The Braille Forum Vol. XVII August, 1978 No. 2 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * President: Floyd Qualls 501 N. Douglas Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73160 * National Representative: Durward K. McDaniel 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 506 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-1251 * Editor: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 244-8364 The Braille Forum seeks to promote the independence and dignity of all blind people; to stress responsibility of citizenship; to alert the public to the abilities and accomplishments of the blind. The Braille Forum carries official news of the American Council of the Blind and its programs. It is available for expression of views and concerns common to all blind persons. ***** ** Contents Notice to Subscribers "Live So That You Can Stick Out Your Tongue At The Insurance Doctor," by Floyd Qualls A Tribute to Floyd Qualls, by Jesse Lyons Cane Mutiny, Part II, by Kathy Megivern Is Transbus Detoured and 504 Obscured?, by Reese Robrahn Blind Lawyer, Recognized Authority on Art and the Law Affiliated Leadership League Third Delegate Assembly, by William T. Snyder Statement in Support of Inclusion of Low-Vision Services Under Medicare A "Catastrophic" Approach to Health Insurance, by Kathy Megivern Fifth Ski for Light Program to Be Held in Squaw Valley ACB Affiliate News Old School for Blind Revisited ALL Supports Iowa Council of the Blind The Bakke Case Is Affirmed, But So Is "Affirmative Action," by Reese Robrahn Book Selection Committee Meets, by Crawford Pike Howe Press and NBP Join Forces Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon ACB Officers Associate Editors ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large-type, and two recorded editions-flexible disc (8 1/3 rpm), which may be kept by the reader, and cassette tape, which must be returned so that tapes can be re-used. Send subscription requests and address changes to The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Items intended for publication may be sent in print, braille, or tape to the Editor, Mary T. Ballard, at the above address, or to one of the Associate Editors. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to the ACB National Office, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. -- Suite 506, Washington, D.C. 20036. The National Office now has printed cards available to acknowledge to loved ones contributions sent in memory of deceased persons. You may wish to remember someone by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. Anyone wishing to remember ACB 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, your attorney may communicate with the ACB National Office. ***** ** "Live So That You Can Stick out Your Tongue at the Insurance Doctor" By Floyd Qualls Today, after six years as President of the American Council of the Blind, should I look back? Much has happened to me in those years that could not have been otherwise. The Council has made great progress, but the credit for this must be shared with strong Board members, an outstanding National Office, and affiliate support across the country. I am deeply grateful that what is behind us is history. What is ahead is the goals which we must strive for and attain. As this is written, the Fourth of July is very prominent in my thoughts. It gives me pause to reflect on the organization and consolidation of our country. ACB parallels America in many ways. We were organized because of principles in which we believed. We were a few scattered entities in the beginning, bound together for a common cause. Existing organizations came to us and others were formed. Today the American Council of the Blind is known throughout the world, and its stature is recognized in the halls of government on state and national levels. The national recognition of ACB came about through the Washington Office, the National Representative, and his staff. As individuals and affiliated organizations, have we done our part in supporting our National Office? The National Office is an expensive part of our organization. Yet it must be maintained, because without it, ACB has little or no audible voice on the Congressional level. Research must be carried on, testimonies must be prepared and presented, and hundreds of other matters must constantly be attended to. The amount of work performed by so few in the Washington Office is amazing. It is not 8:00 to 5:00. More often it is from beginning until the task is done. I would like to suggest that as individuals, we consider personal support to the national organization. The cost of an evening out, the cost of just one party, from each of us would give great financial support to the national organization. Affiliates have local projects and interests. These are important, but many affiliates could share to a greater degree. A few years ago, ACB adopted a resolution which called on each affiliate to promote at least one fund-raising project annually for the nation organization. The financial goal was set at a minimum of $500. It was a good resolution, but one that has borne very little fruit. The future of ACB is up to us. We can get fully behind it, and with individual and affiliate support added to national fund-raising projects, many of the objectives desired by us all can be achieved. Where would we be without our national organization? If I may be permitted to reflect a moment, when I attended my first state convention of blind persons, it was a very small group. It met once in two years and had no ties, no contacts, and little knowledge of what, if anything, was happening on the national level. The "organized blind" — ACB is a very vital part of that movement -- has come a long way in almost fifty years. History reveals that few pieces of legislation affecting the blind were originated prior to that time. Most of it has been developed after organizations of the blind started working together. In today's vocabulary, "rehabilitation," "civil rights," "accessibility," "affirmative action," and such are quite common terms. These are games. They are not inviolable. Every day we see signs of withdrawal and reservations in many areas. Can you and I alone prevent the taking away of what has been legislated to our advantage? A strong national organization is essential. This can exist only through strong affiliates and strong personal commitment. Let us not smirk with satisfaction over what we have accomplished. Let us, rather, grasp the clay of the future and mold it to meet our needs. Recently I came across a statement which caught my attention. It said there are three kinds of people -- those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those that wonder what happened. Shall we make things happen or wonder what happened? If your determination is the same as mine, I know the answer. (Editor's Note: After reading the foregoing article, I commented to Floyd as to the relevance of the title, words of his favorite philosopher, Archie. Floyd's response: "At least it will get their attention!" That's justification enough.) ***** ** A Tribute to Floyd Qualls By Jesse Lyons Having known Floyd Qualls for 56 of my 64 years, it is still very difficult to find words to adequately portray the character of this gentleman and friend. However, permit me to try. Let me call upon your imagination and ask you to envision an incident which might have taken place back in February, 1909, when Floyd T. Qualls made his initial appearance out on the wind-swept plains of western Oklahoma. After the doctor had soundly spanked the backsides of little Floyd and handed him over into the arms of Mom Qualls, there was quite an uproar. After a siege of kicking, flailing of arms, bawling and screaming, little Floyd finally quieted down. But his mouth was still open as though he wanted to say something. As Mom Qualls looked down into that chubby little face, she noticed this, and it prompted her to say: "Young man, what is it you are trying to tell me? Oh, yes, I think I know now. You are trying to say, 'Mom, I'm ready for a change!'" That bit of humorous philosophy might very well be what really carried over into the future activities of Floyd Qualls. In school, he was always trying to change things for the better for himself and encouraging the rest of us to do likewise. After graduation, he went on to college, where this idea of a "change" was still evident. He was always a champion of equal opportunities for blind people to compete with the sighted world. Floyd was able to build up a successful business in two areas, piano servicing and insurance. But he was partial to piano servicing. This led him into organizational activities of the Piano Technicians Guild, where again he was the advocate of equal opportunities for qualified blind technicians, based on the principle of actual performance. His sighted associates soon realized they had a valuable asset in Floyd Qualls. After a time, he was elected a regional vice president, an office he held for several years. During his tenure, several chapters were formed and brought into the main organization. There is no doubt in many minds that he would have been president of that organization had it not been for the fact that the Oklahoma League for the Blind was insisting upon his services. This presented still another challenge to bring about a "change" -- an opportunity to better the lot of blind people. The work he accomplished for the Oklahoma League for the Blind stands as a living testimony. The same can be said of his untiring efforts and accomplishments in behalf of the American Council of the Blind, which honored him by electing him as its president in 1972. The fight has gone on for a "change." Many changes have taken place, and the foundation has been laid for many more. The "Statute of Limitations" declares that Floyd's term of service as ACB president must end. However, the effects of his service and dedication will continue to be in evidence for many years to come. May it be said of Floyd Qualls, champion of equal opportunities for blind people, "He fought a good fight, and he kept the faith that blind people who are qualified can and should have the opportunity to compete in the sighted world." ***** ** Cane Mutiny, Part II By Kathy Megivern "Have you heard the latest?" The excited voice on the other end of the phone was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I had heard it before. "It's me, Clamorhorn. You know, nationally respected spokesperson for the blind!" I began to remember a phone call last month. "Yes, it was something about a temporary landmark, wasn't it?" "Well, yes," he replied quietly. "We did talk about a certain temporary restraining order." "Didn't I read that your landmark had been rescinded? Didn't the court say that the airlines were allowed to seize your canes?" "Well, yes," he admitted reluctantly. "But we've gone far beyond that now. We have shown the entire country that blind people will no longer tolerate being treated as second-class citizens." I had to admit that I didn't have the least idea of what he was speaking about. "You mean you didn't see us on the news?" He was aghast. "We made all three networks. Why, we even made the 'Today' show! Now do you believe that this is an issue of major importance?" "The 'Today' show, eh?" My voice took on a more respectful tone. "Well, what did the FAA do as a result of your demonstration? Did they agree to meet with you and discuss reasonable alternatives?" "Well," he answered quietly, "they already did that. They called a meeting last week, but it was obvious that they were unwilling to accept our compromise, so we took our case to the American people." "Ah, yes! Another case of the bureaucracy, unwilling or unable to respond to the needs of the people. Couldn't they even consider the possibility of providing your people with folding canes?" "Well, as a matter of fact, they offered that as a solution. But that is unacceptable to us. As far as blind people are concerned, a folding cane is worse than no cane at all!" Hmmm! I could swear I had seen blind people using folding canes. But who was I to doubt the word of this nationally respected spokesperson for the blind? "Well," I continued, "couldn't you convince the FAA to conduct some tests with simulated emergency landings?" "Oh, they already did that," he replied disgustedly. "But those results are meaningless." "Oh, yes, I remember. Weren't those tests done in Oklahoma City? The blind people involved got off the planes in only one second longer than the time used by the sighted people. But they didn't even use canes in those tests, did they?" Once again I was confused. "No, they didn't use canes," he replied with growing impatience. "But I told you, those tests don't count." "Why?" I asked innocently. "Didn't they use real blind people to portray the blind passengers?" "Of course they did!" Clamorhorn was shouting by now. "But those blind people in Oklahoma City were not representative of the nation's blind people. They all belong to another organization." "I don't understand. Are the blind people in this other organization faster on their feet than your people?" (Who knows. Maybe the FAA had used members of a coalition of blind marathon runners.) "Look," he replied, angry but restrained, "those people simply were not representative of the nation's blind. They were losers!" Hmmm --! Losers who got off the plane without canes in less than ten seconds. I sensed that it was time to move the conversation on. "Well, Clamorhorn, was your demonstration a success?" "Oh, yes," he answered, his voice swelling with pride. "All those blind people getting all that publicity!" "But what about the FAA?" I asked. "Did they suspend their rule? "Hello ... Hello ..." I guess they didn't suspend their rule. ***** ** Is Transbus Detoured and 504 Obscured? By Reese Robrahn Action taken by the Congress on proposed amendments to the Department of Transportation authorization bills during the summer months will have a major impact on the rights of disabled citizens of this country. The two issues up front are the fate of transbus and access to light rail transportation by handicapped people -- buses and subways. The "bottom line," and the basic issue, however, is whether Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will be weakened and amended away through special exemptions and exemptions secured by powerful lobbying forces such as the General Motors Corporation. (See "Backdoor Attack on 504," The Braille Forum, June 1978.) You may ask what is transbus. It is a bus designed that resulted from studies and research conducted by the Government from 1968 to 1974, which included the building of prototypes and street testing. It is a low-floor bus that would require only one short step, approximately eight inches, from curb to bus floor level. It is equipped with a retractable ramp at the front door which extends to the curb at the push of a lever for boarding by wheelchair passengers. According to the Government studies, the transbus design would reduce boarding and deboarding time for non-disabled persons by 50%, and for elderly persons by 75%; and, of course, the retractable ramp feature makes the bus accessible for persons confined to the use of wheelchairs. Obviously, then, it is the best bus design for everyone. Transbus is not an issue for handicapped people alone. It is an important issue for all who must rely upon the use of public transportation. The Nixon and Ford Administrations kept the studies and research reports on transbus a well-hidden secret, no doubt the result of General Motors influence. General Motors monopolizes the bus market, and it was tooled up for high-floor bus design. Under order of the court in an action brought by twelve organizations of handicapped persons and advocacy groups, the Carter Administration released the research reports, and in March of this year the Department of Transportation issued its order requiring all bids for public transit buses, after September, 1979, to be advertised for the transbus design. In the meantime, General Motors had rebuilt a bus plant, completely automated, costing approximately $50 million, to produce its high-floor design buses -- ironically, with a lift feature for handicapped persons at the rear of the bus. To retain its control of the bus market under the transbus order would require a complete reconstruction of its plant, at great expense and loss of time. General Motors has set out to bring about a turn-around on the transbus order. The G.M. lobbying effort is very extensive and includes the usual wining and dining of members of the Congress, taking members of Congress to visit the new bus plant, with demonstrations of the new, high-floor design buses, and regular contributions to the campaign funds of certain members of the Congress at the maximum sums permissible under the law. This effort in May produced a House committee amendment to the bill for authorizations of the Department of Transportation which calls for a reconsideration of the transbus order by the Department of Transportation, another study, development of prototypes, with street testing, and a report to the Congress, all of which would delay production of buses with the transbus design by 18 to 24 months. This committee action was taken notwithstanding the fact that the Department of Transportation issued its statement to the committee that further study was unnecessary and that $27 million had already been spent in study and research. Similar amendments, including provisions for exemptions of light-rail transportation systems, are planned to be introduced in the Senate committee. Further committee action in the Senate and House floor action took place after the Fourth of July recess by the Congress, during the third and fourth weeks of July. In the face of this serious threat to Section 504 mandate and the powerful lobby forces of General Motors, many organizations of disabled persons and senior citizen organizations banded themselves together in an effort to bring about defeat of all such amendments, to prevent delay of transbus and the weakening of Section 504, and like qualification of the civil rights of handicapped citizens. Members of the Congress were contacted to educate them on the truth concerning the transbus issue. The White House was called upon to take a hand in the matter. Articles and editorials appeared in major newspapers and magazines. On July 12, rallies were held in six cities across the country -- Oakland/San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City -- to bring to the attention of the general public, the news media, and the Congress the transbus issue. As you read this article, you may know the answer to the query posed in the title of the article. Regardless of the outcome in this instance, there will continue to be attacks, and perhaps temporary setbacks, in the movement to secure and bring about enforcement of full civil rights for handicapped citizens, all of which makes it incumbent upon us to remain organized in strength, to continue to align ourselves together in coalition for concerted action with one voice that is loud and clear, and to be ever vigilant. ***** ** Blind Lawyer, Recognized Authority on Art and the Law At the age of 22, Leonard Du Boff, a mechanical engineer and amateur painter, suddenly lost his sight in a chemistry lab accident. This caused him not only to change careers from engineering to law, but he also redirected his avocational interest in painting to one of collecting and tied it to his emerging legal career. Mr. Du Boff, a member of the American Blind Lawyers Association, has earned international recognition as an authority on art and the law. A native New Yorker and formerly an attorney on Wall Street, he is currently a professor at Northwestern School of Law in Portland, Oregon. Much of his success, he credits to his wife Mary Ann, formerly a registered nurse whom he met during hospitalization for plastic surgery. Mary Ann subsequently gave up nursing to aid her husband as a research assistant, and the results of their alliance, according to a recent article in The Oregonian, have been considerable: authorship of three books, founding of Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and development of the largely uncharted area of law dealing with art and art acquisition. In that same article, excerpted below, the Du Boffs comment upon their work and upon their interest in art and the law. ... The common concern of the Portland couple is for the legal protection of artists and art work, both subjects of neglect in the past, according to the Du Boffs. "Artists are usually located in their own studios, doing their own thing. As a result, they don't have the political clout to be well represented in the courts," said Du Boff. The desire to aid artists led to the Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, founded in 1973, an organization which has been a model for similar bodies established in about a dozen other states. With over a hundred participating lawyers, it has assisted both performing and visual artists with cases involving copyright, contracts and incorporation, at no charge to the clients. But the needs of individual artists are just one aspect of a subject which heads in as many directions as an octopus, and the Du Boffs are familiar with all of them. Du Boff's latest book, the newly published "Deskbook of Art Law," offers an overview for law students and those in the art field. Among the hottest issues right now, said Du Boff, is the protection of national treasurers. A number of countries have enacted legislation to prevent the removal of their cultural heritage. Currently the United States Congress is considering whether to sign a UNESCO treaty in which signatories would assist each other to prevent looting and protect cultural property. Twenty-seven nations have already signed the treaty, and Du Boff supports it. From Du Boff's point of view, "Cultural exchange is important, and certainly in this country, we'd be rather parochial without it. So essentially, I'm in favor of a balance." Another art issue that is surfacing in courts of law concerns the right of an artist to his work or profits from his work after the piece has left his hands. California recently enacted a royalty statute which gives an artist a percentage of a work he has sold, if a work he has sold is subsequently resold for profit. "But surveys have shown," said Du Boff, "that artists are really much more interested in their artistic integrity than in the money." He thinks legislation is also needed to give artists a say in how their work is treated and displayed once it has been sold. For the Du Boffs, few places offer exposure to the arts equal to New York. But "Oregon has an excellent climate for artists," declared Du Boff. Du Boff's involvement with the arts requires travel to other parts of the country, as a consultant to the National Endowment of the Arts and as a lecturer. On these excursions, the art expert said, his blindness doesn't deter him from visiting museums and galleries to tour current exhibits. "Because of my field, I'm given access to things which other people wouldn't be allowed to touch," he said. "For many years there has been a debate about who is more fortunate, the person blind from birth or those who are blinded later. To me, I have a great advantage having been able to see the world." … ***** ** Affiliate Leadership League Third Delegate Assembly By William T. Snyder "ALL is an organization that is needed, with a philosophy that is sound. It must make its presence felt and known. It must take positions, be able to act on them, and take the kinds of action that will make an impact. Let the White House, Congress and administrators know what you believe in and how sincerely you believe." With these words, Eunice Fiorito, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Director of Office of Advocacy and Constituencies, Department of HEW, challenged delegates to the Third National Delegate Assembly of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America (ALL). The ALL annual meeting took place at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, June 29, 30, and July 1, 1978. Ms. Fiorito further commented: "The bureaucracy will only move as much as you make it move. That responsibility is ALL's. That challenge is yours. We will not succeed unless we realize and accept the fact that we must put our finger on the target. We must focus our vision on a goal, and that goal must not be fighting ourselves, but it must be addressing the forces which are the value system of our society and our administration with the deepest commitment you have ever felt. That commitment you must act on today. "ALL is a very new organization, with much potential. It must act for every single blind person and visually impaired person in this country. You do not have an alternative. You do not have a choice. If we make it, it will be because of you. If we linger behind, it will also be because of you. "ALL, take your potential. Take all of this leadership. Let the country know that people who are blind have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We, the people of this nation, expect no less of you." With this charge, the delegates from membership organizations of the blin and provider organizations to the blind started the deliberations which inaugurate the third year of activity of the coalition. Particular attention was given to the question of ethics in fund-raising. Cleo B. Dolan, Director, Cleveland Society for the Blind, chaired a panel which included remarks by M. C. Van de Workeen, Director of the Nation Information Bureau, and Richard W. Bleecker, Executive Director of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Speakers stressed the need for complete accountability and honesty in statements made to raise funds. Mr. Van de Workeen pointed out that the ethical will not guarantee successful fund-raising efforts, but will assure credibility. He shared information and experiences of successful fundraising programs and explained how approval can be received from the National Information Bureau. Descriptive information leaflets and newsletters from the National Information Bureau are being distributed to Affiliated Leadership League member organizations and agencies. As a result of the recommendations of the Committee on Fund-Raising Ethics and the panel discussion, ALL passed a resolution: "The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America endorses the standards and practices of the National Information Bureau, Council of Better Busine Bureaus, NAC, and the state bureaus for charitable regulations. Furthermore, ALL urges every charitable organization of or for the blind voluntarily to endorse and comply with standards of the appropriate fund-raising review organization or organizations." A seminar type session of the Delegate Assembly dealt with services to preschool and youthful blind persons and unique services to the aging. This panel was chaired by Mervin J. Flander, President, National Council of State Agencies, and presiding Supervisor of Services to the Blind, Nevada. William S. Thompson, Director, Lighthouse for the Blind, West Palm Beach, Florida, described special programs offered to children and youth by his agency and the comprehensive agency-based and satellite programs for the aging sponsored by the Lighthouse. Dorothy Denby, National Specialist on Aging, American Foundation for the Blind, spoke on the entire scope of programs to meet the needs of the aging blind. After thorough discussion, the delegates went on record with a series of resolutions pertaining to employment conditions of the blind. (a) The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America opposes H.R. 8104, in that it would jeopardize the availability of work opportunities for many blind and multi-handicapped blind persons in work activity centers or sheltered workshop settings. (b) The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America supports the concept that the National Labor Relations Board must recognize the unique nature of providing work opportunities for those with limited capabilities as part of the total rehabilitative process, and exempt those individuals employed under U.S. Department of Labor certificates from N.L.R.B. jurisdiction. (c) Delegates to the Third National Delegate Assembly of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America urge the members of the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to remove the disincentives terminating the blind employee's Supplemental Security Income and medical benefits where he or she earns more than eligibility minimums, by allowing such an employee to earn any amount of money commensurate with his or her productivity. Other resolutions supported S. 3038 and H.R. 13248, providing cost of provision of low-vision services and aids under the Medicare program, and adoption of recommendations made by the California Alliance of Blind Students regarding tactile symbols on elevators. Delegates elected the following officers and Executive Committee members: Chairperson -- Dr. Robert T. McLean, Louisiana Council of the Blind; Vice Chairperson -- Jansen Noyes, Jr., American Foundation for the Blind; Secretary -- Elizabeth M. Lennon, Michigan Association of the Blind; Treasurer -- Joseph J. Larkin, Industrial Home for the Blind; Mary Kay Bauman, American Association of Workers for the Blind; Cleo B. Dolan, Cleveland Society for the Blind; Durward K. McDaniel, American Council of the Blind; Patricia L. Price, Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association; Louis H. Rives, Jr., Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, State of Arkansas; Dr. George E. Stocking, Blinded Veterans Association; William S. Thompson, Lyons Lighthouse for the Blind, West Palm Beach, Florida. ALL's executive offices are now located at 879 Park Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; telephone (301) 752-4230. ***** ** Statement in Support of Inclusion of Low-Vision Services Under Medicare (Editorial Note: The following remarks are excerpted from a statement submitted to the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Ways and Means, United States House of Representatives, by Barbara D. McGarry of the Governmental Relations Office, American Foundation for the Blind. It was a joint statement on behalf of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind, and the Blinded Veterans Association. The statement was presented in support of a proposal pending in Congress which would add low-vision services to those services covered by Medicare.) Interested persons are urged to contact their Congressional representatives in support of H.R. 13248 by Congresswoman Martha Keys and S. 3038 by Senator Harrison Williams. ... Research has established that approximately 80% of those persons termed "legally blind" have a residual amount of useful vision which can be maximized through the use of a prescribed low-vision aid, after adequate training. ... According to the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, the over-all rate of legal blindness is 2.25 per 1,000 of population, regardless of age. While we know that visual impairment is usually an unwelcome accompaniment to the aging process, there are no available statistics as to what percentage of the Medicare-eligible population comes within the definition of legal blindness. However, the Social Security Administration confirms that there are currently 117,000 legally blind disability insurance beneficiaries under age 65 who, after two years on the disability insurance rolls, are entitled to Medicare benefits. In concentrating on the most effective assistance to the legally blind, specialists have developed a wide variety of optical lens systems, by means of which legally blind persons can apply their residual vision toward limited amounts of reading and other activities not previously considered possible. A low-vision aid is defined as "any lens or device used to aid or improve visual function in a person whose vision cannot be normalized by conventional spectacle correction." As a result of low-vision aids, some legally blind adults who had been educated in schools for the blind as braille readers are now able to read by sight, instead of by touch. The low-vision aid therapist is a relatively new member of the allied health team. Once a low-vision aid has been prescribed, the therapist trains the patient in its use. Because such aids may include contact lenses, telescopic lenses, microscopic lenses, clip-on lenses, jeweler's loupes, hand-held magnifiers, stand magnifiers, or hand-held telescopes, the patient must learn to cope with an entirely new approach to maximizing his remaining vision. Unlike conventional lenses, the patient does not use the low-vision aid in a comfortable manner immediately. The therapist must work with the patient in coping with the frustration of learning to read all over again, in a unique visual environment of magnification. This training should continue until the patient demonstrates proficiency. ... As borne out in a 1973 study conducted at the University of Alabama, a clinic-based team approach to providing low-vision services has been shown to be uniquely effective. Through this team approach, services are provided, on what has proved to be the most cost-effective basis, through community clinics or centers operated by hospitals, universities, schools of optometry, or private, non-profit community agencies for the blind. As one example, the Chicago area offers such a combination of facilities through the Chicago Medical Center, the Illinois College of Optometry, the Illinois Visually Handicapped Institute, and the nation's third largest concentration of municipal hospitals, exceeded only by New York City and Los Angeles. Throughout the United States, there are at present 43 cities which have facilities offering comprehensive low-vision services, with a total of 114 low-vision clinics. However, of this total, only fifteen metropolitan areas operate such facilities on a regular and continuous basis. Within the low-vision clinic, services to the patient should include a detailed ophthalmological examination; an optometric low-vision examination for determining the appropriate optical aid; and, as mentioned, the services of a low-vision aid therapist to train the patient in effective use of the prescribed aid. Through a recently completed national survey conducted by AFB on low vision, the average cost of those combined professional services and the optical aid has been shown to be approximately $200. In terms of restoring self-sufficiency and independence to the legally blind — who comprise slightly over 1/500 of our population — the four organizations joining in this statement are convinced that such services represent a sound investment, not only in humanitarian terms, but also in effectively preventing dependence and possible institutionalization of that segment of our nation's elderly. ***** ** A "Catastrophic" Approach To Health Insurance By Kathy Megivern As we go to press, the Administration has still not made public its proposal for national health insurance. During the campaign, President Carter promised to present a comprehensive, universal plan similar to the Kennedy-Corman proposal, which has been endorsed by the American Council of the Blind. However, according to an article in The New York Times of June 21, 1978, economic advisers to the President are urging that he propose a far less comprehensive plan. Using the old argument that a broader program would be inflationary, Charles L. Schultze, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, has recommended a plan which would provide coverage only for "catastrophic" illness. Presumably, the plan envisioned by Schultze would be similar to the legislation sponsored by Senators Long and Ribicoff. Such plans take effect only after 60 days of hospitalization or when out-of-pocket expenses reach $2,000. Supporters of such catastrophic programs argue that a comprehensive plan would be too expensive and inflationary. Yet the very nature of the catastrophic proposals creates an incentive for longer hospitalizations, unnecessary costs, and spiraling inflation. The rationale of such plans invites providers of services to raise prices, particularly for the seriously ill and dying, with the excuse that the person would thereby become eligible for the catastrophic coverage. The Kennedy-Corman proposal for comprehensive health insurance contains strong provisions for cost and quality controls. Such controls would have little impact under a catastrophic plan because they could not be applied until after the 60-day hospitalization period or $2,000 minimum had been met. Perhaps the greatest danger of the catastrophic proposals is that they provide a fragmented, piecemeal approach to a problem which requires a strong, comprehensive solution. Such plans divert the attention of our lawmakers from working on a permanent, adequate program which will provide every American the health care which is his or her right. ***** ** Fifth Ski for Light Program to Be Held in Squaw Valley The fifth international Ski for Light program of cross-country skiing for visually impaired and physically handicapped people will be held in Squaw Valley, California, during the week of February 4-11, 1979, according to Ski for Light, Inc. president, Bjarne Eikevik. More than 100 disabled people from the United States, Canada, and Norway will participate, the majority of whom will be on skis for the first time. Men and women 18 years or older (the oldest participant in the 1978 event was 64 years old) are welcome to request application forms from Ms. Grethe Twiford, Screening Coordinator, 2305 White Tail Court, Reston, Virginia 22091. The deadline is November 1, 1978, but because of heavy interest, early applications are encouraged. Ski for Light, Inc. stresses that the program has something to offer both competitive skiers new to the sport and those who are primarily interested in cross-country skiing as recreation. Ski for Light is a one-to-one program, with each participant having an experienced, sighted skier who serves as instructor/guide and skis in a parallel track, advising his skiing partner about the track and terrain and helping to improve his or her technique. In announcing the 1979 program, Mr. Eikevik pointed out that the training received during Ski for Light Week enables participants to continue to enjoy the sport after they return to their home communities. ***** ** ACB Affiliate News * Old School for Blind Revisited (Editor's Note: At its state convention in 1977, the North Dakota Association of the Blind allocated $500 to sponsor a 70th anniversary alumni reunion of the North Dakota School for the Blind. The following article from the Bismarck Tribune tells not only an outstanding success story of an ACB affiliate project, but brings back poignant memories of an earlier, simpler, less sophisticated time, when the "blindness system" as we know it today could scarcely have been envisioned.) The old birch tree and weeping willow were still there. So was the warming house by the ice skating rink. An evergreen had replaced the honeysuckle hedge. But much of the old School for the Blind at Bathgate remained the same for some 50 former students who held their first reunion there May 20. The school opened in 1908. The State School was moved from Bathgate to Grand Forks in 1961, and the old school is now Pembina County Pioneer Rest Home. But Bathgate's mayor proclaimed May 20 as Bathgate Blind School Reunion Day. Former students were treated to an open house, dinner, and had a great time reminiscing and visiting with former employees and teachers. The first four students to attend the Bathgate School in 1908 came for the reunion. Mrs. Sina Waterhouse of East Walpole, Massachusetts, Kora Schug, Minneapolis, and Grace Peterson, Fargo, were the first three students. Then came Mike Kareni of Minneapolis. ... None of them had been together since leaving Bathgate. The reunion was sponsored by the North Dakota Association of the Blind, which last year allocated $500 toward the reunion at its state convention. The reunion was held in conjunction with this year's convention in Grand Forks. "It (the reunion) was one of the finest occasions of my life," said Darrel Kline of Mandan. Kline attended high school in Bathgate from 1937 to 1941. "I must have made ten thousand trips from the school to uptown when I was there as a student, and I wanted to make the trip again during the reunion. I did, but it took me a while because the path has narrowed," he recalled while telling about his years at the school, the pranks played by the students, and their closeness to employees and teachers. When Kline was there, the average attendance was 27 and the largest year saw 32 students. Now at the new school in Grand Forks there are close to 50. "The Bathgate School really set me straight in life after I became blind in the right eye, lost all but 4% vision in the left, and the hearing in my right ear, as the result of a truck accident in the Black Hills," Kline said. He was 20 when he left his farm home at Scranton for Bathgate. He thought for sure he was the only blind person in North Dakota. "If you were looking for pity, that wasn't the place to go, because you soon found out you're all equal," he recalled. "My roommates were making braided leather belts and billfolds, and I made a belt and sent it home. The belt gave my folks courage, too," he said. Kline learned the weaving trade at the school. When he ran low on spending money, he'd weave some rugs and head for neighboring towns to sell them. There was always a loom at the school. Every summer he'd sell enough rugs back home in the Scranton area to pay for his clothes for school the next fall. After graduation, he returned to the farm, where he hand-milked 18 cows twice a day and kept close to 200 hogs. But he was afraid of becoming homebound and forced himself to take a bus trip from Scranton to Dickenson, Fargo and Grand Forks. A rehabilitation counselor for the blind at Grand Forks told him about the school for the blind at Faribault, Minnesota, where he learned upholstering and chair caning. It was at Faribault that he met the woman he later married. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kline are past state presidents of the North Dakota Association of the Blind. Sunday the state convention of the North Dakota Association of the Blind was held in the new school at Grand Forks. Members elected Mrs. Don Neal, Grand Forks, President; Elaine Kelm, Jamestown, Vice President; Mrs. Lloyd Robertson, Bismarck, re-elected Secretary; and Lester Ketterling, Westope, Treasurer. Lloyd Robertson was re-elected a director. Hold-over directors are Dolores Stenvold of Minot and George Iszler of Grand Forks. ***** ** ALL Supports Iowa Council of the Blind On behalf of ALL's member organization, the Iowa Council of the Blind, William T. Snyder, Executive Director of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America, wrote to Thomas D. Morris, Inspector-General of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The letter pointed out that alleged program and fiscal conflicts of interest on behalf of present and former Iowa Commission for the Blind officials had resulted in Governor Ray's special investigating committee recommending that a Federal audit be made. Snyder urged that this be both a program and fiscal audit. In a letter dated June 15, 1978, Inspector-General Morris stated: "My office plans to initiate a comprehensive audit of the Commission's operations within the next thirty to sixty days. Your interest in maintaining the integrity of HEW-funded programs is most appreciated." ***** ** The Bakke Case Is Affirmed, But So Is "Affirmative Action" By Reese Robrahn On June 28, the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Bakke case, disposing of the first real challenge to the concept of "affirmative action" for the remediation of past discrimination on the basis of race and ethnic origin. While the case involved only the issue of race and ethnic origin, the holding of the Court encompasses as well sex and handicap. The Court's decision, of course, does not expressly extend to sex and handicap, but that conclusion is inevitable because Bakke's claim of discrimination is predicated on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance, just as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, respectively, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and handicap in Federally assisted programs and activities. Bakke, a 38-year-old, white male, was twice denied admission to the California University Medical School under an admissions program which required that at least 16 out of each 100 admissions must be filled by blacks and/or persons of other races or national origins, even though the admission test scores of Bakke were higher than many of those granted admission. The California State court decided the case in favor of Bakke, on the grounds that the medical school's admissions program resulted in violation of Bakke's Constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. Upon receiving the case, the United States Supreme Court ordered the filing of briefs on the issue of the implications of the case as to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And thus, the scene was set for the case that has received greater public attention than perhaps any other case in recent history. The votes of the nine Justices were split five to four, but four of the majority concurred in part and dissented in part. Four of the Justices concluded that selection on the basis of race as a prime factor in admission programs does not violate Constitutional rights; and four concluded that such admissions programs do violate the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Justice Louis F. Powell, writing the opinion for the majority, came down squarely between, with the conclusion that such admissions goals are not violative of Constitutional requirements so long as race is one among other appropriate factors or criteria considered, such as sex, low income, etc. Thus, the implication of the decision of the Court is that an admissions program cannot be based solely on one criterion such as race, but must be broad-based and may give extra points for selection on the basis of several appropriate criteria. The California medical school's admissions program was limited to racial and national origins considerations and by a specific number or percentage. Therefore, the Court ruled in favor of Bakke. Many will cry that the Court's ruling will permit, by subterfuge in the use of multiple criteria, achievement of admissions on the basis of race. Many others will mourn the demise of "affirmative action" in education brought about by the Court's decision -- These are the extremists. Tenuous as the ruling of the Court may seem, it is this writer's opinion that the decision of the Court will not substantially affect "affirmative action" practices in the near future; and both President Carter and HEW Secretary Califano have indicated in public statements that the Court's holding in the Bakke case will not result in much change in the Federal programs. The several opinions required for this split decision by the nine judges consumed 154 pages. Many criteria for consideration in admissions were mentioned in those 154 pages. But not once was the criterion of handicap included! It is with wonderment that this fact is perceived by this writer. Are the nine Judges of the Court which is the supreme law of our land so out of tune with recent events in the social evolution of our times with respect to disabled citizens, or, even worse, does this exclusion reflect an unspoken belief that civil rights and "affirmative action" for handicapped members of society is somehow different? ***** ** Book Selection Committee Meets By Crawford Pike ACB Library Committee Eleven librarians for the blind and physically handicapped and representatives of organizations of the handicapped met at the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, to review the current program of books for the blind and physically handicapped and to recommend future plans. Several librarians expressed a lessened need for braille. This is the subject of a future article by me, so I will not repeat my observations on braille except to say that the Library of Congress is not likely to substantially alter its current output of braille in the near future. Most participants in the meeting felt that the flexible disc is a practical and inexpensive way to produce high-interest books. These books are not expected to last long. The plan is to put best-sellers and other quick-demand titles on flexible disc, supplying each library with a larger number of copies than would be issued for the hard-record edition. Then when the initial flurry of demand dies down, a single copy to the supplier on cassette is expected to suffice for the future. No large number or re-issues is planned. But re-recordings and re-pressings in books for the blind is no different from the purchase programs followed by most libraries in order to keep a balanced collection and to keep certain classics and definitive works continually available Two print copies must be available for proper recording. One copy is used by the narrator (the reader), and the other is used by a monitor who follows the narrator and points out errors. One copy is cut up and fastened to a clampboard for ease of reading. This prevents rare or out-of-print titles from selection, since most owners of rare materials, whether libraries or individuals, are unwilling to have their books so damaged. Considerable discussion was held on a long-range plan to put more materials into the program through cooperation of the DBPH and network libraries, using volunteer narrators. This plan was postponed until the completion of the Union Catalog being compiled by computer processing at the Division. Several consumers expressed the need for book-review materials to allow consumers to participate more in the selection of material for the network. Spokesmen for the Division were of the opinion that standard book selection journals used by public librarians (e.g., Publishers Weekly) are technical and dull and would be of minor interest to consumers. I suggested that the Division might write its own journal of annotations of books being considered. I was asked what was wrong with Talking Book Topics. I replied that I consider it very good, but for this purpose, we would need it published six months before the books are ordered, instead of two months after the books arrive in libraries, as is the case now. When a book is announced in Talking Book Topics, librarians cannot fill all the orders. Within a very few months, idle copies may be cluttering the library shelves. Is the answer to produce fewer copies, which will keep many of us waiting a very long time? Or is the answer to produce more initial copies, knowing that as soon as the immediate demand has subsided, the libraries will have to discard heavily? We were shown many new reading devices, most very expensive and futuristic. I believe one of the worst weaknesses of the program is that before libraries can amass a good collection in one medium, we are beset with a new medium, so that we never can approach a collection comparable to that of even a small public library which all readers have compatible equipment to use. Each piece of equipment has advantages for some, but are they so important that we must maintain separate collections, such as cassette, flexible disc, and someday perhaps magnetic disc, just for portability or compactness? If ink­print library users were compelled to change to films, microfilms and microfiche, they would abandon libraries in droves. It is not surprising that we are serving only 10% of the eligible readers and that the annual cancellation rate in most network libraries is over 20%. Many older readers will not learn to use the four-track cassette. I think, over­all, the four-track cassette is a good choice and will prove itself. But I hope we stop here. No more jet-age playback equipment with countless controls and a different design to master with every new model. It would be best to have specific models for specific handicaps, instead of making us all adapt to every change. The long-awaited tone-indexed, recorded dictionary was demonstrated. This concept, originated by ACB's Jim Chandler, may at last emerge into the program. The dictionary and the technique have many uses. It is not an easy job to decide which 1,000 of the more than 30,000 new books each year should be produced for the blind and physically handicapped. This awesome responsibility rests with a very small group of the DBPH staff. They cannot please us all. If the Advisory Committee helped relieve the pressure, it was well worth the effort to attend. It was certainly two days of emotional drain and rather long sessions, which I am not anxious to repeat. I would encourage any of you who are asked to serve in this or similar roles to do so, for it is in such manner that we may mold our environment to our needs and the sighted public to our aspirations. ***** ** Howe Press and NBP Join Forces (Reprinted from DBPH News) The National Braille Press (NBP) and Howe Press have consolidated braille production facilities at the NBP headquarters in Boston. The consolidation, effective February 1, also included the ARTS Services Bureau of the Protestant Guild for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts. Howe Press will continue production and sale of the Perkins Brailler and other brailling equipment, but will transfer its braille production and equipment to NBP. The National Braille Press, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last fall, is one of but a few brailling houses in the United States. It is currently under contract with the Library of Congress to braille the New York Times Large Type Weekly and Family Health magazine. According to William Raeder, Managing Director of the Press, machinery and technology from the two smaller operations will result in more efficient braille production. Howe Press's automated stereotyper, combined with the computer braille capability at NBP, will double production. From the Protestant Guild for the Blind, NBP acquires a prototype of ARTS, an automatic response braille translating system, which will augment the computer braille system. "This device stores information in print and delivers it on command in print, braille, or audible speech. After further development, we hope individuals can use it for storage and retrieval of day-to-day material such as calendars, notes, and reports," explains Mr. Raeder. Production of print/braille children's books handled for the Library of Congress solely by Howe Press will continue uninterrupted at NBP. "We also hope to expand into the area of adult books by next year," says Mr. Raeder. The NBP director sees several benefits of the consolidation for the braille reading community. Most importantly, he says, it will increase production capability for NBP and other agencies, including the Library of Congress. There will also be greater financial efficiency. "Although costs may not go down, we will stem rising expenses," says Mr. Raeder. Another plus will be to provide braille readers with urgently needed job-related materials such as lawyers' briefs and teachers' notes and plans more rapidly. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon From THE ILLINOIS BRAILLE MESSENGER: Sewing, cooking, complete meal planning, plant care, and macrame are among the subjects covered in the new Self-Help Series published by the CGB Press, a division of the Catholic Guild for the Blind. Written by blind authors, the manuals offer step-by-step instructions and special three-dimensional illustrations. the collection is available in large-type, cassette tape, and braille. For a catalog describing the series, write Catholic Guild for the Blind, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602. Don Cameron, recently elected president of the Florida Council of the Blind, was recently named Outstanding Blind Person in Florida, according to an article in the Tampa Tribune. The award, presented by the Sunshine State Workers for the Blind, recognized Don's 15 years of service to the blind of Florida. A plaque was presented by Carl McCoy, ACB Board member and Director of Rehabilitation for the State of Florida. From DBPH NEWS: Maxine Dorf, head of the Volunteer Training Section, has helped prepare a book incorporating braille text, print, and pictures in a new format. Entitled Steps: Handicapped Workers and Today's Labor, the publication is a report of the Industry-Labor Council of the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. It recommends ways to reduce physical and attitudinal barriers encountered by handicapped persons seeking employment. A braille summary of the report is superimposed over pictures and quotes from well-known authors and is inserted in the center of the book. The marriage of print and braille in one volume is not a new concept, but inserting braille pages in a bound volume is. According to Mrs. Dorf, tight binding of the print book could create a problem with the braille, since braille books are usually bound loosely to ensure that the braille maintains its raised quality. In her "News, Views and Interesting Facts" column in The Missouri Chronicle, Xena Johnson tells of David Hartman, who four years ago started on a central Pennsylvania farm to raise poultry. Then the 25-year-old blind man had 90 geese and ducks. Today he has about 2,400 geese, ducks and chickens, three incubators, and a hatcher. From DBPH Update: This summer, the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will have a new name: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). The name change follows a recent Library of Congress reorganization. NLS will continue to offer free braille and recorded books and magazines to blind and physically handicapped readers through the existing network of cooperating libraries. Administration of the program under Frank Kurt Cylke and other staff remains unchanged. ---- The New Roget's Thesaurus of the English Language, Dictionary Form, has been produced in braille, large type, and recorded editions. For further information, write the following source3s: braille – 6th District California PTA Braille Transcription Project, North Branch, P.O. Box 326, Los Altos, CA 94022; recorded – Recording for the Blind, 215 E. 58th Street, New York, NY 10022; large type – American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206. Nearly one hundred formal complaints of job discrimination were logged in early May by the Disabled American Veterans against several U.S. Government agencies, in behalf of veterans who charged they were denied Federal employment rights due solely to their physical or mental handicaps. Cited by the DAV as the most flagrant violator of the 1948 law making it illegal for Federal departments and agencies to discriminate against the handicapped is the U.S. Postal Service. Other Federal employers charged with discrimination include the U.S. Civil Service Commission, the Veterans Administration, the National Labor Relations Board, and the U.S. Navy. A new "Handicapper's Mini-Guide to Michigan" has been published by the Michigan State Travel Commission, in an effort to ease the travel burdens of the handicapped. The publication lists hotels and attractions which have special accommodations for handicapped individuals, including parking, entrances, elevators, nearby public transportation, and room accessibility. Free copies are available from Michigan State Travel Bureau, Lansing, MI 48917. John H. Maxson, formerly Director of Habilitation Services, New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped, Alamogordo, assumed the position of Executive Director of the American Association of Workers for the Blind on July 1. In his new position, Mr. Maxson will be responsible for operation of AAWB's national office in Washington, D.C. and will direct its 33 regional chapters, with some 3,400 members. The Office for Handicapped Individuals in HEW is planning to record on a trial basis its newsletter, Programs for the Handicapped. This bi-monthly newsletter contains information regarding Federally sponsored activities concerning handicapped individuals. The first issue to be recorded will contain articles relating to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. If you wish your name to be placed on the mailing list, contact your regional library. If the response warrants, future issues will be recorded. High-quality, low-cost tape duplicating and pre-recorded music services are offered by Mr. Tandy Way, Sound Productions, 6687 Fiesta Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33907. Audio catalogs are available, priced at $3 each, and they are yours to keep. One cassette contains country-western and comedy listings; the other, rock and roll, progressive rock, and greatest hits packages. From Disabled USA: Research Grant Guides has published the 1978-79 edition of a new paperback publication, Handicapped Funding Directory. The guide, priced at $14.50, lists over 350 foundations, associations, and government agencies which grant funds for projects relating to the handicapped. Write Research Grant Guides, P.O. Box 357, Oceanside, NY 11572. ---- New standards for library service to the blind and physically handicapped are being developed by a committee of the American Library Association's Health and Rehabilitative Library Services Division, under contract with the Library of Congress. Participation is actively sought from users of the service, from professionals, and from volunteers in the field. Copies of the preliminary draft standards are available in print, braille, and cassette by writing National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Attention: Richard Evensen, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542. The National Braille Association announces that the Braille Boon Bank's first general-interest catalog and the new textbook catalog are now available, free of charge, in print and braille. Write NBA Braille Book Bank, 422 Clinton Avenue, S., Rochester, NY 14620. The general-interest catalog represents a departure from previous Braille Book Bank policy which limited the collection to college and professional textbooks. It lists materials in the areas of consumer information, food and cooking, games, handwork, hobbies, and popular music. Most of the titles were originally transcribed by NBA's Reader­Transcriber Registry, which accepts orders for brailling of non-technical, non­textbook materials when its Library of Congress certified braillists are not occupied with local assignments. For further information, write NBA Reader­Transcriber Registry, 5300 Hamilton Avenue, No. 1404, Cincinnati, OH 45224. From AFB WASHINGTON REPORT: A highlight of the Veterans Administration 1979 budget for construction is a request for $4.2 million for the establishment of a Blind Rehabilitation Center and Eye Clinic at the agency's Birmingham, Alabama hospital. V.A. Administrator Max Cleland said that the project will include 30 beds, appropriate support services, and appropriate rehabilitation clinics. ---- HEW's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has made a five-year grant to establish a National Rehabilitation Information Center. The Center will house RSA-generated materials and will serve rehabilitation professionals, handicapped individuals, and the general public. Florida's WHITE CANE BULLETIN reports that a surgical technique has been developed in South American which makes it possible to rebuild a person's cornea into a natural contact lens, to correct far-sightedness resulting from cataract operations. The cornea is removed, frozen, ground to prescription on a delicate lathe, and then replaced in the patient's eye. About 10,000 of the 400,000 persons who undergo cataract surgery each year may be able to benefit from the new procedure. ---- A new type of medical laser which emits "cool" beams has been successfully used in the Soviet Union to treat glaucoma and certain kinds of cataracts. The ultimate goal of the instrument is to eliminate surgery in cataract removal, according to Dr. Michael M. Krasnow, Vice Minister of Health and Director of the State Eye Institute in Moscow. The laser is now used routinely for glaucoma treatment at the Institute. So far, it has been successfully used only for so-called "soft" cataracts found in youngsters. The laser, known technically as the "Q­switched" laser, is not available for clinical use in the United States. ***** ** 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 ** Associate Editors George Card, 605 South Few Street, Madison, WI 5370,3 Margaret Freer, 11816 West Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226 Ione B. Miller, 9291 Fermi Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 Joseph Wiedenmayer, 3604 Montgomery Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20015 ###