The Braille Forum Vol. XVIII May, 1980 No. 11 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Mary T. Ballard, Editor ***** * President: Oral O. Miller 3701 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 236 Washington, DC 20008 * 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 ** ACB Officers * President: Oral O. Miller, 3701 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 236, Washington, DC 20008 * First Vice President: Delbert K. Aman, 115 Fifth Avenue, S.E., Aberdeen, SD 57401 * Second Vice President: Dr. Robert T. McLean, 2139 Joseph Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 * Secretary: M. Helen Vargo, 833 Oakley Street, Topeka, KS 66606 * Treasurer: James R. Olsen, 6211 Sheridan Avenue, S., Minneapolis, MN 55423 ** Contributing Editors George Card 605 South Few Street Madison, WI 53703 Elizabeth Lennon 1315 Greenwood Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 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 Report from the ACB President, Oral O. Miller ACB the Winner -- Derbytown Convention, 1980, by Carla S. Franklin ACB to Sponsor National Symposium on Section 504 Career Development Seminar A Propitious Moment for You, by Pat Price "Getting to Know You" -- ACB Parents, by Lyle J. Williams The Who, What, When, and Where Workshop, by Harold Dachtler Fabulous New Awards Program by ACB In Defense of the Hawaii State Animal Quarantine Regulations, by Yoshiaki Nakamoto Blind American Skiers Do Well in Their First Olympic Competition, by Oral O. Miller From the Archives: Cards on the Table -- Excerpts from George Card Letter Sibley Resigns Peace Corps Seeking Disabled Volunteers Communication Aids for the Blind: Calculators for the Blind; Resource List, by Leonard Mowinski and Harvey Lauer In Memoriam: Grant Longenecker Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Notice to Subscribers ***** ** Report from the ACB President, Oral O. Miller By the time this article goes to press, the ACB/IFB-sponsored Leadership Training Seminar will have taken place in Chicago the weekend of April 18-20, 1980. ACB Action Memorandum 80-01 on the subject was mailed to members in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri in early March, and as of this writing, we expect well over a hundred people to attend. Funds allocated to the seminar by the American Council and the Illinois Federation will be used to provide small travel or hotel subsidies for approximately 80 of the participants. Inasmuch as this will be the first seminar of this type which ACB has conducted, we expect it to be an extremely informative seminar to both the participants and the organizers. A few weeks ago, we authorized a data processing company to start computerizing much of our membership and publications information. That project is well under way, and it is hoped that one of the first benefits from this expensive process will be the more efficient mailing of the 1980 ACB national convention pre-registration packets. As indicated in an earlier report, we are considering the use of a unitized packet which will consist of the mailing envelope, the correct address, the pre-registration form, and the return envelope. Since the use of a computerized mailing list and a unitized packet will be "firsts" for the ACB, we ask for your patience as we work out the "bugs" which most new systems have. In late March of this year, it was my pleasure to speak to the members of the ACB of California during their semi-annual state convention, held in beautiful San Diego. While I was not in southern California long enough to enjoy the sunshine and balmy temperatures (I had just left the cold rains, wind, and light snow of the Midwest), I had an opportunity to hear at least part of a program which had as its theme the understanding of other handicaps. Before long, we expect to be ready to discuss with the Office for Civil Rights the cases of many blind applicants for positions who were summarily declined or treated improperly in some other way. We have already received a number of letters from people who were so mistreated, but our case would be stronger if we knew of a few more unsuccessful blind applicants. Accordingly, if you have not already written to me, please do so at your early convenience concerning your unfavorable experiences with the Office for Civil Rights. In view of its potential value to the American Council of the Blind and its importance as an indicator of the community spirit of a large watch manufacturer, I encourage you to read the article appearing elsewhere in this issue of The Braille Forum regarding the new awards program being inaugurated at the 1980 ACB national convention in Louisville. Before long, you will be receiving the pre-registration material for the 1980 ACB national convention and the conferences of its special-interest affiliates, which, as you undoubtedly know, will take place in Louisville the week of July 12-19. I urge you to come to this year's convention and program of special-interest seminars and conferences, because 1980 should be our best year yet. I have noticed over the years that many of our affiliates send only a handful of representatives to the national convention. While I realize that attending the convention may be expensive, I would like to emphasize that attending the national convention is one way in which every member can add to the effectiveness of the American Council of the Blind as a consumers organization. Not only do we need your input concerning resolutions, by-laws amendments, reactions to program presentations, and all decisions made by the ACB, but your presence adds to the impact of the statements and positions of the Council in its dealings with government officials, educators, and everyone else whose activities are of relevance to the blind. The host committee in Louisville has planned an outstanding week of interesting, informative, stimulating, and enjoyable activities, and I know that all of you would enjoy them and benefit from them. Further, participating in the business of the ACB by attending the national convention is a very legitimate use for affiliate funds. So, as in the past, I urge each of the affiliates to do everything it can to assist its members in coming to the convention. ***** ** ACB to Offer New Membership Service The American Council of the Blind is currently negotiating with a national pharmaceutical company to arrange another special benefit program for ACB members. Although there are still some details to be worked out, the following is a general outline of the program. The pharmaceutical company would offer a mail-order prescription service. Prescriptions mailed to them would be filled and mailed back the same day they are received. Prices would be at an especially competitive rate -- a rate that is now available only in certain select stores around the country. An additional substantial saving would be available if prescription specifies generic drugs rather than brand names. This company stocks only the finest generics, and the use of these rather than brand names would not mean any diminishment in quality. The savings involved in the use of generic drugs can be startling. For instance, the price for 100 tablets of Dramamine (50 mg.) is listed as $2.07. One hundred tablets (same dosage) of the generic drug, Dimenhydrinate, costs $4.51. The new program of low-price prescriptions and mail-order convenience will be available to ACB members only. Further details will be forthcoming, probably in a mailing to the membership. ***** ** ACB the Winner -- Derbytown Convention, 1980 By Carla Franklin May is Derbytown in Louisville. By the time you read this article, a lucky three­year-old will have won the Run for the Roses. May is also the month that we know for a certainty that the upcoming ACB convention will be the winner; it's going to be the greatest, most entertaining, and most informative convention you've ever attended. Plan to come to Louisville on July 12 so you can participate in the Section 504 workshop. This event was very popular last year and has been expanded into a two-day activity. July 13-15 will be packed with meetings, discussions, workshops, and tours -- all planned by and for special-interest organizations or focusing on areas of special concern. There's a special group or organization to fit almost every interest or background. A list of ACB special-interest affiliates was published in the March Braille Forum; details on seminars such as the Section 504 and Publications workshops will be found elsewhere in this issue. The 1980 ACB convention will run officially from Wednesday, July 16, through Saturday, July 19. There will be presentations on many subjects of interest to blind and visually handicapped people, including education, rehabilitation and placement programs, sheltered workshops, new aids and services for the blind, and much more. The convention will chart the course for ACB in the coming year; there will be discussion of important resolutions and Constitution and By-Law amendments, reports of ACB activities during the past year, and election of directors to the ACB Board. To be a part of the American Council of the Blind, to make sure your ideas and opinions are heard, you must be present at these important business sessions. So much for business! Everyone knows that conventions are fun, and this one is guaranteed to be fantastic. There will be two dances; banquets and luncheons; dinner and racing at Louisville Downs; tours to the American Printing House for the Blind, a distillery, and a cigarette factory; the Awards Gala; a trip to historic Bardstown and the world-famous musical, "The Stephen Foster Story" -- just to name some of the special events planned for you. Additional events will be announced in the pre-registration packet and in the convention program. Almost every convention-goer wants to know about food and ACBers are no exception. Louisville boasts some fine restaurants of every description. And, you will be happy to know, many of these great places are downtown -- close to the Galt House -- close to the ACB convention. You're going to love eating your way through Convention Week (No diets, please!). The Galt House -- is it really great? Just ask Dean and Dawn Flewwellin, in the March Vendorscope. In Dean's words, the Galt House is plush. Every room has radio and TV, air conditioning, plenty of closet and storage space. Each room overlooks either the Ohio River or downtown Louisville. The hotel staff is anxious to host the convention and will be well prepared to assist blind and visually handicapped people. The restaurants in the Galt House have excellent food and the service is above average. Room rates are: $19, single; $25, double; $29, triple; $33, quad; $85, one-bedroom suite. Make reservations by writing the Galt House, 140 N. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202, or by calling (502) 589-5200. Watch your mail for your pre-registration packet. It will give you valuable information on the convention and will contain a pre-registration form. Complete the form right away, and return it, along with your check or money order to cover the activities for which you wish to register, to the address shown on the form. See you in Louisville in July! ***** ** ACB to Sponsor National Symposium on Section 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the regulation which prohibits discrimination against disabled persons by recipients of Federal financial assistance. It is the first civil rights legislation designed to afford disabled people protection against such discrimination. The passage and implementation of this regulation represents battles long fought and hard won by disabled persons and their advocates. Now, nearly three years after the effective date of the regulation, some recipients and members of Congress are beginning to take steps to "water down" the effectiveness of 504. The Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare has provided for Section 504 training workshops for disabled persons and their advocates. Never before in its funding history has OCR funded such training experiences. To ensure that the effectiveness of Section 504 is not diminished, disabled persons must know their rights and guarantees afforded by this regulation. American Council of the Blind members and friends will have an opportunity to participate in a Section 504 training experience. On Saturday, July 12, at 1:00 P.M., a National Symposium on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will commence. Those who participate for the day-and-a-half symposium will not only become familiar with the regulation and its mandates, but will also learn techniques for effective negotiation. The three persons who will do the major portion of the training are Reese Robrahn, Todd Eggert, and Donna Eggert. Reese has been involved in the development of Section 504 training programs funded by the Office for Civil Rights and has served as a primary trainer in many. Todd Eggert is currently employed by the American Association of School Administrators, providing technical assistance with respect to Section 504 compliance by school administrators. Donna Eggert, now employed by ACB, has served as a trainer in many Section 509 workshops, including the workshop sponsored by ACB in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since materials must be prepared in appropriate media (braille, large print, tape), persons who are interested in participating in this symposium are requested to inform the ACB National Office as soon as possible. Braille copies of the regulations are scarce. As much lead time as possible is needed in order to secure an appropriate number. This is a good opportunity for ACB members and friends to learn their rights and guarantees as provided by Section 504. ***** ** Career Development Seminar The American Council of the Blind Federal Employees is sponsoring a one-day Career Development Seminar in Louisville on Monday, July 14. The seminar will be conducted by Helen Dix, a management consultant who has developed an eight-day course for the Federal Office of Personnel Management. The seminar is designed to help participants learn ways to take charge of their own careers, choosing what to do with the working portion of life. The seminar will be limited to only twenty participants and will be available on a first-come basis. If by June 15 all slots are not reserved by Federal employees, others who express interest will be accepted. The cost of the seminar will be $15, and this amount must accompany all reservations. Five dollars will be withheld from refunds if an accepted participant cancels after July 1. Send check, made payable to the ACB Federal Employees, along with request for participation, to Raymond (Bud) Keith, President, ACB Federal Employees, 737 N. Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22203. ***** ** A Propitious Moment for You By Pat Price A unique opportunity awaits you at the 1980 Job Fair sponsored by the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, Inc. (VISTA), Tuesday, July 15, at the Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky. There, from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., it will be possible for you to explore job opportunities with a number of potential employers. This Job Fair has been designed to facilitate contact between employers seeking qualified applicants and blind or visually impaired applicants seeking meaningful employment in business and industry. This may be the propitious moment to launch YOUR new and exciting vocational career. If you are interested in participating in this free service as an applicant or as an employer, please contact either VISTA's Job Fair Coordinator, Bonnie Adams, c/o O.S.S. -- Suite 330, 1543 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015; phone (213) 385-5006, or VISTA President, Pat Price, 337 S. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46201; phone (317) 925-9621 or 356-7725. Note: The list of employer participants is not yet complete, but will be available at the ACB Convention Registration Desk. ***** ** "Getting To Know You" -- ACB Parents By Lyle J. Williams, Program Chairman The theme of the first annual conference of the American Council of the Blind Parents is "Getting to Know You," and that is exactly what we would like to be about. If you are a blind or a sighted parent, a newly blinded person, or simply a person interested in increased public education on blindness, please join us. After listening to speakers on family relations, child psychology, law, mobility, and educational research, you can join us in free-swinging rap sessions. We will see you on July 14 and 15 at the Galt House in Louisville. ***** ** The Who, What, When, and Where Workshop By Harold Dachtler, Chairman ACB Board of Publications When making plans for the forthcoming convention of the American Council of the Blind, please reserve the afternoon of Tuesday, July 15, from 1 :30 to 4:30 for the Publications Workshop sponsored by the ACB Board of Publications. The workshop is a two-way street; therefore, we expect those in attendance to contribute their experiences, knowledge and ideas, as well as their problems, and to take away with them much information which will assist them in the writing, content, production, and distribution of their publications. The format of the workshop will be informal; information provided will be contributed by those in attendance and those sharing in the presentations. We encourage those in attendance to bring copies of their publications to share with others. A feature of the workshop will be George Covington. George has a degree in journalism and law, is a board member of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, works as program analyst for the U.S. Department of the Interior. George suggests that the areas to be covered in the workshop could be entitled "The $8 Wonder," "Writing So Dick and Jane Can Read It," and "Walter Cronkite, Here It Is." The object of the workshop is to dispense information and to solve problems. Come and share; come and learn. ***** ** Fabulous New Awards Program by ACB Through the generosity and sense of community spirit of the second largest watch manufacturer in the world, the Citizens Watch Company of Japan, arrangements have been made for fifty beautiful and rather expensive braille wrist watches to be presented during the 1980 ACB national convention Awards and Charter Gala to fifty lucky and deserving ACB members. In no way will this program detract from the national awards traditionally presented -- namely, the Ambassador Award, the George Card Award, the Robert S. Bray Award, and the Ned E. Freeman Award. The awards to be announced here are in addition to the aforementioned ones. There is to be one watch presented to one member of each ACB state affiliate, who has been selected to receive it because of his or her involvement and participation in community activities and activities in furtherance of the objectives of the affiliate and the American Council of the Blind (in areas such as membership development, public education as to the rights and abilities of the blind, advocacy in furtherance of the rights of the blind, integration of the blind into the sighted community, service to other members of the affiliate, and cooperation with other organizations and groups in furtherance of the rights of the blind and the handicapped generally). While these standards are not all-inclusive, they should be the principal ones considered. In ACB Action Memorandum 80-02, mailed during mid-April, 1980, we asked the president of each state affiliate to see that these awards are publicized as soon as possible and to set up impartial procedures for the selection of the recipient from among the membership of the state affiliate. The name and address of the recipient from each affiliate should be sent to the ACB National Office by July 1, 1980, so the name of each recipient can be announced and all recipients can be appropriately recognized during the Awards and Charter Gala on Wednesday evening, July 16, at the Galt House in Louisville. The watches will be presented by a representative of the Citizens Watch Company. Let me repeat that it is the responsibility of each state affiliate president to see that selection procedures which are acceptable to the members of his or her affiliate are set up and followed. It will not be absolutely necessary for recipients to be present in Louisville, but it would be very desirable and appropriate for them to be there in order to be recognized and to help this new program receive the recognition it deserves. In addition to the watches referred to above, there will be braille wrist watches presented to: 1) A blind person who has done outstanding work in opening employment opportunities for the blind; 2) A blind person who has performed outstanding service as a teacher in a state or local school system as a teacher of the blind or sighted; 3) A blind student who has achieved significance and meaningful accomplishments while in high school or college (referring to someone who is now a student); 4) A blind person who has done outstanding work as a volunteer to the American Council of the Blind or one of its affiliates; 5) A blind person who has done outstanding work in the field of membership development; and 6) The blind person receiving the Ambassador Award (as announced in a previous issue of The Braille Forum). It is not necessary for nominations for the above six awards to be submitted by affiliates; anyone may submit a nomination. We ask, however, that, if possible, nomination letters should not exceed three typewritten pages in length. Nominations may also be submitted in braille or on cassette tape. Nominations for the six awards specifically referred to above should be sent by June 1, 1980, to the Awards Committee chairperson, Mrs. Karen Perzentka, 6913 Colony Drive, Madison, WI 53717. Unless there are very special circumstances connected with a nomination, she will not be able to acknowledge the receipt of each nomination, but she will contact all winners by July 1, 1980, so they make a special effort to be present at the Awards and Charter Gala in Louisville. ***** ** In Defense of the Hawaii State Animal Quarantine Regulations By Yoshiaki Nakamoto We, the members of the Aloha Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, defend the adoption of our resolution opposing Resolution 79-07 of the American Council of the Blind regarding enforcement of the Hawaii State Animal Quarantine Regulation (hereinafter referred to as "Regulations") against dog guides. A copy of our resolution was sent to each ACB affiliate president, and the resolution is here reprinted in full at the conclusion of this article. We oppose ACB Resolution 79-07 for the following reasons: I. The Regulations do not violate any constitutional rights of the owners of animals. II. Vaccination is not a fail-safe method to control the spread of rabies. III. Despite advancements made in the field of medicine, no modern treatment exists. IV. A dog guide is given preferential treatment by the administrator of the Regulations. V. The members of the American Council of the Blind and its affiliates should not challenge the Regulations based on misinformation, because the exemption of a dog guide from such regulations may jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of residents of and visitors to the State of Hawaii. * I. No Violation of Constitutional Rights In Rosenthal v. State of Hawaii, decided on May 11, 1979, Judge Martin Pence of the United States Federal District Court for the State of Hawaii ruled that the Regulations is a proper exercise of police power by the State of Hawaii because there is a rational basis for such regulation. The rational basis to prevent or minimize spread of diseases by animals (for example, rabies), for the health, safety, and welfare of residents of or visitors to the State of Hawaii, is to confine animals for a given period. (Other island nations which have similar quarantine regulations are England, where animals are confined for six months rather than four months, as in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and the Territory of Guam.) Moreover, the Regulations do not confine the movement of the owner of an animal. Plaintiff's movement in this case may have been restricted because he is blind and utilizes a dog guide to assist him in his movement. However, plaintiff could have moved about either with the assistance of a cane or a sighted individual. Therefore, no constitutional right of travel has been denied to an owner of an animal. Plaintiff has not filed an appeal to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit. ** II. Vaccination Not Fail-Safe Regarding the efficacy of vaccinating animals to control rabies, we submit the sworn statement of Dr. Ned Weibenga, Chief of the Epidemiology Branch, Department of Health, State of Hawaii, in his Affidavit in the case: 5. I do not recommend substituting the 120-day quarantine program with mandatory vaccination because: a. There is documentation spanning 30 years which indicates that vaccination of animals is not perfect because the body may not develop the necessary rabies antibodies. b. My own research indicates that 80% of human subjects vaccinated against rabies do not produce the antigens to counter the rabies virus. c. The vaccination proposals would be ineffective because they do not address vaccinating wild animals which may be rabid ... 7. Losing the rabies-free status would necessitate annual vaccinations of all dogs, cats, and other animals susceptible to rabies; a diagnostic service for any bite victims; and a supply of rabies vaccine, as well as vaccination of all animal bite victims -- all at public expense. In support of the foregoing statements, by letter of February 13, 1976, Everette F. Baker, Jr., D. V. M., Veterinary Officer, Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Atlanta, Georgia, states: "Regarding reduction of the rabies quarantine on dogs and cats from 120 to 60 days ... our rabies staff has discussed this problem on numerous occasions with Hawaiian health and agricultural officials in an attempt to seek a more satisfactory system, but none has been identified ... " Dr. Baker further indicates that the State of Hawaii has a unique problem because of its mongoose population. He states that "no effective method has been developed for mongoose rabies control ... " By way of explanation, a mongoose resembles a squirrel without a bushy tail, with face like a rat. Their habitat is the sugar cane and pineapple fields in this state, and there is no actual count as to population. This is the "X" factor regarding the efficacy of controlling rabies by vaccination. ** III. No Modern Treatment Despite the unprecedented breakthroughs by medical science in the treatment of various types of illnesses that afflict mankind, the treatment for any person bitten by any rabid animal has remained the same for the past forty years or more. That is, any such person must take injections from 14 to 21 consecutive days on his or her abdomen to counteract the ravages of rabies. A member of the Aloha Council underwent such injections during her early teens. She states that they are very painful and she would not want to go through such an experience again. Perhaps persons interested in pursuing this phase of the problem should contact public health authorities of the City of Houston, Texas, who have been, and may still be, attempting to cope with a rabies epidemic in that city. The foregoing statements (except for the reference to the City of Houston) are supported by Dr. Weibenga, who stated in his Affidavit: 6. The vaccination of humans is a painful process because it produces allergic reaction such as redness of the inoculated area, fever, and could lead to anaphylactic shock. Moreover, rabies vaccination carries a small risk of a post­vaccinal encephalitis, and serum from non-human sources produces serum sickness in many recipients ... 7. Presently there is no known cure for rabies after the victim has developed the clinical symptoms of rabies. 8. Death by rabies is an extremely painful process, marked by fever, nausea, vomiting, extreme agitation, combativeness, marked apprehension, fear, rage, and sometimes hallucinations. The most characteristic symptom is extremely painful contraction of the throat muscles and difficulty in swallowing. * IV. Special Dispensation for Dog Guides The Director of the Department of Health, State of Hawaii, has a special procedure governing the quarantining of dog guides. The procedure is to allow the use of the dog guide by its owner during daylight hours. Since the dog is confined to the quarantine station at night, the blind owner is given preference in the use of a cottage at a nominal cost at the station. Additional requirements are that the dog guide be muzzled and on a leash when the dog leaves the quarantine station. Further, a sighted person must accompany the blind owner when the dog is not confined at the quarantine station. The use of the muzzle and the presence of a sighted person are to protect any person from being bitten, and should such an incident occur, the sighted person is to immediately notify the quarantine manager. (It is worthy of note that because of the publicity regarding the Rosenthal case, other owners of animals have become aware of the special consideration given to dog guides and their owners. They have raised the issue of discrimination. Consequently, the administrator of the quarantine station is studying whether or not the special procedure for dog guides should be abolished.) A member of the Aloha Council who has used a dog guide for twenty years suggests that if any blind person is coming to visit Hawaii, it would be advisable to leave the dog guide at home. His reason is that a dog guide is not really effective in a new environment until the dog guide becomes familiar with the established routine of a blind person. In other words, a dog guide is of very limited use to a blind person for short visits because the dog guide would not know the destination of the blind person. On the other hand, when a blind person comes to Hawaii to establish permanent residence, there would be an excellent opportunity during daylight hours of the 120-day quarantine period for dog and owner to familiarize themselves with the neighborhood in which the blind person expects to reside. * V. Exemption of Any Animal Would Jeopardize the Health, Safety and Welfare of Residents of and Visitors to the State of Hawaii We who are blind and visually impaired may be jeopardizing the health, safety, and welfare of residents of and visitors to the State of Hawaii by seeking an exemption for dog guides from the Regulations. As such, are we, the blind and visually impaired, insensitive to the need to protect the residents of and visitors to the State of Hawaii just to obtain an exemption for a dog guide whose confinement is temporary and, at most, an inconvenience to a blind owner? The members of the Aloha Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired characterize such confinement as an inconvenience to the blind owner of a dog guide because he or she has other options for mobility, such as the cane or the assistance of a sighted person. We cannot conceive that the members of the American Council of the Blind would want to insist on exempting dog guides from the Regulations at the expense of affecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents of and visitors to Hawaii. In short, this is a situation where the inconvenience of a few should not override the health, safety, and welfare of many. As stated in our resolution, we feel that ACB Resolution 79-07 was adopted by members of the American Council of the Blind who were present at the 1979 annual convention based on misinformation and emotional statements. Therefore, we trust that the members of the American Council who supported Resolution 79-07 will read and consider our statements in defense of the Regulations and support our action to repeal or rescind Resolution 79-07 at the 1980 national convention of the American Council of the Blind, to be held in Louisville, Kentucky. ***** ** Resolution in Opposition to Resolution 79-07 Relative to Quarantine Regulations of the State of Hawaii Against Guide Dogs WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 7, 1979, introduced and adopted a resolution: (1) opposing the quarantine regulations of the State of Hawaii in regards to guide dogs; (2) supporting the Guide Dog Users, Inc., in its attempt to develop acceptable regulations with respect to guide dogs entering the State from the mainland; and (3) supporting any litigation that may be instituted by any organization or individual regarding the quarantine regulations of the State of Hawaii; and WHEREAS, members of the Aloha Council of the Blind who were in attendance at said convention spoke against the adoption of the resolution without success; and WHEREAS, the members of the Aloha Council of the Blind believe that the members and affiliates of the American Council of the Blind are not aware of the regulations and practices applicable to guide dogs with respect to the Hawaii State Quarantine Regulation; and WHEREAS, in the case of Stanford Rosenthal v. State of Hawaii, in which Rosenthal, who was blind and had a guide dog, challenged the constitutionality of the Hawaii State Quarantine Regulations in the Federal District Court, State of Hawaii; and WHEREAS, in the foregoing case, the judge of that court ruled that the Hawaii State Quarantine Regulations do not violate the constitutional rights of any individual because the quarantine regulations apply only to animals and not to individuals; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Aloha Council of the Blind in convention assembled in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the Ala Moana Americana Hotel on October 20, 1979, that it goes on record to oppose any attempt by either the American Council of the Blind or any of its affiliates, or any organization or individual, to restrict the application of the quarantine regulations relative to guide dogs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by said Council that it will undertake a project to educate and inform guide dog users regarding the quarantine regulations, so that guide dog users will be familiar with quarantine regulations, and assist such users to cope with such regulations. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Secretary is hereby directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the National Office of the American Council of the Blind and the respective state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** Blind American Skiers Do Well in Their First Olympic Competition By Oral O. Miller Now we know how that little band of American athletes must have felt as they left to take part in the first modern Olympics back in 1896! Although the Olympics were first held almost 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece, not until about 2,496 years later was it decided that the handicapped would benefit from taking part. And so it came about that a few handicapped skiers and skaters took part in the 1976 so-called "Olympics" for the handicapped (who are referred to as "disabled" in international competition). Although participants from various countries took part, the event was not truly "international" as we understand it, and, more importantly, no competition for the blind was conducted. It was against this background that the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD) announced in late 1978 that the 1980 Winter Olympics for the Handicapped would include both downhill or Alpine and cross-country or Nordic skiing competition for the blind, and shortly thereafter, the ISOD appointed the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) to select the American athletes and send them to the 1980 Winter Olympics. What an assignment for a young organization which, up to that time, had never sponsored a single skiing event of any kind! The appointment was a logical one, though, because the USABA is the only organization which was formed for the purpose of encouraging and promoting international competitive opportunities for the blind of America. The USABA had just appointed its head skiing coach and his two assistants when word was received from the ISOD that there would be no competitive events for the blind in downhill skiing, so attention was directed to compiling the names of cross-country skiers who could be considered for selection to the team. Much of the most reliable information about past performances came from Ski for Light, but some came from other sources, also. Unfortunately, though, some of the best skiers in the United States could not be considered because they, although legally blind by American standards, did not come within the international definition of legal blindness — which is 20/400, as contrasted with the 20/200 standard with which we are familiar. Many prospective team members and prospective skiing guides were invited to try out at trials conducted in Colorado in late November, 1979. Due to the limited number of slots assigned to the United States (for skiers, guides, and coaches), it was possible to select only seven skiers, who were George Wurtzel of Michigan, Jim Hendrickson of Washington, John Novotny of Illinois, Harry Cordellos of California, David Grimes of Massachusetts, Judy Dixon of New York, and Debby Cooper Howland of Arizona. The training plan called for the skiers to train and practice whenever and wherever possible before leaving for Norway in late January, but the weatherman dealt their hopes a cruel, cruel blow by dropping almost no snow on the eastern half of the United States during the most snow-free winter in eighty years. The skiers, guides, and coaches who left for Oslo, Norway, in late January knew how that little band of American athletes felt when they left the United States in 1896 to compete in the first modern Olympic Games — unsure, untested, but undaunted. It was my pleasure to accompany the team as the Nordic Group Leader, a position which did not count toward the number of slots allocated to the Nordic team. We were part of an overall American team which included, also, the amputee-skiers of the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association. The team spent almost a week in Oslo training on the various courses which abound there. For several of the blind skiers, that was their first opportunity to ski at all since taking part in the trials in Colorado. On January 30, the 22 teams which had been assembled in Oslo went by special train to the beautiful mountain village of Geilo, about four hours west of Oslo, to prepare for the beginning of competition two days later. It would take too long to spell out how each American did in the three races in which each took part. The women took part in the 5-kilometer race, the 10 km. race, and the 4-by-5 km. relay race (combining in the relay race with women from Canada and Switzerland). The men competed in the 10 km. race, the 20 km. race, and the 4-by-10 km. relay race. Because of the fierce competition from more experienced and better conditioned Europeans, especially the Scandinavians, our skiers generally finished in the lower third of competition. However, almost never did they finish last, and absolutely never did they drop out of a race. Their sense of humor and their determination were always evident. For example, George Wurtzel disdained wearing the traditional racing cap in favor of his ten-gallon Stetson hat, which attracted more than a few comments from Norwegian TV sportscasters and newspaper reporters. Everyone in the Nordic party came away from the competition with determination to do better "the next time," but realizing, also, that they were truly amateurs competing against highly trained and sponsored semi-amateurs. The American training schedule (referred to above) should be compared with one of the Scandinavian programs, which had sent its skiers to an expense-paid training camp for one week every month during the eight months preceding the Olympics. Also, in that same country, each skier had received good equipment, clothing, accessories, and training furnishings valued at approximately $1,800, compared with equipment and clothing valued at about $1,300 provided to each American. The USABA plans to establish a competitive program for both Nordic and Alpine skiers in the near future, and, of course, those programs will be publicized in The Braille Forum. While the traditional American spirit and desire to do well will undoubtedly result in our skiers doing better and better as they become more experienced, I, personally, am very proud of the fine men and women who represented our country in Norway this year, because I believe they embody many of the characteristics and skills which we consider highly desirable, namely, independence, confidence, dignity, ambition, and determination. ***** *** From the Archives In the "internecine struggle" which created dissension within, and ultimately divided, the National Federation of the Blind, George Card held the unenviable distinction of being the most viciously attacked and reviled figure to be involved, his only competitors being Kenneth Jernigan and possibly Jacobus tenBroek. The distinctive feature about these attacks was that they came from both sides of the controversy -- first from the "McDaniel-Boring faction," and after late 1960 from the "Jernigan-tenBroek faction." Card's entire role in this controversy is complex and difficult to understand and will be outlined in some detail in an early issue. In the first year and a half of published controversy, George Card was continuously attacked and maligned by the Federation Free Press Association. However, after the Miami convention in 1960, Card came to be an ally of the very movement which had criticized him in the past. This opened him to vindictive character assassination and innuendo in The Braille Monitor, the magazine which he had edited just months previous. The following article was in part an answer to some of these charges and in part an explanation of his change of position away from the "Jernigan-tenBroek faction." It is also a call to NFB affiliates to understand that their money was being squandered and their organization wasted in the personal vindication of one man. Reference is made in the article to the "Card Amendment." The so-called Card Amendment to the NFB Constitution was adopted on July 5, 1958. It originated as a relatively short resolution passed by the Executive Committee on September 7, 1957, and circulated as a proposed constitutional amendment by George Card on April 7, 1958. The original Article V of the Constitution simply provided that powers of the officers be such "as are usual to their respective offices" and that they be governed by Robert's Rules of Order. The essential change, contained in the third section, gave the president broad administrative powers in the areas of expenditures and personnel. The tenBroek faction believed that adoption of this constitutional provision was necessary because the president's authority had been challenged by certain Executive Board members with respect to two important actions: (1) the expenditure of NFB funds on an office building on the president's property without approval of the Board; and (2) the firing of A.L. Archibald, the executive director, without consultation with the Board. ** Cards on the Table Excerpts from George Card Letter (Reprinted from The Braille Free Press, Vol. Ill, No. 1, March, 1961) (Editor's Note: The following passages were extracted from the release entitled "A Letter to State and Chapter Presidents and Others," sent recently by George Card to a large mailing list. As we believe that much of this material should be available for close study and reference, we are reproducing it for the convenience of our braille readers. As a footnote to the account of how the McDaniel letter disappeared (see the last paragraph of this article), we should like to report that this was not the first instance of this type of conduct. In the spring of 1959, two personal letters from Bradley Burson, one addressed to Hollis Liggett and another to Robert Campbell, were mailed in error to Robert Campbell at an old California Council address. These letters never reached Robert Campbell, but copious extracts from one of them were published in the supplement to the April, 1959 Monitor.) Those of you who are readers of the Braille Monitor must have been struck by the almost complete transformation it has undergone since I ceased to be its editor. I tried to make it an interesting and informative magazine; a sort of current history of events and developments of special importance to blind people events and developments in our own country and throughout the world ... I believe most of you are more or less painfully aware that, since the middle of last year, very little Monitor space has been devoted to news, factual accounts, or Federation philosophy. Most of its space is now filled with violent, partisan, political propaganda. It is quite true that the Braille Free Press also contains much discussion of the internal controversy, but there is a difference. The Braille Free Press is paid for by individuals and groups -- by blind people who believe in the reforms it advocates. The Braille Monitor -- like the political journeyings of Dr. tenBroek and his yes-men -- is paid for out of the fast-dwindling Federation treasury. There has been no money in that treasury for such constructive purposes as badly needed organizing or help to the affiliates in their legislative efforts, and the reason is that it has been used to further the political ends of the Jernigan-tenBroek axis. The state affiliates are solemnly warned that money contributed by the public must never be used for purposes inconsistent with appeals and representations contained in the greeting card literature and in our other fund-raising appeals. Apparently this does not apply to the way the Administration sees fit to use the same money. It may be quite difficult for the Administration to sell the idea that the Federation's loss of income is the fault of the reform group. Nearly all of you are well aware that the last three national conventions were disrupted and largely ruined because one group within the Federation planned and carried out attacks upon the other. Now, which side was the aggressor? And which side must consequently bear the responsibility for the results? At Boston, in 1958, it was the Administration which brought in and rammed through the Illinois Censure (the Illinois affiliate was censured at Boston for publishing a study which was very critical of Jacobus tenBroek, Kenneth Jernigan and George Card and many of the fiscal activities of the National Federation) and the so-called Card Amendment. In 1959, at Santa Fe, it was the Administration which staged the "Day of Decision," lied to the delegates about the origin of the Georgia resolution, and engineered the first purge of the Executive Committee. At Miami, of course, it was the Administration which, after many months of planning, succeeded in getting six of our sister affiliates thrown out. The minority never did more than try to defend itself as best it could. The Federation has lost nearly all of its income -- not because a quarterly Braille magazine (with a very small circulation) has steadily supported certain constitutional reforms in the structure of the NFB -- but because the present leadership has recklessly and ruthlessly chosen to destroy a large segment of the Federation so that it could retain control over the remnants. Jernigan and tenBroek applied the match which has set off the present conflagration, and they cannot shift the blame to others. Those of you who have heard me this past fall know that I have predicted the withdrawal of the greeting card contractor unless peace is restored in a reunited Federation. I mean a big, national Federation, not a half-dismembered tenBroek-Jernigan Federation. We can only have a re-united and whole Federation if we vote to end the suspensions unconditionally and then -- if there are any valid charges against individual affiliates -- bring these charges in the regular way and have fair hearings. The conditions for reinstatement cooked up by the Administration are wholly unacceptable -- especially the sixth one. (In order for affiliates to be reinstated after their suspension, a number of conditions were imposed. Condition No. 6 states: "The affiliate must commit itself not to join or support, or allow its officers or members to join or support, any permanent or temporary organization inside the Federation, which has not received the sanction and approval of the Federation. This general proposition means, for example, that the Free Press Association must be dissolved insofar as it is composed of or supported by affiliates of the Federation or officers or members of affiliates of the Federation." -- Braille Free Press, December, 1960.) And these same conditions, we are told, will be imposed later upon all affiliates. We began as a federation of independent and autonomous state organizations of the blind. During the years when I was organizing new affiliates and bringing in existing organizations, I said everywhere -- and in good faith -- that the independence of member state organizations would not be encroached upon by the parent body. I assured them that the NFB would never try to dictate to them what they could and could not do within their own state boundaries. But this is now going to be repudiated. ... Mr. Jernigan's poison-pen article took up some seventeen pages of rather expensive Braille embossing -- and for what? His quotations (many of them out of context), from my published writings and from my private letters, certainly do prove that through the years I have been a devoted disciple and an uncritical admirer of Dr. tenBroek. But that hardly needed to be proved! Although our personal relations had become more and more strained since the Boston convention, I continued to believe that Dr. tenBroek's strong leadership was indispensable to the Federation. It took the shattering experience of Sunday evening, July 3, at Miami, to prove to me, once and for all, that Dr. tenBroek was more concerned with punishing his critics than with preserving the Federation. (On Sunday, July 3, 1960, a special meeting was scheduled at the Miami convention to discuss various constitutional amendments. Among other things, the net effect of this meeting was to suspend "dissident" affiliates such as Oklahoma and Georgia. Only very limited discussion was allowed from the floor. Details of this convention will be included in "From the Archives" for June, with live speeches in the recorded editions.) It took that cynically callous performance to make me see at last that the idol with the golden voice had feet of clay and a heart of brass. I am quite mystified as to what Jernigan was trying to prove by his numerous quotations dealing with my health. In 1956, the surgeon gave me two years to live. Apparently he told Dr. tenBroek the same thing. The President asked me to report to him every development -- hence the numerous references to health in my confidential reports. I have never raised the issue of my health. It was Dr. tenBroek who did that, in his letter announcing my dismissal from the staff. Incidentally, that letter (which he published in the October Monitor) was obviously intended for publication when it was written. Its reference to me in the third person and its pompous style clearly demonstrate this ... Finally, a few words about the rather silly and confused article which bore John Taylor's byline and which dealt with the letter from Durward McDaniel to me. That letter suggested that I might be able to influence the decision at the Arkansas convention by going early and recruiting additional members ... I helped to organize the Arkansas Federation, and I have been welcome at all previous conventions. Taylor or Jernigan evidently telephoned Mr. Nelson and the latter became panicky enough to call the meeting a week sooner than announced, but he would have had nothing to fear from me if he had held it on November 5, the date for which it was called. You may be interested in how this letter fell into the hands of the boys at Des Moines. I was the invited speaker at the Missouri convention in Joplin. Mr. Jernigan also showed up, accompanied by his sighted guide, Jim Valiant. Their room was directly across the hall from ours. We left the convention before they did. When we missed the McDaniel letter, later that day, we telephoned the hotel and requested an immediate search of our room. The hotel reported that the letter had disappeared, although the room had not yet been made up. The "honorable" Mr. Jernigan has curious, and sometimes rather unconventional ways of getting what he wants. I may have occasion to pursue that subject a little further in the not-too-distant future. Note to Braille Forum readers: We remind all readers that this series has thus far been made possible only through donations of archival material by you. Without your greater cooperation, it will become more and more difficult for the series to continue. Please look in your attics and basements for old magazines, tapes, and relevant correspondence which you can share. We would also be grateful for your suggestions and comments on this series. Send all correspondence and materials to Mary Ballard, Editor, The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. ***** ** Sibley Resigns Robert Sibley has resigned his post as Executive Director of Mississippi Industries for the Blind, effective March 15, 1980. Mr. Sibley is one of the named defendants in the discrimination lawsuit brought by blind workers in the broom department of the MIB workshop (see The Braille Forum, November, 1979). Mr. Sibley is said to be interested in going into business for himself. According to accounts in a Jackson, Mississippi newspaper, Sibley is planning a mop yarn factory. He told the Capital reporter in Jackson that his resignation is strictly for business purposes and is something which he has been contemplating for three years. The same newspaper reports that Mr. Sibley's resignation comes amid rumors of an FBI probe at MIB. The FBI is said to have confirmed the fact that there is an investigation under way at MIB, but no further details could be given. The Capital reporter says that several indictments may be forthcoming. The Braille Forum will report further developments as they become available. ***** ** Peace Corps Seeking Disabled Volunteers The Peace Corps has launched an effort to recruit qualified disabled persons for nine special positions. They are seeking persons with the appropriate training to serve in the following positions and countries: teacher of the deaf for the Eastern Caribbean; occupational therapist for Korea and Malaysia; speech therapist for Korea; physical therapist, Korea and the Philippines; teacher of the blind, Korea; university lecturer in speech pathology, Philippines; learning disabilities specialist, Eastern Caribbean. The staff person who has been designated to act as liaison for these special positions is Leslie Wexler. Interested persons are encouraged to telephone Mr. Wexler at the toll-free number: (800) 424-8580, Extension 84, for further details about the positions. ***** *** Communication Aids for the Blind Part IV: Calculators for the Blind By Leonard Mowinski and Harvey Lauer This article presents an overview of the different calculators available for the blind and visually impaired. The information was derived from our experience in evaluation of calculators and from the companies' marketing literature. As of January, 1979, there are several calculators available from companies in the United States as well as abroad. There are two types of output: audio and braille. The braille output can take two forms -- a paper tape on which the braille is embossed for a permanent record, or a series of braille cells in which protruding pins transfer the data to the user. The talking calculators generate synthetic speech to produce an audio output. All calculators except the Calcu-Tac from Science for the Blind are equipped with power supplies for A.C. operation and have self-contained batteries. Listed below is a description of the available calculators. Calcu-Tac -- Science for the Blind. There are three calculators available from Science for the Blind. These calculators have a braille output, and calculations are performed in the normal way. When a printout is required for the total or for intermediate numbers, a "Print" button is pressed. The braille printer then prints all numbers on the display in proper sequence, including the decimal, on a ½- inch-wide tape. The Calcu-Tac Model 8-A is a Monroe Model 425 business calculator that can be used as a ten-key adding machine or a calculator. The price is $985. The Calcu-Tac Model T-8AP uses the 1410 Monroe calculator and operates just like the Model 425, except that the visual display is printed out on 2 1 /4-inch paper tape. There is also a braille output. This model was designed for those who need a print record of calculations in addition to the braille printout. Price is$1,190. The Calcu-Tac T-8B incorporates a Kinsport SC-44 pocket calculator with a Calcu-Tac printer. This calculator provides a scientific notation as needed and performs algebraic, logarithmic, and trigonometric figures. Price is $835. Braillotron -- Produced in Germany by the Schonherr Company, this calculator incorporates a braille module (Braillotron) to be used with Texas Instrument calculators Models 2550-11, Tl-41, Tl-30, Tl-59, Tl-11, and SR5I-11. A plug at the bottom of the calculator enables connection of the calculator to the Braillotron module. It has a battery charger which not only charges the Braillotron accumulator, but also the calculator. There are two types of Braillotron modules: a nine-cell module for an eight-digit display, and a 14-cell module for the scientific calculators. Calculations are performed in the normal way. When the braille output is required, a button is pushed and the digits and decimal point on the visual display will appear in braille. Each braille cell corresponds to a number. Price range is from $700 to $1,200, depending on the type of calculator used with the braille module. Speech Plus Calculator -- Telesensory Systems, Inc.: This is a "talking" calculator that measures 1 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 7 inches long. The machine has the four basic functions, in addition to root, percent, floating decimal, and automatic constant memory. Cassette or braille instructions are available. The Speech Plus is available with German, Arabic, French, and English output. Price is $395. ARC 9500 Talking Calculator -- Master Specialties Company: The second talking calculator available measures 3 by 7 1/2 by 10 inches long. In addition to the four basic functions, this calculator features square root, reciprocal, percentage, and square. It is larger than the Speech Plus, and the keyboard might be more suitable for a person with dexterity problems. Cassette tape instructions are included. The price is $450 for rehabilitation agencies; $495 for industry. In addition, there are commercial calculators available for those individuals with some remaining vision. It has been our experience that most low-vision users (depending on the severity of their visual loss) trained with a lens system or closed-circuit TV can read a visual display as well as the paper tape display of the calculator. Success varies with individuals and should be taken into consideration when choosing a calculator. There is one important point to remember when purchasing a calculator. You must have time to evaluate the calculator with your lens system. Most companies have a loan policy and will let prospective buyers use the calculator at home or in office before purchasing the machine. If you study the market literature and follow the recommendations listed below, you will find that most manufacturers have a model which meets your specifications. 1. Select a display with large numerals. 2. Select a calculator with a light emitting diode display. The numerals are usually bright on a black background. 3. Select a display in which the numerals are blue or green. They are easier to read than red or orange. 4. Select a calculator in which the numerals are not placed too far below the top surface of the visual display. This may cause a glare when an external light source is used. 5. The angle of the display is important, especially if used in conjunction with a CCTV. Some cameras on the CCTV are limited in the degree they will tilt and may not be able to focus on the display. 6. A calculator with large, separated keys will cause fewer entry errors and may be preferable to the smaller keyboards. 7. Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may need a record of your calculations. There are calculators available that include a print display as well as a visual display. Choose a calculator in which the print is located close to the display. It should be noted that there are other systems available that, when mated to a calculator, produce a braille or audio output. One such machine is the Elinfa Portable Braille Recorder. A blind person can record braille directly on to a cassette tape. Later the braille can be played back on the recorder's built-in tactual display, which consists of a 12-character line. Several models of electronic calculators can be adapted for use with the Braille Recorder. Calculations that appear on the visual display of the calculator will appear simultaneously on the recorder's tactual display. Calculators such as those manufactured by Hewlett Packard and Texas Instrument can be supplied with an adapter which can be connected to the Braille Recorder. The price of this modification (not including the calculator) is $450. Elinfa also manufactures a braille calculator employing a 12-character tactual display (the same display as the Braille Recorder). The calculator can be ordered with Hewlett Packard HP-21, HP-22, HP-25, HP-27, or Texas Instruments SR-51, SR-52, SR-56, etc. The calculator has rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries that give more than five hours of operation before charging. The price is $1,150.50. Telesensory Systems, Inc. has just announced the full-scale production of a personal information system for blind people who use braille. The "paperless" brailler is a unit that will allow the storage of braille and audio signals on a cassette tape (similar to the Elinfa recorder). The output is a 20-character braille display. The unit will have an interface for connection to a calculator. Calculations that appear on the visual display will appear simultaneously on the brailler's tactile display. For further information, contact TSI. Another system that employs a talking calculator is the Kurzweil Reading Machine. The user would operate the calculator with the keyboard employed by the Reading Machine. The calculator would be able to perform scientific, engineering, and business problems in addition to the basic four functions. Since the calculator uses the existing hardware of the KRM and only needs a software modification, there is no additional cost to the consumer. ** Information Sources This concludes the four-part series, "Communication Aids for the Blind." For more information concerning the articles, contact Harvey Lauer or Leonard Mowinski, Hines V.A. Hospital, Hines, IL 60141; (312) 343-7200, Ext. 2418 or 2278. For more information about the equipment discussed, write: * Personal Reading Machines Kurzweil Reading Machine: Kurzweil Computer Products, 33 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge, MA 02142 Talking Optacon: Telesensory Systems, Inc., 3408 Hillview Avenue, P.O. Box 10099, Palo Alto, CA 94304 * Paperless Braille Versa Braille: Telesensory Systems, Inc. (see Personal Reading Machines, above) Elinfa Portable Braille Recorder: Elinfa, Inc., Suite 1114, 725 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006 Braillocord BRS76: Aid Electronic GMBH, Berlin Wilhelm von Siemens Strabe 16-18, D1000 Berlin 48, Germany * Terminals Large-Print Terminal: ARTS Associates (Peter Duran), 80 Boylston Street, Suite 1260, Boston, MA 02116 Free Scan Speech Terminal: Triformation Systems, Inc., 5420 Bay Center Drive, Suite 202, Tampa, FL 33609 * Talking Terminal C.Y. Suen, Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Building, W., Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada Maryland Computer Services, Inc., Thomas at Bond, Bel Air, MD 21014 BD-80 Braille Terminal: K-P Schonherr Schlob Solitud, Haus 3, D-7000, Stuttgart 1, Germany * Speech Compressors Library of Congress Players and Talking Books: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542 APH Player-Recorder: American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Road, Louisville, KY 40206 A-7 Speech Controller: Variable Speech Control Company, 185 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 TCS Recorder: Science for the Blind, Box 385, Wayne, PA 19087 Varispeech II LOC: Lexicon, Inc., 60 Turner Street, Waltham, MA 02154 AmBiChron: Richard Koch, 67 Smith Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563 * Calculators ARC 9500: Master Specialties Company, 647 Babcock Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Calcu-Tac Braille Calculators: Science for the Blind (see Speech Compressors, above) Speech Plus Talking Calculator: Telesensory Systems, Inc. (see Personal Reading Machines, above) Elinfa Braille Recorder/Calculator: Elinfa, Inc. (see Paperless Braille, above) Braillotron: Dipl.-Lng. K.P. Schonherr (see Terminals, above) Kurzweil Computer Products (see Personal Reading Machines, above) ***** ** In Memoriam: Grant Longenecker (Reprinted from the Lansing State Journal) Grant Longenecker, one of Michigan's best-known lobbyists, died Sunday, March 23. Longenecker, 89, was the lobbyist for the Michigan Savings and Loan Association for 28 years. Following his retirement from the post in 1962, he served as an unpaid lobbyist for the blind. Longenecker refused to allow his blindness to stop him. He was born blind in one eye and lost 95% of the sight in the other eye in childhood. Born in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, Longenecker graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and was a teacher and a principal at Arkansas School for the Blind before going to New York to establish and manage a factory which employed blind workers. He came to Michigan to manage a factory in Benton Harbor. There he helped form the Savings and Loan Association of Benton Harbor. Later he managed the Association. In 1932 he was appointed by President Hoover as Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank, Indianapolis, Indiana. Three years later, he was appointed supervisor of the Michigan Savings and Loan Association by Governor Frank Fitzgerald. In 1935, he was appointed Executive Secretary of the Association, primarily a lobbyist post. He served in that post until his retirement in 1962. Because of his sight problem, Longenecker used a telescope to see at a distance. He was a familiar, and sometimes startling figure as he walked along the balcony of the House of Representatives, peering down on legislators through the telescope. During his career, he served on several national committees of the United States Savings and Loan League and often testified before Congressional hearings on behalf of the industry. Even during his career with the savings and loan industry, Longenecker worked in behalf of the blind. Following his retirement, he devoted full-time to the cause of the blind and is credited with drafting most of the legislation affecting blind persons. He was the architect of bills giving blind persons special tax exemptions, exempting licensed blind masseurs from provisions of bills aimed at controlling massage parlors, and establishing special identification cards similar to driver's licenses issued by the Secretary of State offices. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon From Hoosier Starlight (Indiana): Big, red macaws are being trained by Hollywood animal trainer, Ray D. Berwick, to become "seeing-eye" birds for the blind. It is too soon to judge whether these birds might some day join dog guides as mobility aids for the blind, or whether they could do the job and would be welcomed. However, two macaws, named Sylvester and Jo-Jo, riding on homemade perches and manipulating bells, buzzers and straps, can, when rewarded by bits of food, lead their sighted trainers around an assortment of obstacles, and even identify red and green traffic lights. Advantages of the birds, according to Berwick, are that they live 50 to 60 years, can go faster than dogs, eat less, and do not have to be walked every day. The disadvantage to macaws is that they cost $1,500 in pet stores. Jim Cordell of Little Rock, a member of the American Council of the Blind, has been named Executive Director of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. Cordell, who joined AEB's staff in 1960 as a mobility instructor, has been Assistant Executive Director since 1975. He is a member of the American Association of Workers for the Blind, serving as president of the Arkansas chapter and as national Board member-at-large. ... Lois Blocher, a service intake screening worker with the Michigan Department of Social Services, was recently named "Woman of the Year" by the Quota Club of Kalamazoo, where she resides. Miss Blocher, who is totally blind, is a member of the Kalamazoo Chapter, Michigan Association of the Blind, an ACB affiliate. A summer program in marine science for outstanding junior and senior high-school students with all types and degrees of physical handicaps will be conducted from June 29 to August 1 at the Marine Science Consortium, Wallop's Island Station, near Chincoteague, Virginia. The charge for room and board on campus is $525, but funds have been made available from the National Science Foundation to assist well-qualified students who might not otherwise be able to attend. For further information and application materials, write E.C. Keller, 237 Brooks Hall, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506. The 1980 International Abilities Unlimited Exposition, scheduled for June 13-15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, promises to attract an even greater range of exhibitors of products and services for the handicapped than the 140 who pioneered the initial successful effort last year. Along with exhibitors who manufacture products and those who provide services for the handicapped, present at this year's Exposition will be administrators of training programs for the handicapped, as well as major employers from many fields of industry, to advise disabled individuals about career opportunities in their companies. For further information, contact Richard C. Wooten, General Manager, International Abilities Unlimited, 2945 Harding Street, Suite 107, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Eight closed-circuit television enlargers are among the most recent additions to the rapidly growing collection of equipment and services for the blind and visually handicapped at the New York Public Library's Mid-Manhattan Library. Now known as "Project Access," the collection also includes three of the latest model Kurzweil Reading Machines (KRM's), hand magnifiers, an illuminated table-model magnifier, high-intensity lighting, and tape recorders and players. Backing up all this equipment are a number of services such as training on the KRM, a collection containing most of the books that are on reserve in college libraries, library orientation, and other such services as are usually offered by any public library. Funding for the project has been obtained from a grant from the Charles C. Culpepper Foundation and from Federal funds provided through the Library Services and Construction Act. The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska will hold its 1980 convention June 28-29 at the Ramada Inn, Lincoln ... The 1980 convention of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana will take place at the Essex House, Indianapolis, October 26-27 ... The Missouri Federation of the Blind will hold its annual state convention October 10-12 at the Continental Hotel in Kansas City. On Tuesday, December 8, 1980, the Governor of Colorado appointed Dana U. Wakefield, a totally blind practicing attorney in Denver, as Judge of the Juvenile Court for the Second Judicial District of Colorado. Wakefield, who has specialized in juvenile and delinquency matters, has for a number of years supervised operation of the juvenile courtroom for the Denver City Attorney's Office. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness: Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, will be honored with a commemorative postage stamp to be issued in June, 1980. U.S. Senator Howell Heflin (D., AL), who announced the Postal Service decision to issue the stamp, said, "The people of Alabama are very proud of Miss Keller, who overcame severe handicaps to become a world-renowned lecturer and author." Miss Keller was a native of Tuscumbia, the Senator's home town ... Persons who have had intraocular lens implants to correct vision after cataract surgery often have better vision than persons of the same age who do not have cataracts, according to ophthalmologist Robert C. Welsh, founder of the Biennial Cataract Surgical Congress. "There is 91% light transmission through the implanted intraocular lenses, but only 38% through the crystalline lens of a non-cataractous 60-year-old." Five Californians who are both deaf and blind are successfully completing a unique course in computer training at Ohlone Community College in Fremont, California, according to Programs for the Handicapped. Set up originally as a three-months demonstration program, the project began with two students, each attending three courses in computer studies. The students completed their first quarter with a 3.5 grade point average. Three more students have since been accepted into the program. For more information, contact Roderick J. Macdonald, Project Director, Deaf-Blind Program, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94538. … A recent study by the Department of Transportation concludes that the innovative inclined elevators in use in transit stations in Stockholm, Sweden, offer a feasible alternative to vertical elevators for handicapped transit patrons. Inclined elevators in Sweden are usually placed alongside escalators and travel at the same angle. The Washington, D.C. Area Metropolitan Transit Authority is investigating such inclined elevators for possible use at the Metrorail, Huntington, Virginia station, where installation of vertical elevators is not possible. The National Rehabilitation Center (NARIC) has officially opened to provide answers to factual questions connected with rehabilitation, such as names, dates, addresses, or statistics. The Center can also provide articles, documents, reports, and the like, upon request. Information specialists can be reached by calling NARIC from 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M., E.S.T., Monday through Friday, at (202) 635-5822 (voice) or (202) 635-5884 (TTY), or by writing the Center at Catholic University of America, 8th and Varnum Streets, Washington, DC 20064. The 1977-78 U.S. Blind Correspondence Chess Championship Tournament Book is now available at $9 per copy. Also available is Castles, a quarterly braille chess publication, at $6 per annum. Send requests and remittances to Gintautas Burba, 30 Snell Street, Brockton, MA 02401. Although studies indicate that gardening is one of the favorite recreational pursuits of many blind persons and there are growing numbers of vocational programs, relatively little has been published on the subject. However, the National Council for Therapy and Rehabilitation Through Horticulture has dedicated the entire first issue of its new publication, Short Therapy, to a comprehensive view of horticulture for the blind. Included are an in-depth analysis of horticulture as a vocational/recreational component at a rehabilitation training center, and a discussion of horticulture programs for visually impaired older adults. This 54-page publication is available for $3.50, plus $.50 handling and postage, by writing NCTRH, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121. Under a contract with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the AAAS Office of Opportunities in Science has recently begun a project to facilitate the inclusion of women, minority, and handicapped scientists and other professionals on advisory and review panels within the National Institutes of Health and other HEW agencies. The office is soliciting resumes from interested scientists for inclusion in the NIH computerized registry. Interested women, minority, and handicapped individuals who are either working or trained in the natural or social sciences (including social work, health professions, and clinical fields), especially those actively involved in research, are encouraged to submit their resumes to Karen Ehrlich, Office of Opportunities in Science, Technical Assistance Project, AAAS, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036. An alumni association for persons who have attended the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital is being formed. Anyone eligible and interested in membership may write Hines Blind Center Alumni, P.O. Box 28, Hines, IL 60141. ***** ** 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. As a bimonthly supplement, the flexible disc edition also includes ALL-O-GRAMS, newsletter of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. 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 Editor Mary T. Ballard at the above address. Those much-needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to James R. Olsen, Treasurer, c/o ACB National Office, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 506, Washington, DC 20036. You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The National Office has available special printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his or her Last Will and Testament may do so by including in the Will a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you or your attorney may wish to contact the ACB National Office. ###