The Braille Forum Vol. XVI March, 1978 No. 9 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 ACB Officers Associate Editors Notice to Subscribers A Contract with the People -- We Must Act Now to Enforce It, by Reese Robrahn ACB Convention, 1978 -- Make Plans Now! And the Crowd Yelled On, by Judy Ashe The Carter Administration, the 95th Congress, and Civil Rights, by Roger P. Kingsley ACB Profile: Durward K. McDaniel, National Representative, by Floyd Qualls From Foreign Claims to Watergate -- Closed Microphone Reporting, by William F. Reckert $118 Million Sought for Eye Research Arts for Everyone Seminar, by Carlee Hallman ACB Board Member Named to National Commission on Counselor Certification Disabled Children Featured in New TV Series Radio Reading Services General Assembly State Agency Directors Still Divided Hyde Park Corner: Whose Rights?, by Mary Walton Report on Utah Council State Convention, by Lloyd Jacklin Here and There, by George Card ***** ** 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 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 ** 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. ***** ** A Contract with the People -- We Must Act Now to Enforce It By Reese Robrahn On January 25, at a meeting called by the Task Force on Employment of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Weldon J. Rougeau, Chief of the Labor Department's Employment Standards Administration, announced that the Department of Labor will soon publish a new rule which will require Federal contractors to meet goals and timetables in the employment of the minorities and women. Mr. Rougeau responded in the negative to a query from Reese Robrahn, representing the American Council of the Blind and the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, whether the new rule would cover handicapped people under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Mr. Rougeau explained that this decision was made after contacting people who had advised against inclusion of the handicapped because contractors could claim any percentage of employees with handicaps, counting just about anything as a handicap. A check with major national organizations of handicapped individuals was made; and none were consulted on the matter. Once again, disabled citizens are being left out. Once again, disabled citizens are slated to be denied equal opportunity. Once again, handicapped people are to be excluded from restorative measures for past discrimination. Once again, Carter Administration appointees make bureaucratic rhetoric out of a solemn Carter campaign promise. This intended exclusion of citizens with handicaps from the proposed affirmative action program in Federal contract compliance is a blatant denial of the rights of the disabled people of this nation, and it constitutes an outright breach of one of the planks of the National Democratic party Platform. Jimmy Carter, during his campaign for the Presidency, issued a position paper on Americans with disabilities. That paper states in part: "As President, I will take all the necessary steps through specific legislation and the appropriate exercise of executive powers, to ensure our handicapped citizens equal protection under the law, equal opportunity for education and employment, and other services, and equal access to public accommodations and facilities." Where is the fulfillment of the Carter promise of equal opportunity for handicapped people in employment with Federal contractors? The title of the official Democratic Party Platform is as follows: "The National Democratic Platform 1976 -- The Platform is the Party's Contract with the People." One of the paragraphs of Part III of the Platform, "Government and Human Needs," is as follows: "Disabled Citizens -- We support greater recognition of the problems of the disabled and legislation assuring that all people with disabilities have reasonable access to all public accommodations and facilities. The Democratic Party supports affirmative action goals for employment of the disabled." Where is the support of this Democratic administration of affirmative action goals for employment of handicapped people with Federal contractors? This issue of goals and timetables in the employment of handicapped persons will no doubt arise in the development of an affirmative action rule under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act and with regard to the employment aspects of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Administration's policy on this matter must not go unchallenged! The national offices of the American Council of the Blind and of the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities are now and will be challenging appropriate Government officials on this issue. But much more is needed! We call upon you individually and upon you and your organizations to write letters of protest to your representatives in the Congress and to the President and to the Secretary of the Department of Labor. You already know or can easily obtain the names and addresses of your state's House and Senate members. Address your letters to the President at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20500. Address your letters to the Secretary of the Department of Labor, F. Ray Marshall, at the Labor Building, Room 82018, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20250. ***** ** ACB Convention, 1978 -- Make Plans Now! Are you already making plans for your American Council of the Blind convention/vacation in Salt Lake City? The Utah Council hosts are eagerly planning for you. Mark these dates on your calendar: Sunday, July 23, through Saturday, July 29. As in past years, the time from Sunday, July 23, through Tuesday, July 25, will be reserved for the board meetings and general conferences of ACB special-interest organizations. These include the American Blind Lawyers Association, the ACB Service Net, Council of Rehabilitation Specialists, Guide Dog Users, Inc., National Alliance of Blind Students, National Association of Blind Teachers, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, Visually Impaired Data Processors International, Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, Visually Impaired Veterans of America, and the World Council of Blind Lions. The ACB Board of Publications is sponsoring a Publications Workshop, presently scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, July 26. Content, production, and distribution will be the three major topics discussed. The newsletter is an affiliate's primary tool of communication, and ample time will be provided for those in attendance to present problems and raise questions regarding any aspect of publication. Other special programs will be announced as plans develop. The annual convention of the American Council of the Blind will convene Wednesday morning, July 26, to run through Saturday, July 29. This is an important election year, since your ACB President, Second Vice President, and Treasurer have each served their constitutional limit of three two-year terms. New leadership, therefore, must be chosen to guide the future of the American Council, and that responsibility is not to be taken lightly. Convention headquarters will be at the beautiful Hotel Utah, at South Temple and Main Street. All official convention meetings will be held at the Hotel Utah, where a large number of rooms have been set aside for conventioneers. Room rates will be singles, $28, and doubles $35. Rooms have also been set aside at two other locations within one block of convention headquarters. Room rates at the Hotel Utah Motor Inn will be singles, $20, doubles, $26. The Motor Inn is located at 125 W. North Temple. Room rates will be available at the Temple Square Hotel at 75 W. South Temple. Room rates will be singles, $16, and doubles, $20. All three of these lodging facilities are adjacent to Salt Lake City's major tourist attraction, Mormon Temple Square. Although pre-registration materials will soon be made available, those of you who may wish to make early lodging reservations may contact Utah Council President, Grant Mack at 139 E. South Temple, Suite 5000, Salt Lake City, UT 84111; telephone (801) 355-7417. Bring your shopping list. Salt Lake City's main shopping district is right outside the front door from the convention headquarters. By the way, some of the finest eating in Salt Lake City can be found at the Hotel Utah. But for you who like variety, there are numerous, fine eating places within a three-block radius of the hotel. The names of several key committee chairmen are important to keep in mind. James Faimon of 4641 Valley Road, Lincoln, Nebraska 68910, will chair the Credentials Committee. Bernice Kandarian 730-14 N. Mariposa, Los Angeles, California 90029, has been appointed chairman of the Resolutions Committee. she will appreciate receiving draft resolutions prior to the convention, if at all possible. Robert McLean will chair the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. He, too, will appreciate receiving proposed amendments to the ACB Constitution and By-Laws in advance of the convention. His address is: Robert T. McLean, 2139 Joseph Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. An important tradition of each year's convention is the presentation of a number of ACB awards. The recipient of the Ned E. Freeman Article-of-the-Year Award is selected by the editorial staff of The Braille Forum. The Robert S. Bray Award, in memory of the late Chief of the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, is presented from time to time, not necessarily annually, in recognition of outstanding achievement in extending library services or access to published materials, or in improving communications devices and techniques. Nominations for this award must be received no later than June 1, 1978, and should be sent to Miss Elizabeth Lennon, Chairman, Robert S. Bray Award Committee, 1315 Greenwood Avenue, No. 22, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. The Ambassador Award is selected each year from among candidates who are blind and who, by their lives, associations and activities, demonstrate their integration into and interaction with the life of the community. It is not necessary that the candidate be a member of or active in any organization of the blind, nor that he be engaged in work for the blind. The George Card Award is presented periodically to an outstanding blind person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of blind people in general. This award is not limited by locality or by nature of the contribution, and it is not necessarily given each year. Nominations for both the Ambassador Award and the George Card Award should be submitted no later than June 1, 1977, to Awards Committee Chairman Morris Ward, 234 Reynolds Street, Pearl, Mississippi 39208. ***** ** And the Crowd Yelled On By Judy Ashe (Editor's Note: Even in early February, isolated by a near-record 30-inch snowfall and with the wind howling outside, the following lines bring back vivid memories of warm, sunny, July days in Mobile, Hot Springs, and Miami Beach. Those who have attended American Council of the Blind conventions over the past several years know of the tireless efforts of Casey DeLint of Arizona and his "roving microphone." For those who have not attended a convention, perhaps this little poem will communicate some of the excitement and involvement which always exist among conventioneers, particularly at the annual business meetings. The poem works well to the tune of "And the Band Played On.") Casey would turn with his mike down the aisle, and the crowd yelled on. He did it all day, and he did it with style, And the crowd yelled on. He sought information from each delegation. The people would wrangle and storm. He carried his cords over carpets and boards, And the crowd yelled on. ***** ** The Carter Administration, The 95th Congress, And Civil Rights By Roger P. Kingsley This was a day for questions directed at national leaders -- and for some answers. It was a day for evaluating Congress and the Administration, and for discussing strategy on vital legislative issues. It was a day for remembering a man who had been Vice President, and for applauding the man who now occupies that high office. This day was January 30, 1978. The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights held its 28th Annual Board Meeting. In attendance were Senators, Congressmen, and press, and representatives of the 140 civil rights, labor, educational, and other groups that make up this influential coalition. The reports, speeches, and panels that filled this day served as a reminder to members of the Leadership Conference -- and to those in the Government -- that the civil rights movement in this country is still moving forward with strength, enthusiasm, and purpose. This is a crucial signal, because it comes at a time when many people inside and outside of government believe that civil rights for all Americans was fully achieved in the Sixties. Such a belief is largely attributable to the last two Administrations. the rhetoric and "benign neglect" of which had convinced much of the public that discrimination was "a thing of the past." Rather, as the Leadership Conference's assessment of recent progress in civil rights argues: "The Federal machinery that Congress had established in the 1960s to eradicate denials of civil rights remained largely intact, but it had grown rusty from disuse." When a Democratic President took office in January, 1977, for the first time in eight years, this rusty machinery began to get repaired and was in use once again. And it was badly needed, for discriminatory practices "against minorities, women and the handicapped still were prevalent, although sometimes in subtle form, and the effects of past mistreatment persisted." Now the attention of civil rights groups is focused on the efforts and achievements of the Carter Administration and the 95th Congress. The Leadership Conference finds that at the end of the first year, this Administration's record on civil rights enforcement is "mixed." Naturally, it takes time and effort to get unused bureaucratic machinery working at full throttle. The Administration has started the engines by making some effective appointments to Government agencies concerned with civil rights. In fact, most of the top positions have been filled by former civil rights activists. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a black woman who had directed the New York City Commission on Civil Rights, is now Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). Norton is using her legal background and expertise on social problems to reorganize and revitalize this agency. Many organizations, including the American Council of the Blind, have urged that the current fragmentation of responsibility for equal employment opportunity enforcement and compliance be remedied by bringing these under the jurisdiction of the EEOC. Weldon Rougeau, a young black man, is now directing the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). His agency is taking on some of the nation's largest companies and banks which have failed to observe the guideline of equal opportunity in their hiring practices. David Tatel, a former civil rights attorney and a member of the American Blind Lawyers Association, was named last April to direct the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of HEW. Despite these fine appointments, there is still no senior advisor on civil rights in the White House. The Leadership Conference believes that such a position needs to be created in order to bring about more coordination among Federal civil rights agencies. The Conference's Report also calls on the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) to make non-discrimination a regular part of its directives to units of the Federal Government. The OMB could, for instance, require that all agencies evaluate, "the impact of their programs on minorities, women, and the handicapped." Both the appointment of a White House adviser on civil rights and a civil rights component being added to the OMB are reforms that were advocated by ACB in a 1977 position paper. The Leadership Conference Report was especially critical of two Federal agencies charged with increasing opportunities for handicapped persons. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, despite its stepped-up activities in the enforcement of Federal contracts, has moved slowly in implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The agency has not even set timetables for affirmative action with regard to Federal contractors' employment of handicapped persons. Also, the U.S. Civil Service Commission has failed to issue regulations implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A proposed Rule announced last September hardly dented the serious lack of guidelines and procedures in the hiring and promotion of handicapped persons by the Federal Government. The Leadership Conference was addressed by spokesmen in the fields of health, welfare, and employment. Douglas A. Fraser, President of the United Auto Workers, discussed the prospects for national health insurance legislation during the current session of Congress. He was introduced by Reese H. Robrahn, ACB's Director of Research and Governmental Affairs. Mr. Fraser told his audience that national health insurance was first proposed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, and that the United States is one of the only developed nations that still relies on private insurance. Recent political history has shown that without Presidential initiative, national health insurance will flounder in the Congress. Jimmy Carter entered the white House as an advocate of universal and mandatory health insurance. Fraser appears optimistic that Congressional hearings will be held this year. He also believes that the Administration proposal will closely resemble the Kennedy-Corman Health Security bill, which is supported by ACB. However, we have had no assurance that the Administration is prepared to submit a proposal to Congress. We have only heard lately that it plans to issue "guidelines" for a health insurance program. Moreover, the exclusion of this policy recommendation from the President's State of the Union address raised doubts about the Administration's readiness and willingness to make this an issue in the 95th Congress and in the elections this fall. Representative James C. Corman, Chairman of the Welfare Reform Subcommittee, discussed the outlook for passage of a welfare bill during this Congress. He predicted that the "Better Jobs and Income Act" (H.R. 9030) would encounter opposition in the Ways and Means Committee as well as in the full House. In a statement adopted by its Executive Committee on January 12, 1978, the Leadership Conference announced that the Administration's welfare reform proposals "merit general support (but) unfortunately they do not go far enough toward establishing a program that will provide people with decent jobs or an adequate income." Specifically, it criticized the inadequate share of financial assistance to recipients in the states, and the proposal's failure to include provisions assuring that benefits will keep pace with cost-of-living increases. "Even the provisions aimed at protecting the aged, blind and disabled are applicable only to current recipients and provide no protection for those who become aged, blind or disabled" after the new program begins. Hubert H. Humphrey was the main speaker at last year's LCCR meeting. On this day, his absence was deeply felt. Many of the speakers paid tribute to the late Senator's thirty years of dedicated leadership in the fight for social equality and human rights. Vice President Mondale said of his colleague from Minnesota: "No one individual played a more important part in the struggle for civil rights than Hubert Humphrey ... Civil rights was not a political issue to Hubert; it was a moral issue. He fought for racial justice and equal rights because he believed in them with all his heart." The Vice President acknowledged the importance of the work carried on by the Leadership Conference and its member organizations. He reaffirmed the Administration's own promise by declaring that the one wish President Carter and he have "above all others" is "to work with you to fulfill our nation's historic commitment to the promise of equal rights." This commitment, said Mondale, includes "recognition and sensitivity throughout Government to the special needs of minority citizens ... and women ... and the disabled." It is reassuring to know that our nation's highest leaders understand the need for fuller civil rights and are pledged to their achievement. During the coming year, we will observe how well this promise is translated into real and effective national policies. ***** ** ACB Profile Durward K. McDaniel, National Representative By Floyd Qualls "Let me put this on your minds." When Durward K. McDaniel says this, you know a new idea is forthcoming. It may pertain to a program for the blind, a solution to a problem, or a strategy to achieve an objective. With such an opening, Durward set in motion the formation of the Oklahoma League for the Blind in the late 1940s. A few years later, with the same opening, he plated the idea of a statewide credit union for the blind of Oklahoma. Both organizations have thrived and provided personal and financial services to hundreds of blind men and women. In his early teens, Durward lost his sight as the result of an oil-field accident. He attended the Oklahoma School for the Blind and in due time received his A.B. from the University of Oklahoma and his law degree from the O.U. Law School. He opened a law office in Oklahoma City and qualified to practice before the United States Supreme Court. His chief interest was to serve his fellow man, especially the blind. In addition to piloting the Oklahoma League and the credit union through their formative days, he engineered the establishment of the state services to the blind as a unit on an equal basis to that of vocational rehabilitation. The Library for the Blind was moved to the Division of Visual Services, and a radio talking book program was established within the Library. Durward is quick to point out that he didn't do these things alone, which is true. But they started with his "Let me put this on your minds." Durward's influence on national legislation began to mount when the American Council of the Blind opened its Washington Office in 1968 and he became National Representative. Since that time, he has served a term on the Board of Directors of National Industries for the Blind and is now a member of the Workshop Committee of the President's Committee for Employment of the Handicapped. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped and has served on several commissions within that organization. He is Chairperson of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America and is a member of the Program Policy Committee of the Visually Handicapped Managers of Illinois (an affiliate of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America), VHMI being the first group of vendors to be named nominee agency for a state vending facility program. Durward has always worked for the rights of the blind. Early in its history, the Oklahoma League for the Blind waived its exemption from Social Security taxation. It provided health and life insurance available to shop workers as well as office personnel. He was one of the leading exponents of the provision in the Wagner-O'Day Act mandating the 75/25% ratio of blind to sighted workers in workshops. He worked diligently for the Fully Insured Rule of Title II of the Social Security Act. This qualified some 30,000 blind persons for benefits. Recognizing that blind people have many problems in common with other minorities, and that prospects for achieving full civil rights protections would be greatly enhanced by working in coalition with other civil rights organizations, he sought and obtained admission of the American Council of the Blind into the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. ACB was the first organization of handicapped persons admitted to participation in the Leadership Conference. Durward has assisted many organizations and individuals with legal matters. At present, he is co-counsel for the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and its lawsuit against HEW. He has consulted with many vendors and their organizations and has given his legal knowledge and talents to numerous individuals. Although he is not national membership chairman for ACB, Durward travels extensively across America, ever willing to talk organization. It is rare when a new affiliate comes into ACB without his having had a hand in bringing it about. Durward is a man of ideas, a man of action, and a man of tireless energy. Few names are better known among the blind in this country than that of for Durward fellow McDaniel. He is known for his deeds, his principles, and his concern for his fellow blind. But there is another side. Ask Jim Faimon of the ACB of Nebraska how much Durward believes in the O.U. football team. Jim's losses give him ample knowledge on that subject. In addition to football, Durward is interested in basketball, baseball, and most other sports. Somehow, he keeps himself well informed on all of them. Then there is music: Country-Western and Bluegrass catch his attention instantly. Once when spending the night with a friend, he asked that he be awakened in the morning by the strains of a Loretta Lynn album. I have known and worked with Durward for many years. He is a leader among leaders, yet he has not lost the common touch. ***** ** From Foreign Claims to Watergate -- Closed Microphone Reporting By William F. Reckert What is a Stenomask? A Stenomask is a mask-like gadget which fits snugly over the user's mouth and nose. It contains sound-deadening material and a high-fidelity microphone and can be adapted for use with almost any type of recording equipment desired. Most shorthand reporters use stenotype or Gregg shorthand to take down their material. The Stenomask operator merely uses his mouth to take down material. He listens and repeats verbatim, staying a syllable or two behind the speaker at all times, and as he repeats the words, his voice is simultaneously being recorded. At the conclusion of a hearing or conference, he can type the proceedings from his own voice. But permit me to preface my Stenomask story with a few brief remarks concerning my background. I was born on January 20, 1928, in Westminster, Maryland. Congenital glaucoma was diagnosed soon after birth. At the age of seven, I became totally blind. I attended the Maryland School for the Blind and then went on to Georgetown University, majoring in history and government, and graduated with a B.S.S. degree in June, 1950. My work experience began in 1951 at the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Washington, D.C., where I landed a job in the Medical Division as a dictating machine transcriber. It was shortly after acquiring this position that I first learned of the Stenomask. What would the Stenomask do for me? Hopefully it would enable me to become a shorthand reporter. I purchased a Stenomask on June 6, 1952, practiced using it with phonograph records and radio broadcasts, and took the United States Civil Service examination for shorthand reporter, Grade GS-6, on September 2, 1952, passing with a mark of 96.60. The exam required a speed of only 160 words per minute over a five-minute period, and I had been practicing daily at speeds well in excess of that. I then went to my superiors at the Veterans Administration, apprised them of my new talent, and was permitted to cover a number of Rating Board hearings, with my transcripts being made a part of the veterans' claims folders. On October 18, 1954, I transferred to the Civil Division of the Department of Justice as a dictating machine transcriber, but with the understanding that I would be assigned to cover verbatim dictations, conferences, and the like. Finally, on November 4, 1956, I did achieve the rating for which I had been striving -- that of Shorthand Reporter, Grade GS-6. In my years of service at Justice, my assignments have varied from the Attorney General's Conference on Congestion in the Courts, held in 1956 and again in 1958, and participated in by well over one hundred outstanding members of the bench and bar from all over the country, to formal depositions and informal interrogations of witnesses, and to mere single, verbatim dictation from attorneys of briefs, memoranda, and so on. Other assignments have included hearings in alien property cases, a three-day seminar sponsored by the Civil Division's Torts Section in which doctors and attorneys were brought together to discuss the medical and legal aspects of malpractice suits and the ever-increasing necessity for cooperation between the medical and legal professions, and a four-month period as secretary to an attorney whose duty it was to author a publication on the work of the Japanese Claims Section of the Civil Division. In June, 1964, I had the opportunity of accompanying an attorney from our Frauds Section on a flight to Atlanta, Georgia, where we were responsible for taking twelve depositions in two days. In December, 1967, I accompanied this same attorney on a one-day assignment to Detroit, Michigan, for the interrogation of two witnesses. Some of my more recent assignments have included covering three depositions in the Bobby Baker litigation and three conferences for the much publicized Watergate Special Prosecution Force headed up by Archibald Cox, Leon Jaworski, Henry S. Ruth, Jr., and Charles Ruff, respectively. In 1964, in order to be eligible for the GS-7 rating, I re-took the Civil Service examination for Shorthand Reporter. The only substantial difference between my first exam and my second was that the latter required 175 words per minute for five minutes, instead of 160 words per minute for five minutes. Incidentally, the United States Civil Service Commission now differentiates the Stenomask applicant from the applicant who uses other forms of shorthand by classifying the former as a Closed Microphone Reporter rather than a Shorthand Reporter. Let me mention several additional points for consideration. Many, many sighted reporters use the Stenomask today. Why do you suppose so many have taken up the mask? The reason is simple: The Stenomask user requires a great deal less training and can build up considerable speed with a minimum of practice. If a visually handicapped reporter uses stenotype, not only would he have to turn over his notes to be transcribed by others, but he would be unable to read back any part of the record during a proceeding in the event he were requested to do so. the Stenomask method carries with it a great deal more on-the-job independence for the blind reporter -- including, of course, the ability to transcribe his own work if he so chooses. Some questions that I have often been asked and responses that I have made to those questions are as follows: 1. Recognizing Speakers. Prior to a conference -- sometimes days before, sometimes minutes before -- I obtain as much information as I can about the conference -- the subject matter, the number of participants, the names of participants. In most instances, depositions and conferences that I cover are conducted around a conference table. As reporter, I always choose a seat at the table among the participants which I feel is the most advantageous spot from which to hear. Depending upon the number of participants, I usually insist on sitting at the head of the table or in the center of one side of the table. I am most comfortable with a group which numbers no more than six or seven participants and find that, in general, with such a group I have little trouble inserting the name of each speaker as the conversation jumps back and forth. I do recall one occasion, however, where I had to cover a conference of 12 to 15 people. This proved a bit more difficult. In that case, I sat in the middle on one side of the table and gave an even number (2, 4, 6, etc.) to persons seated on the opposite side of the table and assigned odd numbers to the participants seated on my side of the table. Then at the end of the conference I made a list of the participants with their corresponding numbers, so that when I typed the proceedings, I knew which speaker said what. 2. Courtroom Proceedings and Marking of Exhibits. In 1962, for practice and experience only, I covered a trial in United States District Court for the District of Columbia. I didn't care too much for it. Everything seemed to be so stiff and formal that I felt "uptight" and uncomfortable. In some depositions that I have taken, the marking of exhibits has been necessary. Usually court reporters become notary publics and as such are legally authorized to administer oaths and mark exhibits. At one point, I checked into the possibility of becoming a notary and was told that a blind person cannot become a notary. I accepted this answer and never pursued the matter further. Therefore, for the swearing of witnesses and marking of exhibits in connection with the depositions I covered, it was necessary to call in a notary to perform such duties. 3. Reading Back. Very seldom am I requested to read back. When I am so requested, I use earphones in locating the spot and when doing the actual reading back. If I perceive that it will take a good deal of time to locate the read-back spot, I will explain this to those present and ask for a brief recess. I have no index devices on my equipment. Information concerning the Stenomask may be obtained from Talk, Inc., P.O. Box 574, Westbury, NY 11590. ***** ** $118 Million Sought for Eye Research Groups of concerned citizens and organizations are asking Congress to approve a $118 million budget for eye research in fiscal 1979. "This is in contrast to the White House request for only $86.428 million," said Marvin F. Brotman, Executive Director, Friends of Eye Research Rehabilitation and Treatment (FERRAT). "Given the current rate of inflation, the President's figure really represents a cut." FERRAT is a public-education group that has helped develop strong grassroots support for Federal funding of eye research. Congress has managed to nearly double appropriations over the past two years, going from $44 million to $85 million. However, this still falls far short of levels recommended by the National Advisory Eye Council. The Council, which includes distinguished scientists, eye-care specialists and consumer representatives, strongly backs the $118 million budget for fiscal '79. The group serves as advisers to the National Eye Institute, which distributes Federal money to research centers throughout the nation. NEI-sponsored research has brought advances against many forms of blindness and major visual impairment. One recent example is the development of laser beams for treating victims of diabetic retinopathy. Lasers have been used to stop retinal hemorrhages and prevent abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye. With a $118 million budget, NEI could fund more than half of the acceptable grant requests it receives. There also could be an expansion of clinical trials to evaluate new drugs and procedures. NEI also would be able to fund more research benefiting people with low-vision problems. Estimates of this population range as high as six to ten million. "In recommending so little for eye research in the next fiscal year the Administration isn't being economical," Brotman said. "The economic consequences of blindness and major visual impairment run well beyond $5.5 billion per year. The $118 million investment in continued progress for eye research, therefore, is not out of line. "With strong public support, we can get the appropriation needed. You are urged to write your Senators and Congressmen and encourage them to support $118 million for the National Eye Institute in fiscal '79." ***** ** Arts for Everyone By Carlee Hallman (Editor's Note: Carlee Hallman is secretary in ACB's National Office. For two years she was a docent at the National Art Gallery, and she has conducted grade-school-level art programs for children in the Washington, D.C. public school system.) On January 18, the National Committee, Arts for the Handicapped (NCAH) sponsored a seminar attended by delegates from various educational and service groups of handicapped persons. NCAH, an educational affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, operates as the national coordinating agency for the development and implementation of arts programs for handicapped children and youth. One of the major programs of the National Committee, Arts for the Handicapped is the establishment of "Very Special Arts Festivals" in key pilot sites throughout the nation. These festivals give the handicapped an outlet to display their creativity and, along with their teachers, to demonstrate the impact of art on learning and on the lives of the handicapped. The city of Niagara Falls, New York, hosted the first National Festival of song, dance, mime, visual arts, and workshops in July, 1977. Booklets are available to assist those wishing to plan such a festival. NCAH has also accredited model site programs to serve as national resources for the development of innovative curriculum materials and instruction to teachers and other interested persons. A newsletter, "Rainbows," lists model projects, people with expertise, art catalogs, and materials. One of the materials discovered at the seminar was liquid markers with special odors for easy recognition by visually impaired persons. To submit articles or to receive the newsletter, write: National Arts for the Handicapped, National Committee, Arts for the Handicapped, 1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, DC 20006. Dr. Harold Snider, Coordinator, Programs for the Handicapped, Smithsonian Institution, was in charge of the seminar. The seminar was held in the Museum of Natural History and afforded the delegates a visit to the Discovery Room, a room where exhibit materials can be handled, and braille labels help identify the objects. Mr. Snider also noted the "504 accessible" exhibit in the new Air and Space Museum. Bill Wilson, Associate Director, National Association, State Directors of Special Education, made a special presentation on the impact of Section 504 on cultural arts. Since most museums and cultural programs have Federal funding directly for either their programs or buildings, service to handicapped individuals is becoming a legal necessity. The National Endowment for the Arts, through which funding for the arts comes, has yet to publish 504 regulations for their agency. Those wishing to gather or exchange further information on the arts are invited to contact the National Office of the American Council of the Blind. Anyone interested in having an ACB National Committee on the Arts? ***** ** ACB Board Member Named to National Commission on Counselor Certification Delbert K. Aman, Aberdeen, South Dakota, has been appointed to the 18-member National Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, reports a recent article in the Aberdeen American News. The National Commission includes professionals dealing with certification of counselors for rehabilitation. He is the first blind person to be appointed to the Commission. The National Commission was founded by the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association. In 1976, the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities became a member organization of, and was given three seats on, the Commission. In order to serve, Commissioners must hold Commission certification and be active in one of its member organizations. Aman and a deaf person and a physically handicapped person on the Commission represent six million handicapped persons in the United States. He will serve for three years, with the possibility of reappointment. On October 28, 1977, Aman was the first blind person allowed to serve as monitor when the certification test was administered at various sites across the country. The National Commission is seeking certification for rehabilitation counselors and continuing education of counselors to upgrade rehabilitation services. Aman, who gradually lost his eyesight following a serious head injury at age 9, graduated from public high school, attended Northern State College three years, and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1955 with a Juris Doctrine. He has been employed by the South Dakota Service to the Visually Impaired since January, 1956, beginning as a rehabilitation teacher and moving to a full-time counselor, and finally office of regional supervisor. All his clients are visually impaired. In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind, Aman was a delegate from South Dakota to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in Washington, D.C., in May of 1977, has served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, and is a life member of the National Rehabilitation Association. ***** ** Disabled Children Featured In New TV Series For the first time on television, a continuing children's program will explore the world of kids and disabilities. Called "Feeling Free," the series will premiere in April over public television stations. Check local listings. It will be distributed nationally by the Public Broadcasting Service. "Feeling Free" presents the interests, humor, energy, and insights of five disabled children in the regular cast, together with their friends and guests. The series will explore a wide range of disabilities, including visual, hearing, physical, and health impairments, retardation, and learning disabilities. The "Feeling Free" goal is to get kids to become more familiar with their disabled peers, according to Executive Producer Christopher Sarson. "For the first time on television, disabled people aren't considered as something special because of their disabilities. Instead, they are considered as people first and disabled people second." The series of six half-hour programs is part of a major media package being developed under contract from the U.S. Office of Education by Workshop on Children's Awareness, a division of the American Institutes for Research. The "Feeling Free" media package, which also will include print materials for children, parents and educators, is being produced at a time when increasing numbers of children are entering regular public-school environments under the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, P.L. 94-142. The media package designed for use in educational settings will include a set of five children's books, six posters, and six 15-minute film clips edited for classroom use from the television series. Teachers and parents will be served by a comprehensive guide to school and home activities that extends the themes of the series and by a critical review of more than 200 children's books with characters or situations related to disability. All accompanying print materials are available by contacting the Human Policy Press, 216 Ostrom Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210. ***** ** Radio Reading Services General Assembly There have been three national conferences on radio as a special service medium for persons with visual and other reading handicaps. The last such conference resulted in the formation of the Association of Radio Reading Services, which was reported on in the April, 1977, issue of The Braille Forum. The Association's Executive Committee has met twice, and this comparatively new approach to bridging some of our communications gaps is spreading. Instead of a fourth national conference, the first General Assembly of the new Association will meet at the Colony Hotel, at 7730 Bonhomme Street, in Clayton (a suburb of St. Louis), Missouri 63105, May 15-18, 1978. Rose Hurwitz, Director of the Audio Reader, Broadcasting Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, is the program chairperson for the General Assembly. Additional information about the General Assembly can be obtained from Mrs. Hurwitz and through the Association's newsletter, HEARSAY, which is edited by Walter Boninger, Director of the Cleveland service, 1909 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. Participating members of the Association are broadcasting services, both subcarrier and open-channel. Some of the subcarrier services broadcast as many as 19 hours daily. Generally, the open-channel broadcasts are for much shorter time periods than the subcarriers. It is anticipated that the forthcoming General Assembly will be attended by many who are seeking information about the establishment and operation of radio reading services, as well as by voting delegates from member services. One of the major purposes of the Association is to assist and encourage additional services in other areas throughout the country. ***** ** State Agency Directors Still Divided The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) held its 1977 annual meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota. The political factionalism which resulted in a Court-directed election in NCSAB in 1976 was still very much in evidence at this meeting. After a serious and substantial program, the two factions contested for each elective position. Mervin J. Flander of Nevada defeated Charles Freeman of Missouri for President-Elect by a vote of 18 to 15. Claude Seale of Tennessee defeated Charles Freeman of Missouri by a vote of 20 to 13. Wayne McEachin of Georgia defeated William Waters of North Carolina by a vote of 26 to 7. Stanley Potter of Minnesota was elected to a board position with 18 votes, with 10 voting for Travis Harris and 5 voting for William Waters. Rodney Kossick of Wisconsin was elected to the second board position, receiving 18 votes, to 15 votes for William Waters. All of the Nominating Committee's recommendations were elected except Travis Harris. Harry Vines of Texas, who was the President-Elect, will serve as President until the 1978 annual meeting. The factional division was emphasized by their choice to sit on opposite sides of the aisle. The factional division was also strong on the issue of proposed by­law changes. Kenneth Jernigan of Iowa pointed out that NCSAB is still divided. He said that the people were more polite than they were a year ago, but that the division still exists. He cautioned that a failure to let the minority be heard would decide whether there would be one National Council or two. He pointed out that the election indicated that the "other side" has the majority, even though it is a small one. He admitted that they could force their will on "us," but could not force "us" to comply. He threatened that if the constitution is forced down "our" throats, there will be a price tag. A motion was adopted to postpone consideration of constitutional amendments until the next annual meeting and to distribute a preliminary draft at the spring, 1978 meeting. Mervin J. Flander, in arguing against the postponement, pointed out that decisions have to be faced. He described NCSAB as a forum for administrators of state agencies in the liaison between those agencies and the Federal office and other private agencies. He pointed out that it is not unusual for a president to be guided by an executive committee and a board of directors, and that is what the proposed constitution intends to do. He emphasized the need for leadership. He concluded his remarks by stating that a two-thirds vote of those present and voting would be required to adopt the new constitution or any part of it. That would not constitute pushing it down anybody's throat. ** 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. * Whose Rights? I have to confess that I am viewing all the recent forward strides in civil rights with mixed emotions. It's great that much of what we have struggled for over these many years is now being spelled out in the statute books, but there are some things about all this that disturb me a little. Having been educated in a residential school for the blind, whose alumni association I served for many years as secretary, I was permitted to get acquainted with many members of that older generation of blind people who were prime movers in the real struggle -- to earn an independent living for themselves as individuals and to make their collective voice heard in the legislative halls as they formed the organizations at the local and state levels that have become part of our present organized blind movement. For them there were no home teachers, college educations with state-provided readers and equipment, placement services, rehabilitation centers, etc. Some of them, as unsalaried volunteers, actually became the first home teachers. Others went on to succeed in the fields for which the schools for the blind had trained them, limited as those fields were, while a few intrepid souls pioneered in new, untried occupations, opening the way for others to follow. And many, even of those who had not written success stories for themselves, were delightful people to know -- resourceful, articulate -- the kind of people of whom it can only be said, "the Lord made just one and threw the pattern away."' They had something many of us lack today. it is an indefinable something -- a heartiness born out of struggle, perhaps. I am saying all of that to say this: I wonder what the next generation is going to be like. Enjoying rights and privileges spelled out by law, public-school education from first grade through college, with the finest equipment and resources available, plus all the weight of specialized agencies, State and Federal, thrown into the effort of getting them jobs — will they be as resourceful, imaginative, and self-reliant as those dear pioneers I grew up admiring so much? Another question that comes to mind is just whose rights will be served by all this legislation. Some years ago, I almost got on the Board of Directors of an organization called Handicaps for Christ. Its founding head was a spastic who was something of a visionary without much practicality. One of his projects on the "drawing board" was a vacation Bible school for handicapped children. The more I talked with him about the project, the more obvious it became that by "handicapped children," he meant those with some form of spasticity. I pointed out to him that it was possible to have ten children come to his Bible school with ten completely different handicaps, involving that many educational disciplines and necessitating a one-to-one program. And many of us who are handicapped are just about that short-sighted. In some cities, the curbs at downtown intersections have been eliminated because of lobbying of the wheelchair people, thus increasing the difficulty of downtown travel for all but the best-oriented blind people. There has been quite a move afoot to get U.S. currency marked with braille, when it is a well-known fact that only about 25% of blind people can read braille. Or, while we're building or remodeling things to accommodate the handicapped, let's not forget to consider the midgets. I had a tiny friend who lost her vote because of her inability to reach the buttons on the machines in her polling place. Finally, we were taught way back down in the grades that every night brings with it a duty and a responsibility. We must recognize the duty and the responsibility that come with those rights. We must exercise those rights, and we must exercise them in an appropriate fashion. It is not beyond the realm of possibility, for instance, that some blind fanatic will apply for a driving job with a taxi company and try to throw Section 504 at the management when his application is denied on account of blindness. We ought to take a leaf from the book of those who went before us and struggled to make all this possible, and say not, "You have to adapt your world so we can work in it," but, "Just give us a chance to work alongside you in your world and show you what we can do." -- Mary Walton, Kansas City, Missouri ***** ** Report on Utah Council State Convention By Lloyd Jacklin A small, but enthusiastic, crowd helped to make the 1978 Utah Council of the Blind state convention a delightful success. The January 21 convention, held in Salt Lake City, featured a number of outstanding speakers and interesting activities. Speaking with energy and conviction was Barbara Toomer, who prodded members of the council to be more aggressive in seeking the rights of the handicapped. One of the most pleasant activities of the day was a sit-down luncheon at a local restaurant, where good food, entertainment, and a talk by guest speaker, George Fogarty, were enjoyed. Entertainment was provided by singer Patsy Mecham and guitarist Owen Clark, two outstanding performers. Guest speaker, George Fogarty, of Oakland, California, gave a stimulating and beautifully worded oration on the History of the Blind Movement in the U.S. Among the afternoon speakers was Dr. John Crandell, Professor at Brigham Young University, and a former member of the National Accreditation Council. Dr. Crandell explained the need for accreditation of agencies working with the blind and outlined the procedures used by NAC in granting accreditation. The term of office this year for four members of the Council's Board of Directors expired. Elections held at this year's convention saw Tesse Jones elected to a second term as UCB Vice-President. Lloyd Jacklin was elected to a second term as Information Director. The new Membership Director is Shirley Foulger, and the Treasurer's slot will now be filled by Robert Rutherford. The highlight of each year's convention is the presentation of the Albert and Sarah Talmage Awards. These awards are presented each year to one blind person and one sighted person who have demonstrated outstanding and dedicated service to the blind. This year's Sarah Talmage Award went to Doris Whittier. One of her outstanding achievements was in operating the Library Services for the Blind program in Utah. The Albert Talmage Award was given to Jack Yeaman. Mr. Yeaman has worked for many years as Coordinator of Professional Services for the Utah State Department of Services for the Visually Handicapped. Prior to that he worked with the blind in Wyoming. Now that the 1978 convention is history, UCB members are eagerly anticipating playing host to the ACB National Convention in Salt Lake City, this July. ***** ** Here and There By George Card A UPI bulletin dated Memphis reports that Dr. Irving C. Filderman is claiming that the red contact lens can be used successfully to meet the color blindness problems of eight and a half million Americans. Patients who have never seen red or green say that colors seem to jump out at them. It cannot be used in both eyes because that would knock out all but the red wavelengths. Filderman said the insertion of the dark red lens is not an instant cure. He recommends that a training process, guided by a professional, be started for the patient to develop color awareness. From the Florida White Cane: People can be divided into three groups -- those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. A new HEW pamphlet called "Your Rights as a Disabled Person" will be distributed in English and Spanish Braille. It explains that new laws and regulations now offer to handicapped persons civil rights guarantees such as those previously extended to minorities and women. The Florida Division of Blind Services has today recruited, tested and assisted in the training of well over a hundred blind persons who are still on the job with SSA. These blind clients, of whom many are totally blind, have graduated from nine classes during the past six years. They work as service representatives, starting at the GS-4 level, earning $8,316 annually and can be promoted to Grades Five, Six and Seven in the same category, with the top salary being $14,979. Early graduates are now at a Grade Seven and recent graduates are rapidly getting there. Also a number have been promoted to Claims Representative and supervisory ranks -- An interesting project at Florida State University at Gainesville is aimed at the standardization of many of the technical Braille codes. Miss Marjorie Hooper, former editor at the American Printing House for the Blind, is in charge of this three-year research project. Chris Gray, newly elected president of our Washington affiliate, writes in the Braille Reporter: "It is not enough for us to have secured a Commission for the Blind; now blind people must be actively looking out for the well-being of this Commission so that it may provide the highest possible level of service." From the Seeing Eye Guide: At her job as a computer programmer for the Space Division of Rockwell International in California, a Seeing Eye graduate, Patty Bird, is called affectionately "Miss Independence" by her colleagues. Miss Bird's work is connected with the Shuttle Avionics Development Laboratory, part of the projected space shuttle phase of the U.S. space exploration program. Here job revolves around such technical concepts as frequency response mechanization, symbolic table translator, payload integration software and assembly loader data based checkout. Miss Bird carries out her assignments on a Braille line printer terminal. She also uses a braille writer and an Optacon scanner in her work to allow conversion of display terminal text to finger-touch character presentation. From the Vermont Informer: Through the efforts of Al Nichols and the cooperation of Kent Stoneman, Commissioner of Social and Rehabilitative Services, the long-dormant Advisory Committee of Blind Citizens has been revived. Every two to three months, in a smoke-filled room somewhere in Montpelier, there is a meeting of this body for the sole purpose of guiding the Division of the Blind in directions that best serve the blind of Vermont -- here were two items on the VCB convention agenda which dealt with vision. There are some new magnification devices which are more convenient than the older, bulkier devices. An example is a plastic sheet which magnifies. Plastic is light and flexible, it can be cut to any size, thereby allowing the user to adjust it to his or her needs. George Fogarty has sent me a newsletter containing the following item: Emik Avakian, a young cerebral palsy victim in Connecticut, can't push a chair, feed himself, or even communicate, but he did invent bloodless brain surgery using laser beams, and also computerized instantaneous airline reservations. From the Hoosier Star-Light: More will soon be heard about Digibraille, a portable braille writer that stores coded braille and/or voice on cassette for later use. It was developed in France and will soon be demonstrated in this country. From Time: Of the 400,000 who had cataract operations last year, the majority must now wear the distinctive and somewhat unflattering thick spectacles. But more than 50,000 of them have no need for special glasses; they have undergone a controversial new procedure -- the implanting in the eye of a tiny artificial "intraocular" lens. For carefully selected patients, many leading ophthalmologists are now replacing clouded human lenses with permanent plastic substitutes. Of the patients who received the implants last year, 85% have essentially normal vision now. From the AFB Washington Report: Patricia Roberts Harris, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has announced that a new Office of Independent Living for the Disabled will be established in HUD. This new agency will report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Housing and will work to make HUD more aware of the housing environmental needs of Americans with disabilities. The ACBC Digest reports that a bill to make persons eligible for jury duty has been passed and signed by the Governor of California. At the last convention of the Missouri Federation of the Blind, it would seem that one of the long-term objectives of that group had been attained, at least for the time being. The convention was assured by officials of the State School for the Blind that, from now on, all "capable" blind students will be required to learn braille. The sad part, in this writer's opinion, is that so many of the type now being admitted in increasing numbers to our fine old residential schools are not "capable" of learning much of anything. From the Missouri Chronicle: An apparatus to enable visually impaired people to use electronic mini-calculators has been developed in Sweden. The device can be connected to most calculators on the market by a special conductor joint and has a display panel with metal studs which produce sound signals when touched. The frequency and position of the signals indicate the calculated results in up to twelve digits. A model fitted with a large digit display, instead of the sound signals, is available for people with low vision. The Los Angeles Times reports that John Meador, Assistant Attorney General for Improvements in the Administration of Justice, lost his sight at the age of fifty and offered to resign, but on the urging of Attorney-General Griffin Bell, decided to try to carry on. He has succeeded brilliantly. His voice and his views have carried great weight in the preparation of the bill which Congress will reforms consider this session, and which will bring about the most sweeping reforms in the administration of civil and criminal justice in the history of this country. They tell me that penny candies have not really disappeared; they have just acquired 15˘ wrappers. The Illinois Braille Messenger tells of the change in name of the Illinois Braille and Sightsaving School to the Illinois State School for the Visually Handicapped. From the MAB News: New York City will take the lead in accommodations specifically designed and equipped for the blind when a twelve-floor, 200-apartment dwelling for the sightless is completed in 1979. Textured doorknobs which identify various rooms, specially designed kitchens and bathroom, elevators with braille numbers and "audio enunciators" (to announce each floor), and a 24-hour security system will be some of the building's unique features. Financed by the Federal Department of Housing Development, the building will be one of two in the country (the other is in Omaha, Nebraska) designed for the exclusive use of the blind -- The Michigan Office of Services to the Blind ranks first among twenty-two states surveyed in the percentage of handicapped persons employed by blind agencies, according to a recent HEW report. The report indicated that 33.7% of Michigan blind services personnel were handicapped. Idaho was second with 32.1%. New York had the lowest proportion with 4.1% handicapped. ###