentialities and aspirations to live in decency and dignity. The greatest sign of a civilized nation is seen in its treatment of disadvantaged members. The obligation to ensure the rights of blind persons which has always been incumbent upon government should be accepted by business and industry. It is the right of every blind and visually impaired person to seek the development of his own knowledge and skill and self-reliance. The expectations of rights involve the expectations of responsibility on the part of both blind persons and society: the responsibility to choose and the use freedom and rights for one's own advantage, and the responsibility on the part of society to provide that freedom and reasonable advantage. The rights and obligations of blind persons can best be identified through the resolutions of organizations of the blind. Such resolutions are incumbent upon ALL as calls to action. The provision of human rights to blind person cannot restore sight or completely restore physical freedom, but no blind person should be denied human rights or physical freedom because he cannot see. The exercise of rights is a function of citizenship, not of sight. In the area of employment, we stand for: 1. Equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. 2. Restructuring of positions so that they may be effectively and productively performed by blind and other handicapped employees. 3. Equal pay for all employees with the same qualifications and responsibilities. 4. Promotional opportunities for all employees, based on demonstrated merit and capability. 5. The removal of architectural or other barriers which could impede the access or performance by handicapped employees. In the area of service delivery, we stand for: 1. The provision of appropriate services to each eligible individual, without discrimination. 2. The right of each individual to be informed as to the full range of services which an agency offers. 3. The right of each individual to participate in the decision as to the services to be provided to meet his own needs. In the area of housing, we stand for the right of each individual to choose his living accommodations in accordance with his own desires, needs and economic circumstances; free from artificial and invalid limitations based on a visual handicap or other irrelevant considerations. In the area of full community participation, we stand for the right of each individual to participate in social, educational, cultural, recreational, religious and political activities and programs, without discrimination based on visual handicap or other invalid considerations. (Adopted by voice vote 7 /11/76) * Resolution No. 76-3 ALL supports the establishment, maintenance and protection of specialized agencies for the blind as the preferred means of serving the blind and visually impaired people. It is recognized that the specialized agency, in addition to providing services directly, shares responsibility for planning, coordinating, advocating and evaluating services for the blind throughout the community. The needs of the blind person are the central focus of the specialized agency. The unique body of knowledge and standards that have been developed, and that are not found elsewhere, are brought to bear to assist the blind person to achieve his true potential. The acquisition and application of this body of knowledge constitutes a specialty in its own right that can flourish only in the atmosphere provided by a specialized agency. Two essential characteristics in quality services to blind people are specially qualified personnel and earmarked financial resources. It is rare that these characteristics occur outside of a specialized agency for the blind. From time to time, a trend has appeared that takes the form of amalgamating programs for various populations under the auspices of a single human services agency. This "umbrella" approach, it is said, provides for equitable treatment for all populations and fosters comprehensiveness of service with the greatest efficiency at the least cost. It is ALL's belief that the "umbrella" approach has failed to demonstrate the ability to provide quality services for blind people. These agencies tend to believe that blind people are "too severely disabled" and cost "too much" to rehabilitate. ALL believes this approach directly threatens the quality of service to blind and visually impaired persons. Specialized services, on the other hand, have accrued from a tradition of more than a century of experience and have been thoroughly tested in practice. (Adopted by voice vote 7 /11/76) * Resolution No. 76-4 Individuals and organizations concerned with the well-being of blind and visually impaired persons have sought ways to improve the services that were offered to them ever since the first school for blind children in the United States was opened in 1832. Starting in 1940, with a national certification program for specialized teachers, leaders in the field began a more systematic approach to the problem. By 1961 there was a growing demand for comprehensive objective standards that could serve both as guides to enable agencies to identify what they ought to be doing and as yardsticks to help them measure how well they were doing. There was also growing recognition of the fact that the public -- as well as practitioners and consumers -- had an interest in knowing how effectively agencies for the blind were managing and using the tax and contributed funds entrusted to them. To the demand for standards was added a demand for a system of accreditation by which agencies and schools that met standards for quality services and public accountability could be identified. These concerns of the field and public interests came together in the establishment in 1967 of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. ALL accepts the concept of Standards and Accreditation and will participate in the function of technical committees, the review process and all efforts of accrediting instruments and bodies that affect the delivery, standards and quality of services to blind and visually impaired persons. ALL will concern itself with the inclusion of standards of accrediting bodies to insure a positive effect upon the delivery of quality services to blind and visually impaired persons. * Resolution No. 76-5 The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America is committed to the delivery of quality services to the blind and visually impaired persons. Quality services must be based on the trust of blind persons and of the public, and are characterized by integrity, sensitivity, belief in the dignity, worth and rights of human beings, respect for individual differences, a commitment to relevant services, and a dedication to knowledge. Quality services should enable the blind person, in some measurable way, to be more self-reliant and integrate himself into the life of the community. Quality service should mandate the involvement of the blind person in the development of plans and services relating to him and allow him to accept or reject, based on his understanding of his own best interests and desires. The quality of services delivered to blind persons is strongly based on the philosophy of the organization providing the service. It is expected that organizations will provide services through which a blind person can become self-reliant, responsible, and a participating member of his family and community. In addition to a strong, unifying organization philosophy, which reflects itself in the accuracy of the services provided, is the recruiting, placement and training of personnel of quality. Personnel can only teach, plan or provide to blind persons those things over which they have control as resources. There is a premium on knowledge and skill and resources from which the blind person can draw for his own growth and independence. Quality personnel are most effective in providing to blind persons those things which will create independence from the providing agency. The Affiliated Leadership League supports wholeheartedly the training and recruiting of professionally qualified personnel with specialized training in significant aspects relating to blind persons. Each organization has the responsibility to ensure that such personnel are used effectively. It is noted that frequently efforts to utilize less qualified personnel has placed restrictions on the knowledgeability, skill and resources available to blind persons, to their detriment. Organizations providing quality services do not operate in isolation, but should act within the community system and should recognize the need of blind persons for information and access to relevant, myriad resources of the community. The Affiliated Leadership League, composed as it is of organizations of and for blind persons, has the greatest potential and challenge to advocate and implement the delivery of quality services. (Adopted by voice vote 7 /11/76) * Resolution No. 76-6 ALL believes that persons who are blind or visually impaired have and are entitled to the enjoyment of the same rights and privileges as individuals and as citizens as those of their fellow citizens, and that by the same token, the same duties and obligations to other members of society. ALL believes that the American system of democracy, a government of the people, by the people and for the people, demands much more of the individual citizen than the mere act of exercising the right to vote; and that our system of democracy, if it is long to survive, must encourage and ensure the involvement and participation of its citizens at all levels and in all aspects of government. ALL believes that if our system of government is to be and to remain dynamic and truly responsive to the needs of all citizens, meaningful mechanisms and procedures must be adopted and adhered to whereby groups of citizens who have special needs and special problems which require special services, different from those of the majority, are provided with the opportunity to participate in identification and determination of those special needs and problems, in the planning of programs of special services to meet those needs, and in evaluating the outcome of the delivery of such services. ALL believes that this concept is not only a right of citizenship but that it is also equally a duty and obligation of citizenship under our system of government. (Adopted by voice vote 7/11/76) * Resolution No. 76-7 The principles and goals of ALL are those believed necessary to achieve justice and equality for the blind and visually impaired. As we look over the past half century of progress made by and for blind persons, we see that that time and again it has occurred where there has been public support or unified effort between blind persons and the service organizations. In this era of change, it is essential that there be this coalition -- ALL. ALL will express and needs the best thinking of blind persons and of the organizations offering services. Organizations of blind persons must share the responsibility of establishing a platform from which the most effective service programs can be promoted and supported. Common objectives should be developed by active and enthusiastic participation of blind persons and organizations offering services. Consensus can be developed by the sincere and thoughtful participation of all those who have an honest interest in justice and equality for the blind and visually impaired. Through ALL, because it will represent the best of all of us, our statements and single voice can ring loud and clear in the halls of the legislatures, before the general public and in public and private organizations. (Adopted by voice vote, 7 /11/76) * Resolution No. 76-8 Through a unified, cooperative, consensual process, ALL will implement its principles and goals affirmatively and aggressively: to inform the government and the public on issues affecting visually impaired persons; to advise the blind population, the general public, and governmental entities on activities and practices carried on to promote public understanding of blindness and the abilities of blind persons and service programs, and these practices which are detrimental to visually impaired persons, the general public and government entities (including illegal or unethical fund raising schemes and false claims about services provided for blind persons); to participate in setting standards for and in evaluating performance of the service delivery systems; and to promote the strengthening and extension of existing rights and services for visually impaired persons. (Adopted by voice vote 7/11/76) ***** *** AFFILIATED LEADERSHIP LEAGUE of and for the Blind of America ** Executive Board Durward K. McDaniel, Chairperson (Washington, D.C.) -- Representative, American Council of the Blind Jansen Noyes, Jr., Vice Chairperson (New York, New York) -- Chairman, Board of Trustees, American Foundation for the Blind Elizabeth M. Lennon, Secretary (Kalamazoo, Michigan) -- Secretary, Michigan Association of the Blind Joseph J. Larkin, Treasurer (Brooklyn, New York) -- Executive Director, Industrial Home for the Blind Cleo B. Dolan (Cleveland, Ohio) -- Executive Director, Cleveland Society for the Blind Eugene Lozano, Jr. (San Diego, California) -- Associated Blind of California Robert McLean (New Orleans, Louisiana) -- President, Louisiana Council of the Blind Ray Miller (Talladega, Alabama) -- President, General Council of Workshops for the Blind Karen Perzentka (Madison, Wisconsin) -- Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America Louis H. Rives, Jr. (Little Rock, Arkansas) -- Administrator, Arkansas Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired T.A. Workman (Dallas, Texas) -- President, Dallas County Lighthouse for the Blind ** Participating Member Organizations (In order of applications received and approved by the Executive Board) American Foundation for the Blind, Inc. Las Luminarias of the New Mexico Council of the Blind National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped Great Plains Chapter, American Association of Workers for the Blind, Inc., Sioux Falls, South Dakota Cleveland Society for the Blind Associated Blind of California, Inc. Michigan Association of the Blind, Inc. National Industries for the Blind Royal Maid, Inc. Dallas County Association for the blind Friends of Eye Research, Rehabilitation and Treatment Industries for the Blind of New York State Oklahoma Federation of the Blind Cincinnati Association for the Blind Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers of America Oklahoma League for the Blind Industrial Home for the Blind Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, State of Arkansas Iowa Council of the Blind Minneapolis Society for the Blind, Inc. Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America American Council of the Blind, Inc. National Association of Blind Teachers American Council of the Blind of New York State Louisiana Council of the Blind Visually Impaired Data Processors International Guide Dog Users, Inc. #####