The Braille Forum Vol. XVIII June, 1980 No. 12 Final Call, ACB Convention Week July 12-19 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 Office: Durward K. McDaniel National Representative 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 ** Contributing Editors George Card 605 South Few Street Madison, WI 53703 Elizabeth Lennon 1315 Greenwood Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 ** 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 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 In the Winners Circle -- Derbytown Convention, 1980, by Carla S. Franklin Kimbrough to Be Featured at Publications Workshop From the Archives: The 1960 Convention, Miami, Florida, by Christopher Gray SBA Program Helps Handicapped Start Business ACB Asks for Clarification of SBA Policy The Kentucky Bureau for the Blind -- Will It Ever Improve?, by Carla S. Franklin The Quarantine Issue in Hawaii, by Emogene Johnston On Subminimum Wages, "Unfair Competition," and One Man's "Persecution," by Kathy Megivern North Carolina Supreme Court Holds Worker With Glaucoma Is Not Handicapped, by John D. Schmelzer In Memoriam: Leonard A. Robinson Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Notice to Subscribers ***** ** Report from the ACB President, Oral O. Miller By the time you read this report in the June issue of The Braille Forum, you will almost certainly have already received your pre-registration packet for the 1980 ACB national convention, being held in Louisville, Kentucky, the week of July 12-19. However, it should be reported that the mailing of the pre-registration material has not been accomplished without problems. In earlier reports, I indicated that we were in the process of computerizing many of our membership and other records, and that we expected a few problems to arise, inasmuch as a massive change in record-keeping systems almost inevitably involves a few problems. Although there is not time and space to go into much detail, a couple of examples will illustrate the extent to which my remarks were prophetic. In the first place, the large data processing company retained by ACB took considerably longer than promised to complete the initial data entry function. However, the most frustrating and mind-boggling thing that has happened to date took place when the data processing company gave us an alphabetized printout of the information entered. The extremely clear and detailed instructions given to the company called for an alphabetical listing by last name, but, as difficult as it was to believe, the company gave us a list that was alphabetized by first names. Naturally, we pointed out the uselessness of such a list and demanded correction, which was promptly forthcoming. However, at that point, the company neglected to alphabetize by first name in each last-name group. As a result, the dozens of Smiths, for example, on the list were printed in completely random order. Since there was not time for the list to be printed again, we have had to use countless hours of staff and other manpower to physically make any necessary changes and corrections. These difficulties have added weeks to the computerizing process, but it appears at this date (May 7) that the information will be ready in time for the convention material to be mailed before the end of May. Inasmuch as everyone reading The Braille Forum has known the dates of the 1980 national convention for many months, I suggest that the pre-registration material should be completed and returned at the earliest possible date. I am pleased to report that the Leadership Training Seminar sponsored by the American Council of the Blind and the Illinois Federation of the Blind in Chicago the weekend of April 18-20, 1980, was a genuine success! It was set up to accommodate approximately 80 participants (with arrangements for additions) from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. However, more than one hundred registered for the seminar, which began Friday evening and ended early Sunday afternoon. It also had its logistical problems. For example, the day before the beginning of the seminar, the banquet speaker had to cancel due to a serious illness in his family. The undaunted IFB liaison person, M.J. Schmitt, in conjunction with ACB's Reese Robrahn, moved quickly and arranged for the new president of the internationally famous Hadley School for the Blind to speak at the banquet. He was so new that he had just finished his third day in his new position. The evaluation period at the end of the seminar gave the participants an opportunity to comment upon the planning and conduct of the seminar, and that information will be especially helpful in connection with the planning and conduct of future regional seminars. We do not yet know when and where the next such regional seminar will be conducted, but it is almost certain that another will be scheduled within the fairly near future. The May, 1980 issue of The Braille Forum carried an announcement concerning the special award program set up by ACB in conjunction with a braille watch manufacturer. That announcement made it the responsibility of the presidents of the ACB state affiliates to see that the names of the recipients are in the hands of the ACB National Office by July 1, 1980. This is a reminder that we must have the requested information in order to see that the proper arrangements are made for the presentation of the watches. While public education is an ongoing process, and while we cannot possibly draw your attention to every reference to the American Council of the Blind in the media, one reference should be commented upon because of its truly international flavor. Approximately two months ago, it was my pleasure to tape a short interview with a reporter from the Voice of America, which broadcasts overseas via short wave only. While many of the questions dealt with matters of general concerns to the blind, some also dealt with the structure and philosophy of the ACB. I am looking forward to seeing as many of the members of the American Council and readers of The Braille Forum as possible at the 1980 ACB national convention in Louisville in July! ***** ** In the Winners Circle -- Derbytown Convention, 1980 By Carla S. Franklin The race is over; the 1980 Convention Host Committee has made all of its plans. Everything is set -- just waiting for you to join us in the Winners Circle for one fantastic ACB convention. To help you get to the Winners Circle, and so you won't miss out on any of the excitement of this year's convention, this article contains last-minute details that will make your trip to Louisville a vacation to remember. Read each item carefully. Pre-Registration. Your pre-registration packet should have arrived by the time you read this article. We can't stress enough how important it is that you complete your pre-registration form and mail it immediately. Include check or money order to cover pre-registration fees and tickets for special events that you wish to attend. Why pre-register? you ask. There are at least two good reasons: First, by pre-registering, you save money. Pre­registration fees for many special-interest organizations, and for ACB itself, are less than registration at the door. Also, when you register for the ACB convention, you receive your convention identification badge, which entitles you to be served in the Hospitality Room. All persons who register for the ACB convention will also receive a braille or ink-print copy of the official 1980 ACB convention program. Contained in the program are schedules of special-interest organization meetings and ACB convention, as well as information about special events and tours. The program is your key; it lets you make sure that you are where you want to be, when you want to be there. Tours. As you will note from the pre-registration material, the number of people who can participate in each tour is limited. It is very important that you pre-register for each tour that you wish to take, as all tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. You are reminded that the American Printing House tours are free to those people who register for the 1980 ACB convention. Other tours and special events include the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors dance, the ACB banquet and dance, the Louisville Downs race track tour, and the Bardstown tour. Check the pre-registration packet for more fun events. All tour buses will depart from the front of the hotel. You should plan to be at the front of the Galt House fifteen minutes prior to the announced departure time of your tours. Dog Guide Relief Area. Hotel personnel will be able to give directions to the dog guide relief area. Directions will also be printed in the ACB convention program which you will receive when you register for the ACB convention. Please follow these directions carefully and use the designated areas for the relief of your dog guide. Section 504 Workshop. This information-packed workshop is scheduled for July 12-13 and is limited to 80 participants. A registration desk will be provided for the workshop only, on Saturday, July 12. The workshop will be located on the third floor of the Galt House. Location of Convention Activities. Most of the special-interest group meetings, and all of the ACB convention sessions, will be held on the third floor of the Galt House. Also on the third floor you will find the registration desk, the information desk, and the exhibits, boutiques, and Hospitality Room. Registration Desk. The registration desk will be open on Sunday, July 13, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 P.M.; on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 14-16, from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.; and on Thursday, July 17, from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon. Upon arriving at the hotel, you should plan to stop by the registration desk, even if you have pre-registered, to pick up your badge, tickets, and program. Getting to the Galt House from the Airport. Don't let traveling from the airport to the hotel get you down. You can use the Yellow Cab airport limousine Monday through Friday ($3.75 per person); it can be boarded from any airlines terminal (request assistance from airlines passenger service personnel or skycaps). Departure times are as follows: A.M. hours -- 8:00, 9:15, 10:45; P.M. hours -- 12:15, 1:45, 3:15, and 4:15. Taxi fare from the airport is approximately $7.50. Arriving by bus? Cab fare from the Greyhound and Trailways stations is approximately $2.50. To Make Hotel Reservations. In your pre-registration packet you will find a hotel reservation form. Fill this form out completely and return it to the Convention Committee, along with your pre-registration form. Do not send your hotel reservation form to the Galt House. Or, if you wish, you may call the Galt House at (502) 589-5200 to make reservations. Hotel rates are: singles, $19; doubles, $25; triples, $29; quads, $33; and one-bedroom suites, $85. If you have any questions about the ACB convention, or if we can help you in any way, call us at (502) 895-4598. Come to Kentucky this July; you'll be in the Winners Circle! ***** ** Kimbrough to Be Featured at Publications Workshop B.T. Kimbrough, whose name and voice are well known to readers of Dialogue With the Blind, will be featured along with George Covington at the 1980 Editors Workshop. The workshop is sponsored by the ACB Board of Publications and is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, July 15, from 1:30 to 4:30 P.M. Mr. Kimbrough was managing editor of Dialogue from 1972 to 1974 and editor-in-chief from 1974 to 1975, at which time he left to return to school. Currently he serves as studio director at Dialogue and also operates his own commercial tape editing business, B.T.K. Productions. Although Mr. Kimbrough has expertise in all aspects of publications work, from news gathering and writing to editing and production, he will concentrate in this workshop on cassette production -- equipment, cost, recording techniques, and editing. With George Covington of ACB and B.T. Kimbrough of Dialogue both available for the workshop, the Board of Publications is confident that it can offer those in attendance an informative, educational, and meaningful afternoon. Mark that time on your convention calendar! ***** ** From the Archives The 1960 Convention, Miami, Florida By Christopher Gray Until now, this series has given readers direct reprints from The Braille Free Press. In this pre-convention issue of The Braille Forum, it was felt that readers might appreciate a brief look at the affairs of the convention twenty years ago of the National Federation of the Blind in Miami, Florida. This was a time when there was only one organization of blind people; but this was a time almost past itself. Events of the previous three years were churning and brewing themselves into the tumult of accusation, pressure tactics, and power-playing which typified events at the Everglades Hotel in Miami. In this period of time, many things had happened that gave rise to this tense atmosphere. By 1958, some members of the Executive Committee were deeply concerned about the lack of fiscal control of the NFB treasury. They were concerned about a too great gathering of control in Berkeley by Jacobus tenBroek, NFB president. They were angry about what they believed were his gross misuse and misappropriation of funds. Questions which were raised concerning these matters led to the Card Amendment, which centralized power even more in Berkeley. Also, Illinois was censured for conducting a study into presidential power and financial expenditures and circulating its findings. However, it was agreed to set up a finance and budget committee to create a more meaningful accounting system and to implement new audit procedures. This move having been seen as a potential basis for compromise, greater indignance was unleashed at the 1959 convention in Santa Fe when it was learned that none of these things had been done and that one member of the Committee had resigned in utter disgust, though he had been an ardent tenBroek supporter. At Santa Fe, the Administration held the "Day of Decision." During this day, the Board of Directors was purged of "dissident" members -- Durward McDaniel, Marie Boring, and Dean Sumner. Also by this time, the California Bulletin had been published as well as two mailings from the Federation Free Press Association. By July, 1960, things were reaching a critical stage. With the opening of the convention and roll call, the method of affiliate voting was challenged, with an ensuing argument between members of the Alabama delegation. Until challenged, the president had intended to cast her vote without consultation from the other affiliate members. Ultimately, she demurred. From the actual tapes in the recorded editions are heard the voices of some of the well-known members in attendance at the convention: Al Drake, Ned Freeman, Alma Murphey, Mary Jane Hills, Durward McDaniel, Delbert Aman, Reese Robrahn, Vernon Williams, and Dave Krause. As the morning progressed, there were other, more serious arguments over voting methodology. In particular, Dr. tenBroek had decided to use a system of voting whereby each affiliate had a banner mounted atop a seven-foot pole, which it was to raise in order to indicate a "Yes" or a "No" vote. In a vote determining the contents of a crucial session on Sunday evening, July 3, tenBroek called for a showing of these banners to determine a voice vote. At the call for the banners, much hubbub is heard from the floor, and then this amusing interchange between Jacobus tenBroek and Durward McDaniel: tenBroek: All right, now look, we're having difficulty on this matter. Those who are raising their banners are only raising 'em six inches -- McDaniel: Point of order, Mr. President. tenBroek: Just a minute, please. It is hard to distinguish them from the ones that are down but up. Distant Voice: Call the roll. tenBroek: No, now let's try this out. Now, those who are in favor of the motion should stand up and raise your banners on high so they'll be six or eight feet above that are just standing on their bottoms. (Sporadic laughter.) All right, now, Durward, what's your point of order? McDaniel: I call for a roll call vote. (Mixed no's and clapping) This system is not working and you can't tell who's voting which way. tenBroek: Well, we're about to see whether we can tell. McDaniel: You can't see any better than I can, Doctor. (Much laughter, with clapping.) tenBroek: (flustered and stammering badly at first) We may all have different opinions about our vision, Durward. McDaniel: I renew my call for a roll call vote under Robert's Rules of Order. What is found out is that the counters all get different counts different times and finally ask to abandon the entire system. In its next move, the "Jernigan-tenBroek faction" had Jernigan make a very strong speech against the "McDaniel-Boring faction" and its claims. Here are some very brief excerpts from his lengthy presentation: With this convention, my membership on the Board comes to an end. Under present circumstances, I feel that I cannot be a candidate for re-election to the Vice Presidency or any other Board position. In short, I will be unable to allow my name to be placed in nomination for any elective office in the Federation this year. … The first reason -- and, I would like to emphasize, by far the less important reason -- is concerned with the job I hold. As you know, I am Director of the Iowa Commission for the Blind. ... The second reason ... has to do with the present internal situation which faces us ... Such a climate encourages petty office-seekers and politicians to attempt to bargain for position and to seek notoriety by slick maneuver and slanderous attack. Always as civil war continues, it degenerates into chaos and anarchy. Factions splinter and beget new factions, which in turn divide and further splinter. … The formula for solving our problems and saving our organization is simple; it is also painful and hard to face. It is this: One way or another, once and for all, now and forever, we absolutely must put a stop to the disgraceful internal strife and warfare (clapping and cheering) -- warfare that is destroying the Federation ... (T)his organization will no longer tolerate the continued wrecking and destruction of its goals and purposes (interrupted by clapping and cheering), whether the destruction be in the name of free speech, democratic procedures, rights of the minority, freedom of association, will of the people, or any other high-sounding and respectable phraseology used to cloak real purposes. We must refuse to be intimidated or bamboozled by pious words. We must have the courage to put down the demagogue, even if he makes his appeal in the name of the very virtues in our organization which would be destroyed by him; even if he makes his appeal in the name of putting down a demagogue. After this speech and a speech by Jacobus tenBroek, we have these remarks from George Card, who was at that time editor of The Braille Monitor. The notorious piece of unordered merchandise known as The Braille Free Press (laughter) has recently contained statements, allegations and charges, the falsity of which could easily have been exposed. But they have been ignored by the official publication of the Federation as a matter of policy. Now, if the time has come for action taken to prevent the continuation of minority rule in this organization, as Dr. tenBroek has stated, I want to back him up, and I want to say that I stand now where I've always stood squarely with the President (interrupted by much clapping), and when and if our great President goes down, I go down with him as a matter of choice. After these speeches, the beginning of a stream of resolutions is brought to the floor, and a second major argument forms over the amount of time to be spent in discussing these resolutions. The primary actors in it were McDaniel tenBroek, and Russell Kletzing, future NFB president. Debating to limit discussion time went like this: tenBroek: Fifteen minutes total time? (Calls for the floor.) (Imperiously): Well -- (Pause) Okay. First let's settle on the three-minute rule. It's been moved and seconded that all speeches be limited to three minutes. Those in favor, say aye. McDaniel (trying to be noticed): Mr. Chairman -- tenBroek (ignoring him): Those opposed (McDaniel shouting into microphone still), say no McDaniel: Point of order. Don't we have any discussion anymore? tenBroek: Oh, sometimes. But on these procedural motions, I can tell you we're not going to have much discussion. McDaniel: Do you mean procedural like talking? tenBroek: I mean procedural like determining how long we're going to debate. McDaniel: I think that we ought to have as much time as you and Jernigan took. Kletzing (amidst clapping): No! Unknown voice: Point of order. McDaniel: I want to say that I don't choose to reply to all of the self-serving declarations that have been made from the platform — tenBroek (interrupting): Are you discussing the time limit? McDaniel: No, that's part of it. I have to do the best I can to get the floor here, you know. tenBroek: Well, are you going to discuss the time limit or not? McDaniel: My remarks go to the fact that we have now used up in excess of 45 minutes presenting something which we are now proposing to limit to nine minutes to defend against. If the convention votes that, of course that's the rule. But if that's the way you solve things in this Federation -- Kletzing (loudly): Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of order. The motion to limit debate is non-debatable. tenBroek: Well, I think that that's right; that there's no point to -- Kletzing: I just read it in Robert's Rules here. Mr. McDaniel, I'm sure, will acknowledge it. He's an expert in this book. (tenBroek, McDaniel, and assembly laughing.) McDaniel: I didn't know I'd convinced you so well, Mr. Kletzing. The affiliate vote limited discussion by a vote of 34 to 14. With debate limited, but without a two-thirds majority, it was then proposed to withhold greeting card shares owed by the NFB to the South Dakota affiliate in the amount which it had donated to the Braille Free Press. Of course, this was protested. The major points in the discussion were made by Durward McDaniel: I want to speak on this from the standpoint of the fundamental structure of the Federation. Others have said, orally and in writing, heretofore that the system of disbursing money from the NFB to the states holds the possibility of typing strings to it which would compromise the independence of the state affiliates. This is the first plank in that platform. This is only the first plank ... But you set a pattern here; you've tied freedom of speech, the freedom to run the local affairs, to the purse string ... The fundamental thing here is: Are we going to continue as a federation of state organizations, or are we going to continue as a group of state organizations subservient to, and acting under, the threat of financial punishment, if not expulsion, as the price for disagreement? This is basic. All of us here who have the right to vote represent state organizations of the blind. ... We have a right to support the Braille Monitor, the Braille Free Press, a special bulletin, just as we have the right to make a speech. The fact that the money came from greeting card sales doesn't give the principle any less effect ... The Federation has its existence because of the state organizations ... Now, this is not something that we have perpetrated. We've been on the defensive for three conventions, and each time we've been blamed for being the aggressors. In Boston we defended against the censure of Illinois, against the amendment to the Constitution which concentrated power in the president; in Santa Fe against the purge; and here against this -- and who knows what next! tenBroek: Ten seconds to go. McDaniel: All right. Think it over. As members of state organizations, which way will you go? Do you want federalism or local independence and the right to self-expression (sound of striking podium) free speech? In closing, we bring you this brief debate concerning the limitation on discussion for an entire afternoon of motions. Discussion is between Dean Sumner of South Dakota, tenBroek, and McDaniel. Sumner: Mr. President, what are these propositions going to consist of, before we start to limit ourselves? tenBroek: They're going to consist of some more things of the same order. Sumner: Do you mind telling us before we vote, sir? McDaniel: Except more so. tenBroek (laughing): That's right. Some less so. McDaniel (rather triumphantly): Ah! (Turns into laughing) Sumner (more and more determined to have an answer) What are the propositions that we are limiting ourselves going to consist of? tenBroek: They'll come out one by one. Sumner (taken aback): I thought -- I thought -- Don't we have the right to decide on what propositions we limit debate, sir? McDaniel: He'll decide when you're supposed to know that! tenBroek: Yes; I think all of you do know 'em. I've been talking about them generally. ... Sumner: Point of order. tenBroek: And, moreover, let's -- Sumner: Mr. President, point of order. tenBroek: May I have your attention, please. Sumner: Point of order, Mr. President. tenBroek (pounding podium for order, both for Sumner and for more general noise from the floor): I'll make a point of order myself, which is that we will now vote on this proposition -- which subsequently passed. The way was then paved for the suspension of the North Carolina affiliate, which had publicly opposed an NFB bill which supported the payment of 75 percent of minimum wage to sheltered workshop employees. Although this is only a portion of the 1960 convention, it is hoped that the actual words and exchanges have given a real picture of events that year. The recorded editions contain speeches excerpted from tapes of the Miami convention. Copies of the disc edition are available upon request. Cassette copies will be provided anyone supplying a good quality 90-minute tape. Requests for both disc and cassette should be directed to Editor, The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. ***** ** SBA Program Helps Handicapped Start Business By Sylvia Porter (Reprinted from the Washington Star, June 5, 1979) Handicapped men and women -- our nation's most disgracefully neglected minority -- finally are getting access to more jobs and business opportunities and increasingly are being recognized as fully capable of competing for profits and economic advancement. It's in the field of small business that opportunities are opening most dramatically, and it is under the leadership of the Small Business Administration that assistance to help the disabled become private entrepreneurs is being centered. In the six years that the SBA has had a business loan program for the disabled, 923 loans totaling $70 million have been made. But in 1978 alone, there were 316 of these loans, totaling $24.3 million, a spokesman for the SBA's New York district office reports. This represented a whopping 33% increase over 1977, when 105 loans were made to the handicapped, for a total of $15.1 million. "There is a large pool of handicapped people in this country who are ready and willing to start businesses of their own," says Robert Ruffner, of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. "I find that increasing numbers of these people are interested in starting their own companies rather than being subject to the uncertainties of Federal job grants." But, Ruffner warns, the psychology of Proposition 13 is spreading even to programs of this nature and "many of these programs are in jeopardy." He urges you, if you are a disabled prospective entrepreneur, to contact the SBA for help at once. If you are handicapped, below is how you can qualify for a Small Business Administration loan. First, the eligibility rules: - The business must be 100% owned by the handicapped applicant. - You must prove via a physician's certificate the exact nature of your disability, and that it is permanent. - You must demonstrate how your handicap prevents you from competing in the business community. Other criteria include: you lack funds and they are not otherwise available; you have good character; proven repayment collateral ability; sufficient equity; some collateral. Loans in the program fall into two categories: 1. Handicapped Assistance Loans to non-profit organizations (HAL-1). 2. Handicapped Assistance Loans to small business concerns owned, or to be owned, by handicapped persons (HAL-2). Under HAL-1, financial assistance is available to public or private non-profit sheltered workshops, or any similar organization, to enable them to produce and provide marketable goods and services. Under HAL-2, the financial assistance program makes loans for the establishment, acquisition, or operation of a small business concern owned by a handicapped person or persons. The SBA's primary method of assisting a business financially is by guaranteeing business loans made by banks. The SBA may guarantee up to 90% or $350,000 of a loan by a commercial bank to start a new business or to expand an existing one. The guarantee could go as high as $500,000 in an exceptional situation. On this loan program, interest is set by the bank at a maximum of 12%. Your initial move involves submitting a loan proposal to a commercial bank, preferably a bank where you maintain an account, indicating how much money you will need; how you will use it; and how your business will generate enough income to repay the loan ... If your bank is unwilling to make a loan directly, or in participation with the SBA, ask the banker for a letter of decline, contact a second bank, and follow the same procedure. If this bank also rejects your application, then apply to the SBA for a loan. The maximum you may borrow on a direct-loan basis is $100,000; the interest rate is only 3%. The SBA must be highly selective in making these loans, for funds for direct loans are very limited. The documentation you are required to submit for a direct loan application is the same as needed for a guaranteed loan from a bank. No matter what obstacles remain, they are less overwhelming than in the past. If you are disabled, have a good idea and managerial skills to make it as a business owner, never has the chance for you to get into the mainstream been greater. ***** ** ACB Asks for Clarification of SBA Policy After receiving many complaints from visually impaired persons around the country, the ACB National Office has begun an effort to get a clear statement of policy from the U.S. Small Business Administration concerning its interpretation of eligibility for the Handicapped Assistance Loan program. The following letter was sent to SBA Chief, A. Vernon Weaver. These and other issues will be discussed at the meeting of the Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers during Convention Week in Louisville. In addition, future issues of The Braille Forum will keep readers informed about the responses received. A. Vernon Weaver, Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Washington, D.C. 20416 Dear Mr. Weaver: The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization composed primarily of blind and visually impaired persons. As such, we are keenly interested in the Small Business Administration Handicapped Assistance Loan program, particularly the HAL-2. This office has over the past year received reports from our members concerning conflicting and confusing interpretations of the regulations governing this program coming from SBA's regional offices. One of the major difficulties appears to be in the definition of "handicapped individual." The law, at 15 U.S.C. Sec. 636(h) (3) defines the term as follows: "a person who has a physical, mental or emotional impairment, defect, ailment, disease or disability of a permanent nature which in any way limits the selection of any type of employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified or qualifiable." While the statutory definition does not answer all questions that might arise, it seems to clearly set forth the policy intended by Congress in drafting a program of small business loans to handicapped persons. The problems seem to have arisen not from the statutory language, but, rather, from additional language appearing in the SBA's regulations implementing the program. Sec. 118.2(f) of the Regulations repeats the statutory definition, but goes on to add the following words: "and also, in the case of applications for HAL-2, which limits the individual(s) in engaging in normal competitive business practices without SBA loan assistance. " According to reports from visually impaired persons around the country, the foregoing additional language from the Regulations is being used by some regional SBA offices to unduly restrict the eligibility of blind persons for HAL-2 assistance. We do not believe it is within the letter or the spirit of the law to limit eligibility so severely as to rule that a handicapped person who is capable of holding any other type of job is therefore not within the definition of handicapped for HAL-2 purposes. In order to assist us in our efforts to assure a uniform and equitable interpretation of the Regulations, we request that you provide an official ruling to clarify that it is the policy of the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide loan assistance to any handicapped person who otherwise qualified for the program, regardless of whether that person might be capable of holding another type of job. This program is intended to assist handicapped individuals who wish to establish themselves in independent small businesses and need the help of the SBA to do so. Severely restricting eligibility to only those persons who cannot find other employment is contrary to the very intent and purposes of the HAL program, and such intent should not be allowed to continue. We appreciate your assistance in this matter. Sincerely, Kathleen Megivern, Staff Attorney CC: Oral O. Miller, President, American Council of the Blind, Trial Attorney U.S. Small Business Administration ***** ** The Kentucky Bureau for the Blind -- Will It Ever Improve? By Carla S. Franklin (Editor’s Note: This is a sequel to the article concerning Kentucky services for the Blind which appeared in the April issue of The Braille Forum.) On March 6, 1980, Mark O'Brien (D.) introduced House Bill 920 into the Kentucky House of Representatives. This bill would reorganize the State Bureau for the Blind in such a way as to provide more equitable services to the blind and visually handicapped of Kentucky. The bill was referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee. On Monday, March 10, a meeting was called by Charles McDowell Executive Director of the Bureau for the Blind. Invited to this meeting were the boards of directors of the Kentucky Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, the State Elected Committee of Blind Vendors, and the Employers Committee of the Kentucky Industries for the Blind. Bureau for the Blind employees were also present, as well as persons who did not represent any of the above-mentioned groups. The topic of discussion at this meeting was the changes which the blind wanted to see in H.B. 920. A number of changes were agreed upon, and a committee consisting of Carla Franklin (President, Kentucky Council of the Blind), Betty Nicely (President, National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky), Edison Wommack (Chairman, State Vendors Committee), and Richard Lewis (Employees Committee, Kentucky Industries for the Blind) was selected to meet with Representative O'Brien the next day. On Wednesday, March 12, the bill was reported favorably out of the Health and Welfare Committee, along with those amendments which Representative O'Brien agreed to add to the bill. The amendments added at that time dealt mainly with the vending program and the state workshop, and were most favorable to the blind. H.B. 920 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 83 to 1 on March 20. Before it passed, however, a floor amendment was defeated. This amendment consisted of three points, two of which had been agreed upon in the March 10 meeting, and one of which had not. This amendment was introduced at the request of Charles McDowell of the Bureau for the Blind. H.B. 920 was reported favorably from the Senate State Government Committee on March 25. Again, amendments were added at the request of Mr. McDowell, and this time only one of the three points had been agreed upon by the representatives of the blind community at the March 10 meeting; one of the points included in the Senate amendment had not even been discussed at the meeting. The bill was finally posted for passage by the Senate on March 29. Late that evening, the bill was killed by its sponsor, Mark O'Brien, before it could come to the floor for a vote. It was Mr. O'Brien's belief that the bill should not pass if, rather than improve services for the blind of Kentucky, it only maintained the status quo or, worse still, created more havoc in the state agency than already exists. The Kentucky Council of the Blind supports Mark O'Brien's position. It has been the posture of the Kentucky Council since its organization in 197 4 to support legislation and proposals concerning blind Kentuckians which would help expand and improve services. H.B. 920 was not a perfect bill; it was not the answer to all of our problems with the state agency. Rather, it was a beginning, a seed from which a good agency could grow if given a chance. This could not happen because the Bureau for the Blind and its close associates in the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky could not resist the temptation to have self-serving and power-hungry amendments added to the proposed legislation. On March 10, many blind Kentuckians believed that there was at last a spirit of cooperation and a chance for progress in this state. It appears that many of us were wrong. It is apparent that the same duplicity and struggle for power that have plagued Kentucky for the past thirty years still exist. ***** ** The Quarantine Issue in Hawaii By Emogene Johnston (Emogene Johnston is a member of ACB's Washington state affiliate, the Washington Council of the Blind.) During a recent visit to Hawaii I became interested in American Council of the Blind Resolution 79-07, supporting any protest and action of Guide Dog Users, Inc., against the animal quarantine law of the State of Hawaii as it affects visually impaired visitors to the state who wish to be accompanied their dog guides. It occurred to me that the majority of the members of ACB probably knew as little as I did about rabies, the disease against which the 120-day quarantine is primarily directed; that probably the majority of them had never visited Hawaii and therefore, might be unaware of the situations or conditions which seem to make such a quarantine necessary. Also, I felt quite sure that there were many others like myself who had visited the islands many times during the last 20 or more years without any impingement by the quarantine. I decided to learn as much as possible in such a limited time about rabies and the quarantine and to write an article on my findings for The Braille Forum for the information of ACB members before the July convention, at which Resolution 79-07 will again be discussed. Rabies (rage): An acute, infectious disease of mammals, especially carnivores. Dogs, cats, and cattle are the domestic animals particularly susceptible. Characterized by involvement of central nervous system, resulting in paralysis and finally death. May be communicated to man through the bite of a rabid animal, usually a dog. Synonym: hydrophobia: (1) Morbid fear of water; (2) a common name for rabies. Incubation: Usually four to six weeks but may be as short as six days or as long as a year, depending on deepness of laceration and site of wound. (Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Edit., Clayton L. Thomas, M.D., N.P.H., F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 1977. pp. R-1, H-66, L-61.) Transmission of the Rabies Virus: (1) Bite wound -- Injection of infectious saliva through any break in the skin caused by a rabid animal's teeth. (2) Non-bite wound -- Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes licked by a rabid animal. The initial event is the introduction of the live virus into intimate contact with nerve tissue. The virus then undergoes an incubation period from six days to one year before any clinical symptoms appear. The usual incubation time is from one to two months. Once in the central nervous system, it begins to actively replicate within the gray matter ... passes along the autonomic nervous system to reach the salivary glands, adrenal medulla, kidneys, brain and heart. Invasion of the salivary glands permits further spread of the disease ... In this way, rabies perpetuates itself among carnivorous animals. (Abridgement of a Topical Outline: Rabies: A Physicians Handbook, Cutter Biological, Berkeley, Cal., 1979, pp. 4-5) Clinical Features of Rabies: Once the incubation period is completed and the virus begins to actively multiply within the central nervous system, symptoms begin. Once symptoms begin, there is no treatment available that will cure the victim. Therapy will be symptomatic only; death is virtually inevitable ... The majority of patients suffer "furious" rabies, which has three clinical stages: (1) Non-specific symp­toms that usually last from one to four days ... high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal sensations of pain, tingling and burning at and near the site of exposure ... (2) Excessive restlessness, increasing to uncontrollable excitement; confusion, hallucinations, combativeness; focal paralysis. The patient's temperature often rises to 105°F .... Periods of mental aberration become more pronounced and of longer duration; sensitivity to bright light, loud noise, touch, and even air disturbance caused by people passing; increased lacrimation, salivation and perspiration; paralysis of vocal cords. (3) Begins shortly after Stage 2 commence … Diplopia, facial palsies, optic neuritis … ... "Foaming at the mouth" results from increased salivation, coupled with difficulty in swallowing. Excruciatingly painful muscle spasms during swallowing are rapidly followed by complete paralysis ... Hydrophobia, a result of this painful swallowing reflex, causes the patient to avoid water, in spite of extreme thirst. Coma ensues rapidly and the respiratory system becomes involved. Death often results from respiratory arrest or cardiac failure. The usual time period from onset of symptoms to death is about four days. Artificial life support systems may be employed to prolong life, but these usually fail and death occurs after about 20 days. (ibid, pp. 5-6). Post-Exposure Rabies Prophylaxis: Preventive treatment should be started as soon after exposure as possible. A delay of as little as 24 hours has proved fatal. Because of the incubation period of the virus, rabies prophylaxis is indicated even if the interval between exposure and treatment is as long as three months. Aim is to stimulate the body's own production of neutralizing antibodies before symptoms of the disease begin. Treatment following onset of symptoms is almost always useless. (ibid., pp. 8-9) In the light of the above information, I cannot conceive of not supporting a quarantine system that is preventing the introduction and spread of this disease. On March 3, I toured the animal quarantine station and saw the kennels. Each dog has separate housing; the kennels are exceptionally large and immaculate, consisting of an enclosed shelter with a long cement, wire­enclosed run. Written information furnished by the quarantine station states that housing, food, and attendants are provided by the state for a daily fee (at present $2.45). Bathing and grooming the animal are to be done by the owner, by appointment, during hours set aside daily for this purpose. I also visited the cottage or quarters which are available without charge to blind visitors to the state or to blind residents whose dog guides are in quarantine at the station. Reservations for the use of these quarters must be made in advance. The only restriction on their use is that visitors to the individual occupying the quarters may not bring in animals. The policy of providing such free living quarters was first adopted in 1945 to enable residents of Hawaii to continue in daily contact with their newly acquired "seeing eye dogs," to enable them to maintain their working relationship at a high level during the long quarantine period. From the early '60s to the present, visitors to Hawaii who wished to bring their dog guides with them have also used the quarters. Under this policy the dog guide user may take his or her dog out of the quarantine station daily between the hours of 7:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., provided the dog wears a muzzle and the blind individual is accompanied by a sighted person whose duty it is to prevent the dog from having contact with other animals. Shortly after my return to Seattle, I talked by telephone with Harry Hall, a dog guide user who in 1968 stayed ten days at the quarantine station in a former location. Mr. Hall, formerly a merchant seaman, said he went to Hawaii from San Francisco for the first time in 1922. He said he fell in love with the islands and after his first trip laid over each time and did some longshoring or loafed. He is a ham radio operator and still talks with Hawaii. He said transportation to and from the quarantine station and entertainment were not problems night or day, because he had his radio friends and others whom he met during his visits. Although he is one of the people who could never imagine being separated from his dog, he accepted the quarantine restrictions without argument. He told me that the required muzzle was soft, and he added that he needed the sighted guide to get around in the city which had changed and grown so much. Even from the present location of the quarantine station (about seven miles by freeway from downtown Honolulu), transportation other than by bus should be no problem. However, the visitor's pre-planning should definitely include transportation to and from the station and the daily availability of a sighted guide. Handicapped persons and their guides may use the Handi-Van service, for which 24-hour advance notice is required. Church and service groups in the area will provide transportation, and the Aloha Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, should be contacted. The Honolulu bus, which stops 4/10 of a mile from the quarantine station, would not be convenient even for the average sighted person. The quarantine station is in an isolated location, reached by roads on which heavy equipment is now being used, and there are no sidewalks. It would be doubly hazardous at night. I myself use public transportation within the city limits, but I have found it advisable to arrange to have someone drive me otherwise because traffic is very fast and congested. Bus service may be infrequent and bus stops in places without sidewalks. The Expert Committee on Rabies of the World Health Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, in quarantine proposals for the prevention of international spread of the disease, recommends prohibiting the entry of dogs and cats, or the second choice, identical to that utilized since 1912 by Hawaii, prolonged quarantine at the port of entry (which for both aircraft and vessels is Honolulu). Considering the global origins of both aircraft and ships and the tremendous influx of traffic to and through the state, I can see no alternative to the present stringent quarantine system if Hawaii is to remain free of rabies. It is clear that the issue here is far greater than the convenience of tourists. Moreover, I think it is the moral responsibility for all of us to support the program of the World Health Organization to eradicate rabies, and this means supporting the citizens of Hawaii in their stand for an immutable quarantine. ***** ** On Subminimum Wages, "Unfair Competition," And One Man's "Persecution" By Kathy Megivern The Subcommittee on Labor Standards of the Committee on Education and Labor held hearings in Washington, D.C., on May 14-15. The official title of the proceedings was "Oversight Hearings on Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act." However, the testimony was so varied that it was not always easy to remember exactly what the topic was intended to be. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act is that provision which allows the Secretary of Labor to issue certificates permitting subminimum wages to be paid by sheltered workshops. This is a complicated and emotional issue which has become a favorite target of the recent NFB rhetoric. It was clear that Representative Edward Beard (D., RI), chairman of the Subcommittee, had been well briefed by the National Federation of the Blind on what they see as the issues. One of the witnesses whose testimony had nothing at all to do with the subminimum wage issue was Representative Barry Goldwater, Jr. (R., CA). In fact, his major purpose for testifying was to introduce into the record the statement of Jerry E. Lorenz, President, Lorenz Housewares, Newbury Park, California. Mr. Lorenz's remarks are rather convincing evidence of the theory that the real interests hoping to benefit from the subminimum wage furor are those private business interests who would like to see the "unfair competition" of workshops eliminated. These people are clearly thinking of the lucrative contracts at stake, not the well-being and financial security of handicapped workers. Mr. Lorenz never mentioned the question of subminimum wage or exploitation of workers in his statement, and the thrust of what he had to say is summarized in the final paragraph: "I request that either: you remove the tax-exempt status of the workshops at all levels, as well as their source of free capital, or enforce the original restrictions that the workshops sell only to the Federal, state, and local governments, as was set out in the original charter." (Note: We are not aware that any such "original restrictions" ever existed on sheltered workshops.) Another Congressional witness, Representative Pat Schroeder (D., CO) was obviously representing Federation interests. She is a co-sponsor of H.R. 3764, the bill which would exempt blind people from the provisions of Section 14(c). However, when asked some important questions about the effects of H.R. 3764, Congresswoman Schroeder demonstrated a complete lack of knowledge and understanding. She admitted to knowing nothing about the Fair Labor Standards Act and acknowledged that she did not know why the bill fails to distinguish between workshops and work activity centers, or why there is any logical or legal reason to exempt all blind persons regardless of productivity, while not doing so for any other handicapped individuals. Representative Erlenborn (R., IL) asked tough questions about the legal implications of the bill which she co-sponsors, and Ms. Schroeder's only responses were quotes from members of the Colorado Federation of the Blind. A panel of witnesses represented the National Federation of the Blind, including a Mr. Beck from Congressman Beard's home state of Rhode Island, James Gashel, and Kenneth Jernigan. While he did remember to talk about H.R. 3764, a good deal of Mr. Jernigan's oral as well as his written testimony had to do with the "vicious and unfounded personal attacks" upon him. He chose this most inappropriate forum to accuse Joseph Larkin, Executive Director of Industrial Home for the Blind, and Austin Scott, Executive Director of the Dallas County Association for the Blind, of conspiring to ruin him. The Congressmen and committee staff remained silent throughout that portion of the testimony and chose not to ask Mr. Jernigan any questions about his "persecution. " There was an interesting and somewhat disturbing development during the questioning of the NFB witnesses. Congressman Beard, for no logical reason, switched suddenly from his subminimum wage rhetoric to an attack on the vending facility program. He perceived the preference given to blind vendors to be proof positive of inequality and second-class citizenship. Perhaps even more surprising than Mr. Beard's harangue was the seeming agreement of Messrs. Beck, Gashel, and Jernigan. In fact, Mr. Beck concurred fully with, and even added to, the attack of Congressman Beard upon the vending program. Mr. Gashel assured Congressman Beard that the requiring of minimum wage would do away with the need for preferential treatment. It is difficult to understand how the payment of minimum wage to blind shop workers has any connection with the Randolph-Sheppard program and the NFB's perception of the inequitable second-class treatment afforded blind vendors who take advantage of the priority provided by law. Another witness was Joseph Larkin, Executive Director of the Industrial Home for the Blind and President of the General Council of Workshops for the Blind. Mr. Larkin chose to address himself to the issues at hand, sub­minimum wage, and did not respond to Mr. Jernigan's earlier remarks about Larkin. Other witnesses included Donald Elisburg, Assistant Secretary of Labor; Charles Fletcher, Executive Director of the Committee for Purchase from the Blind and Other Severely Handicapped; George Mertz and Harold Richterman of National Industries for the Blind; and representatives of Goodwill Industries, the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, and National Industries for the Severely Handicapped. Not surprisingly, the American Council of the Blind was not invited to testify at these hearings. However, ACB will submit a written statement for the record. That statement will reflect the Council's position as officially stated in Resolution 79-06 passed at the 1979 national convention. It will outline the reforms which ACB believes are needed in the existing law and workshop system. The resolution passed last summer advocated that subminimum wage certificates be granted by the Secretary of Labor only on an individual basis, and that the floor for such wages be raised from 50% to 75% of minimum wage. Future articles in The Braille Forum will detail further the statement as submitted by the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** North Carolina Supreme Court Holds Worker with Glaucoma Is Not Handicapped By John D. Schmelzer The North Carolina Supreme Court recently dealt visually handicapped workers a severe setback in their efforts to eliminate hiring discrimination. The state court ruled that a state law forbidding discrimination against the handicapped could not be interpreted to protect a job applicant who had glaucoma, but had 20/20 vision with glasses. In the case of Burgess versus Joseph Schlitz Brewery Company, decided November 6, 1979, Raymond Burgess was offered a job with the Brewery. However, after taking the Company physical, the employer informed Burgess that he would not be hired because he had glaucoma. The Company's policy was not to hire anyone with a disease. Medical authorities informed the Brewery that Burgess's glaucoma would not interfere with his job performance and that Burgess, with glasses, had 20/20 vision in both eyes. The employer nonetheless refused to hire him. Burgess then filed a lawsuit under a North Carolina law which stated that qualified handicapped persons shall be employed in all employment, both public and private, on the same terms and conditions as able-bodied persons. The Company argued that Burgess was not handicapped within the meaning of the statute and, therefore, it was not unlawfully discriminating against him. The trial court agreed with the Company, dismissed Burgess's case, and said that only individuals who are totally or functionally blind are protected by the statute. Burgess appealed to the State Court of Appeals, and that court ruled in his favor. That court said a narrow interpretation of the statute would def eat the State Legislature's intent to protect the employment rights of handicapped workers, and that Burgess was entitled to the Act's protection. The Brewery then appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court. The State Supreme Court began its opinion encouragingly, agreeing that the law should be interpreted liberally so as to give full effect to the Legislature's intent. However, the court ruled that Burgess was not entitled to protection of the statute, since a handicapped person was one who was visually disabled and Burgess was not. The court defined a disability as a present, non-correctable loss of a function which substantially impairs a person's ability to function normally. The Court ruled Burgess was not disabled because with glasses he had 20/20 vision. In effect, the State Supreme Court, rather than heeding its own words to interpret the statute liberally, limited the definition of handicapped. The court denied relief to an individual that the Brewery, by its very own policy, believed was handicapped. This decision thwarts the North Carolina Legislature's intent that qualified handicapped persons "be employed ... on the same terms and conditions as able-bodied persons." ***** ** In Memoriam: Leonard A. Robinson (Reprinted from the Washington Post, Monday, May 19, 1980) Leonard A. Robinson, 76, a leading figure in programs to assist the visually handicapped including legislation, died of cancer Saturday at George Washington University Hospital. Blind since the age of 15, he had fought for five years for the passage of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, which established the blind vending stand program that operates in Federal Government buildings throughout the country. President Roosevelt signed it into law in 1936. A lawyer in practice in Cleveland during those years, Mr. Robinson was asked in 1938 to administer the law through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, then part of the Federal Security Administration. He remained with the Office when it was transferred to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in the D.C. Government. It is now the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Department of Human Resources. Mr. Robinson, who retired in 1971, had been supervisor of all services for the visually handicapped. After his retirement, he published a book, "Light at the Tunnel End," a history of the legislation and administration of the blind vending stand program. Under the program, thousands of visually handicapped have been given the opportunity to earn a living at refreshment stands grossing millions of dollars in business. After retirement, Mr. Robinson also established the Foundation for the Handicapped and Elderly, a non-profit organization of which he was president. It no longer exists. In 1972, Mr. Robinson was recognized in the publication, "Social and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind," for his contributions toward developing work for the blind. He held a citation from the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped, the Ambassador Award of The American Council of the Blind, the annual award of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, and the Leo Axlrod Memorial Award of B'nai B'rith District Five. Last year he was given a key to the city by Mayor Marion Barry. He was active until recently in the American Council of the Blind, the D.C. Association of Workers for the Blind, and the Volunteers for the Visually Handicapped. Mr. Robinson was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. At the age of 7, he lost the sight of his left eye to a BB rifle. His right eye was injured with a rock when he was 11. He lost his sight four years later. He later enrolled in the Pennsylvania Institute for the Instruction of the Blind in Philadelphia. In 1927, he received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and then graduated two years later from Western Reserve Law School in Cleveland, where he practiced until corning here. Mr. Robinson, who lived in Silver Spring, Maryland, was a member of B'nai Israel Synagogue. He is survived by his wife, Sonie, of Silver Spring; a son, Louis, of Boston, and one grandchild. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Volunteers for the Visually Handicapped. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon From Disabled USA: The Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF), a division of the Center for Independent Living, Berkeley, California, has received a grant from the Women's Educational Equity Act, Washington, D.C., to conduct a study on the educational needs of disabled women. The DREDF is seeking disabled women who have experienced any type of educational setting and who would like to be interviewed concerning their experiences and opinions. The information will be used to support guidelines for future funding priorities for disabled women. Those interested in sharing information should contact Shelley Bergum, CIL/DREDF, 2539 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704. Include name, address, tele­phone number, disability, educational settings you have experienced, and the time you prefer to receive phone calls. The City of Chicago and the Chicago Transit Authority were recently charged by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board with failure to provide accessible entrances for disabled persons at eight recently renovated subway stations along the State Street Mall. The citation asks that elevators be installed at the eight subway stations under the mall and that Federal funds be withheld or suspended for present and/or proposed projects related to the State Street Mall or the subway line. The Perkins Lantern reports that among events planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Perkins School for the Blind is an exhibit during August at the Smithsonian Institution of early embossed types. From Talking Book Topics: The New York Times Large Type Weekly has begun marketing large-type books. Readers can now order the Nelson Giant Type Bible, $32.95; the Hammond Large Type World Atlas, $17.95; and the New York Times Large Type Cookbook, $12.50. To order, send check or money order, plus $1.80 per volume for postage and handling, to New York Times Large Type Weekly, 229 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. -- The American Cancer Society has recorded four popular brochures on one cassette, which is available from regional libraries or from local chapters of the American Cancer Society. The brochures are: "Danger, Cigarettes," "Cancer Facts for Men," "Cancer Facts for Women," and "How to Examine Your Breast." The News Bulletin of the American Association of Retired Persons calls attention to a toll-free telephone hotline installed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to permit individuals living outside the metropolitan Washington, D.C. dialing area to call with questions, to voice complaints, and to present opinions on consumer or civil rights issues involving banks not members of the Federal Reserve system. This toll-free number, (800) 424-5288, is available weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., EST. A new resource for visually handicapped musicians has recently been developed in large-print and braille, according to the NBA Bulletin (National Braille Association). The Dictionary of Braille Music Signs, by Bettye Krolick, contains definitions of braille characters found in all types of music transcription, whether done in the United States or foreign countries, sections on format for braille music, the fundamentals of braille music, and the history of the Music Code. Copies are available on loan to libraries, agencies, and individuals with a legitimate need. Send requests to Music Service, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC 20542. An artificial pancreas, consisting of insulin-producing cells growing on the surface of a tubular membrane, has been demonstrated to maintain normal blood sugar levels in animals with diabetes. According to Science News, Clark K. Colton of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology believes that the implant will not be ready for general use by persons with diabetes for at least five years, but that the major technical obstacles have been overcome. The Braille Feminist Review, unedited excerpts from the Feminist Press, is a three-year-old quarterly available at $6 for an annual subscription. Write D. Arocho, Media Projects for the Blind, 80 N. Moore Street, New York, NY 10013. Sample issues, $1.25. From the ACB of Ohio Newsletter: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has designed "Special Programs for Special People," to bring outdoor recreation and nature-oriented programs to senior citizens and disabled people. The program includes workshops in rustic arts and crafts, nature lore, and a variety of outdoor activities. Nutrition for the Blind is offering braille and cassette mail-order catalogs of Shaklee vitamins and food supplements. Shaklee is the world's oldest and largest producer of quality natural vitamins and supplements. Write Nutrition for the Blind, 590 Harvard Street, Rochester, NY 14607. Specify whether you wish braille or cassette catalog. From NLS News: A company founded by a blind man and backed by the Small Business Administration has developed a large-print video terminal (LPVT) to help companies meet Federal affirmative action computer accessibility requirements. The terminal operates the way a traditional CRT Does, but information is displayed in large type. The terminal displays characters in three sizes: standard (3/16 in.), double height (3/8 in.), and giant (1 ˝ in.). A special window allows the user to scroll over the entire screen. The terminal sells for $9,000 from ARTS Associates, Boston, Massachusetts. From Rancho Patient Forum (published by UNCAP, International, Inc.): Handicapped persons in China produce wheelchairs, special shoes, and hearing aids in nearly 800 specially equipped factories, the official news agency, Hsinhua, reports. Hsinhua said about half the 120,000 workers in the factories are blind, deaf, or otherwise handicapped. The factories' earnings are used to expand production and social welfare facilities. China also has 700 welfare centers in urban areas, caring for 60,000 aged, orphans and disabled persons, and 3,400 homes for the aged in rural areas, caring for 100,000 people. Internationally famous musician and composer, Stevie Wonder, acquired a KRM-3 during an October, 1979 visit to Kurzweil's Cambridge offices. Stevie has been using the machine to read about Pops Gordy, father of Motown founder, Berry Gordy. He is also reading The Secret Life of Plants, which inspired his album of the same name. Stevie is the first individual in the world to have purchased a KRM for his personal use. Around the world, about $16,000 a year is spent on each soldier; about $260 is spent to educate a child (from "Let's Be Human," National Labor Service). Coffee Klatch Nibbles, distributed by the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, is now in its second recording. Because of inflation, production costs have increased. Therefore, the cost of this two-cassette, voice-indexed cookbook is now $7 per set. Coffee Klatch Nibbles may be ordered from VISTA President Patricia Price, 337 S. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46201. Make checks payable to VISTA. The NLS News reports that a resolution was approved at the mid­winter meeting of the American Library Association calling for a cooperative effort among national, state, and local agencies to develop and operate radio reading and information services. The resolution also asserts that libraries have an obligation to provide these services. Currently, 84 such services provide information over 106 stations in 36 states; 25 additional stations are now being planned to meet the needs of persons unable to use regular print. Persons wishing to donate their eyes after death should note that it is important to make relatives strongly aware of their wishes, according to Dr. Walter Stark, ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Even if body parts have been willed during life, next-of-kin must still give permission after death. Two private employers were honored on May 1, 1980, at the annual meeting of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. In recognition of outstanding efforts in hiring, training, and promoting physically and mentally disabled persons, the large (over 200 employees) Employer of the Year Award was presented to the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, and the Small (less than 200 employees) Employer of the Year Award was presented to S.C. Keypunch Service, Inc., of Raleigh, North Carolina. The Committee's annual meeting was attended including by some 4,000 persons, including disabled consumers and representatives of government, private agencies, business, industry, and advocacy groups. Twenty years of volunteer service by the Telephone Pioneers of America to the National Library Service was recognized recently. A certificate was presented to national representatives of the Pioneers at their annual meeting in Hollywood, Florida, by Mary Jack Wintle, Assistant Director, National Library Service. Currently, more than 3,000 Telephone Pioneers nationwide are involved in maintaining talking book machines for blind and visually impaired users. ***** ** 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. ###