The Braille Forum
Vol. XX May, 1982 No. 11

Final Call For ACB Convention —
Student Workshop ... 
Publications Workshop ... Outstanding Program Promised! Tours ... Fun ...  Fellowship ...

Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind
Mary T. Ballard, Editor

*****

** National Office: 
Oral O. Miller 
1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 506 
Washington, DC 20036 
(202) 833-1251

** Editorial Office 
The Braille Forum: 
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: 
Grant Mack 
139 East South Temple, 
Suite 5000 
Salt Lake City, UT 84111 

* First Vice President: 
Dr. Otis H. Stephens 
2021 Kemper Lane, S.W. 
Knoxville, TN 37920 

* Second Vice President: 
Dr. Robert T. McLean 
2139 Joseph Street 
New Orleans, LA 70115

* Secretary: 
Karen Perzentka 
6913 Colony Drive 
Madison, WI 53717 

* Treasurer: 
James R. Olsen 
Summit Bank Bldg., 
Suite 822 
310 4th Avenue, S. 
Minneapolis, MN 55415

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

Contributing Editors

ACB Officers

President's Message, by Grant Mack

The New Federalism: Round II, by Arthur Pepine

ACB National Convention, 1982: Program Preview, by Oral O. Miller

Friends in Art Showcase

Publications Workshop Set for Atlanta

No Answer at the IRS, by Scott Marshall

A GOP Brouhaha: Don't Worry About the Facts, by Vernon Henley

Illinois Governor Grants a Reprieve to IVHI, by Kathy Megivern

News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller

1981 White House Conference on Aging, by William J. (Bill) Ferrell

Highlights - ACB Board of Directors Meeting

The Washington Connection in Review

Presidents Move on, Not Randolph

SSDI Eligibility Review, Crisis for Handicapped Recipients, by Barbara Nelson

The Listening Ear, by Dorothy Stiefel

Braille Gift Catalog — Wessian Distributing

In Memoriam: Gertrude Musier, by Patricia Price

Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon

Notice to Subscribers

*****

** President's Message
By Grant Mack

On October 15, 1973, Peter Jenkins, who had just graduated from college, began one of the most significant experiences enjoyed by any American youth. Peter had grown up in a fairly affluent neighborhood in Greenwich, Connecticut, in an atmosphere of sport cars, Ivy League clothes, and anti-establishment attitudes. Although he had been accepted in the graduate school at Yale, he decided not to continue his formal education, but chose to embark on a "walk across America." He started out as a completely negative, extremely cynical person and ended up - five years and 4,700 miles of walking later after seeing the real America - a completely positive young man, full of faith in his country.

He started off with a 75-pound pack on his back and his dog Cooper, a 125-pound Malamute. According to Peter, it was with great trepidation that he embarked upon his walk. He didn't know what to expect, but feared that he would meet with trouble and violence, because that was what he had been made to understand America was all about. He stated that he had been completely brainwashed by shows like "Easy Riders" and the negative media and his peers. He was amazed to find that people were friendly and accepting and wanted to be helpful. The real America is made up of people who are willing to share what they have as well as their life stories. 

It was my pleasure to hear Peter Jenkins at a convention at Hilton Head, South Carolina, this past month. As he spoke, I could not help but recognize a similarity between his experience and what I have sensed to be the attitude of some of the blind people I have met who have been negatively influenced by the media and others who would shape their thinking to develop a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude toward society. Unfortunately, there are many blind people who don't have the Peter Jenkins spirit. He had the courage to find out for himself and not allow others to dictate to him what to believe and how he should think.

I have found that there are many people like Peter Jenkins in the American Council of the Blind - people who had become disillusioned and who had been told that the American Council is an organization of losers. Fortunately for them and for us, they decided to find out for themselves and discovered that the American Council is a positive organization which has changed their lives for the better. For a good many of these people, their first encounter with the real American Council of the Blind was when they attended their first ACB national convention. They met effective, interesting, vital people and were pleasantly surprised at the extremely democratic atmosphere within the group.

I hope that there are a lot of you Peter Jenkinses out there who will join us at the convention in Atlanta in July.

*****

** The New Federalism: Round II
By Arthur Pepine

(Reprinted from the CCCH Newsletter, Connecticut Coordinating Committee on the Handicapped Newsletter, March-April, 1982) 

(Note: Mr. Pepine, a quadriplegic, is Financial Aid Officer at the Yale School of Drama, New Haven, Connecticut, and has been president of the Connecticut Coordinating Committee on the Handicapped since 1979.)

There are efforts afoot in Washington - half-hearted, as far as I can see - to carry on the spirit of the IYDP through 1982. Exactly why; I can't imagine. I agree with Mason Rose, who recently expounded, "I hope to hell handicapped people never have to endure another year of the disabled. We lost more rights last year than any other." 

Regardless of what we feel about another year of disabled persons - a name which could have been dreamed up by someone afflicted with terminal "able-bodyism" - President Reagan has already taken care of that. In late January, he dubbed 1982 the Year of the Bald Eagle. True to form, he immediately showed those poor birds the respect in which he holds annual themes. On the very same day he issued the proclamation, he revoked a ten-year-old ban on use of a deadly pesticide that - can you guess? - kills bald eagles. 

About a year ago, in our Operation Out-Speak, we decried the first signs of the "New Federalism," and now we begin to see the earliest effects. In it, the Administration is succeeding in cleverly selling the American public a bill of goods, based on a morality that we would find unacceptable in our private lives. For the greater good, it goes, whole segments of society (elderly people, poor people, veterans and people with disabilities) have to be bound up in a safety net and stowed away in the most cost-effective way possible. 

Lest anyone is tempted to think, as some politicians have suggested, that we in Connecticut are well protected by enlightened laws and leaders, let me point out a few things happening in our own back yard:

•  Our State Department of Transportation has already discontinued buying accessible buses;
•  Across-the-board cuts are forcing state offices - like the Commission on the Deaf and the Board of Education Services for the Blind - to cut back their programs;
•  The Connecticut Public Transportation Authority is asking for a study designed to measure the cost-effectiveness of dismantling all the lifts on Connecticut Transit's fleet of buses
•  Our state's Attorney-General is leading the country in arguing for a state's right to treat institutionalized persons of mental retardation as cheaply as possible;
•  Our Commissioner of Education is looking for authority to reduce special ed. staffing levels; and
•  Local officials are holding off the long-overdue business of making public buildings accessible until an anticipated change in the climate surrounding handicapped regulations taking place.

The "New Federalism" hasn't been a total success, though. The President pushed old folks too far on Social Security and had to back down, at least for a while. He came down too hard on veterans outreach programs and had to pull back, at least for now. And, while badly damaging the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, voc rehab and handicapped education programs, they are still intact ... waiting for a brighter day. So the squeaky wheel does get greased.

But the time is short. Like a crafty predator, Reagan spotted vulnerability in the Urban Mass Transportation Administration's 504 Regulation and stole it away from us. He saw weakness in SSDI programs benefiting people with mental disabilities and stole them away from us. His sights are now shifting toward programs that were last year targeted for sacrifice - legal assistance, Medicaid, transit subsidies, housing subsidies, veterans' benefits, and - once again - voc rehab, independent living, and handicapped education. His efforts have been accurately called relentless.

Welsh poet Dylan Thomas many years ago sounded both our warning and our rallying cry when he cautioned, "Do not go gentle into that dark night. Rage, rage against the 
dying of the light." Fighting vigorously to keep our futures bright is the thrust of our new, advocacy-through-coalition program. Together, people with disabilities must demonstrate that we, too, are citizens and have a vote.

*****

** ACB National Convention, 1982:
Program Preview 
By Oral O. Miller 
National Convention Coordinator

Basic facts to remember: The 1982 national convention of the American Council of the Blind will take place at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel during the period July 3-10. Room rates are a flat $29.00 per day (plus taxes) for singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Reservations should be made by means of the hotel reservation form included in the pre-registration packets, scheduled to be mailed by around mid-May. Make your travel plans now while discount fares are still available. Remember that you may make travel reservations quickly and easily from anywhere in the United States by calling the Olsen and O'Leary Travel Agency (see "Fly to Atlanta for Less," The Braille Forum, April, 1982). Their toll-free number is 1-800-245-6497; in Pennsylvania call (412) 782-3950. Remember, also, that the Airport Marriott provides complimentary transportation to and from the airport and that at the time you check into the hotel, you will need to present a major credit card or make other arrangements for payment of your account.

And now for some information concerning the informative, varied, and stimulating convention program!  

ACB conventioners will have a firsthand opportunity to hear from George Conn, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education, who will speak about the plans of the Reagan Administration with regard to rehabilitation and other services of vital concern to the blind and visually impaired. There will be a question-and-answer session following his prepared remarks, and conventioners are encouraged to be candid and realistic in asking questions. 

The ACB national convention has long been known as one of the best places for learning about new employment programs or new training programs with important employment implications. In that tradition, attendees will learn from Jack McSpadden of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company about a new training program (including adapted equipment) by his company which should result in the creation of many more jobs for the blind at Southwestern Bell. In contrast, a totally different aspect of employment by and for the blind will be discussed by Russell Reddenbaugh, a very successful broker and investment counselor who is himself blind. 

Did I say this year's national convention program is varied? Professor Gregory Davis of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will address the convention regarding parallels in the advancement of the handicapped and members of racial minorities. In case the name of Professor Davis sounds familiar, he is also president of the North Carolina Council of the Blind. 

One of the most inspiring and entertaining speakers I have ever heard - the nationally acclaimed and recognized Jerry Moree of Augusta, Georgia - will kick off the program one morning with an interesting and stimulating presentation which will motivate those present in very worthwhile directions for the remainder of the convention. I cannot say more at this time about his presentation for fear of spoiling its impact. 

For the past two months, ACB President Grant Mack has been figuratively doing handstands in enthusiastic praise of this year's banquet speaker, Captain William Coffee of the U.S. Navy. Captain Coffee, who will be coming to the banquet from Hawaii, was a prisoner of war, and it is our understanding that his experiences constitute a fascinating presentation.

This year the Awards and Charter Gala is truly to be spectacular! The presentation of affiliate charters, awards, and Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships is to be followed by a performance by the nationally known country and pop singer, Miss Terri Gibbs, whose hit record, "Somebody's Knockin'," climbed to the top of the charts a year or so ago. While the people of Georgia have known about this outstanding blind entertainer from their state for a long time, she has rocketed to national prominence only in the past couple of years. There will be no charge for admission to the Terri Gibbs performance because the host organization worked hard to obtain a special donation to be used to pay the expenses of Miss Gibbs and her party. 

Remember that all ACB affiliates are urged to sponsor students interested in attending the students workshop on Sunday, July 4. Each affiliate is urged, also, to have a representative present at the Publications Workshop sponsored by the ACB Board of Publications (see article elsewhere in this issue).

*****

** Friends In Art Showcase

Friends in Art/American Council of the Blind is planning a Showcase again this year at the 1982 national convention, to be held Tuesday evening, July 6. So that the program will flow smoothly, Friends in Art must know in advance who would like to be included in the performing of music, drama, poetry reading, and the like, as well as the time during the evening when participants will be coming to the Showcase. Several other events are scheduled for Tuesday evening, and it is possible that interested Friends in Art supporters will have time conflicts. 

Please contact Janiece Petersen, Chairman of the Showcase, or Barbara Chandler no later than Tuesday morning, July 6. Both will be registered at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel.

*****

** Publications Workshop Set for Atlanta

Editors and potential editors of ACB Affiliate newsletters should now be planning to participate in the Publications Workshop to be held on Sunday, July 4, at the Marriott Hotel - Atlanta Airport, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.
 
Dean Flewwellin, chairperson of the workshop, has planned a stimulating program with lots of time set aside for audience participation. The members of the American Council of the Blind Board of Publications, sponsor of the workshop, will be on hand to assist in answering questions and to lend their expertise to budding editors. Three of the five Board of Publications members are editors of affiliate publications, and one writes an interesting column in a well-known national periodical for the visually impaired.

Guy Storey, Atlanta U.S. Postal Service official, will head the early part of the program in a discussion of the "FREE MATTER" mailing regulations. The correct manner of mailing affiliate publications has been a difficult problem for some editors. Mr. Storey will have complete information for workshop participants. 

All state and special-interest affiliate editors and presidents should have received information about the subsidy which is available from ACB to assist editors in defraying expenses incurred in attending the workshop.

Editors needing further information may contact Dean Flewwellin, Workshop Chairperson, by mail or telephone. His address is Dorian Apartments, No. 3, Aberdeen, SD 57401; telephone (605) 229-4129.

*****

** No Answer at the IRS
By Scott Marshall
Director of Governmental Affairs

The Internal Revenue Service, the nation's tax collector, has itself fallen under the budget axe. According to Commissioner of Internal Revenue Roscoe L. Egger, IRS intends to cut most funding for direct telephone taxpayer assistance and will provide telephone services only in response to account inquiries, i.e., questions about return status, refunds, and the like.

It is estimated that in fiscal year 1982, the IRS will answer approximately 34 million calls, most of which relate to substantive tax law questions, from persons many of whom cannot afford to hire accountants or tax experts. In fiscal year 1983, if the current proposal is adopted, the IRS will answer only approximately 12.6 million calls. These cuts come at a time when IRS is concerned about taxpayer compliance with the tax laws, and at a time when IRS intends to increase the number of auditors and tax collectors on its staff. 

How does all of this affect blind people? Many blind persons who now call the IRS to obtain answers to tax law questions in order to prepare their returns will not be able to get this information from IRS next year. More important, however, many blind employees of the IRS who now handle telephone inquiries may either lose their jobs or be transferred to other divisions of IRS. 

Since 1968, IRS has hired many blind people trained at the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind as taxpayer service representatives and taxpayer service specialists; These blind individuals, totaling approximately 150 in number, together with their sighted co-workers, answer the millions of calls received by IRS each year. The IRS has provided braille materials to its blind employees, enabling them to perform their jobs with only minimal need for sighted reading assistance. A few individuals have been promoted to management levels within the IRS. 

The American Council of the Blind National Office has been in close contact with key members of Congress and their staffs in an effort to ensure that the effect of this proposed budget cut on blind people will be known by members of Congress. ACB believes that the already limited employment opportunities for the blind in this country should not be further reduced by elimination of telephone service by the IRS. In addition, both Congress and the Internal Revenue Service itself must be made aware that transfer of blind employees to other divisions of the Service is desirable for those employees who wish to be transferred, and that the IRS should make certain that necessary support - e.g., reading assistance - should be made available in order for displaced blind employees to function competitively in other divisions of the Service. 

Here's what you can do to ensure that blind employees of the IRS will not be adversely affected by the President's proposed budget cuts in taxpayer service. Write to each member of your Congressional delegation. Tell your Congressmen that direct telephone assistance is a worthwhile public service and that many blind employees of the IRS may be adversely affected by elimination of telephone assistance. If the telephone assistance is eliminated, urge your members of Congress to make sure that necessary support assistance such as readers is provided to displaced blind employees to enable them to perform jobs effectively in other divisions of the Service. Blind taxpayer service representatives and taxpayer service specialists are highly trained, knowledgeable professionals, and you should remind your Senators and Representatives that this cadre of talent should be tapped for other jobs in other divisions of the IRS. 

You may also wish to send copies of your letters to the following key committee chairmen whose subcommittees are concerned with taxpayer assistance:  

Senator James Abdnor (R., SD) Senator William Cohen (R., ME) 
Representative Edward Roybal (D., CA) 
Representative Ben Rosenthal (D., NY)

Although the proposed cut in taxpayer assistance has so far received a cool reception on Capitol Hill, we do not know at this time whether Congress will adopt the President's budget request for FY 1983. We do know, however, that the IRS will continue to operate as usual through at least September 30 and that the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind taxpayer assistance program continues to train and place blind IRS tax professionals. The action suggested in this article is preventative in nature and is designed to help ensure that the interests of blind IRS employees will be protected, whatever the budget compromise in Washington.

*****

** A GOP Brouhaha:
Don't Worry about the Facts
By Vernon Henley

A recent visit by President Reagan to Oklahoma City to stump for his "New Federalism" program has sparked a peripheral dispute about the right of public employees to engage in political activities. Joe Fallin, an employee of the Oklahoma Office of Handicapped Concerns and president of the Oklahoma Council of the Blind, was among approximately 1,000 protesters who greeted the President at the State Capitol when he arrived to address a joint session of the Legislature. Some two dozen groups were granted permits to protest Reagan programs and policies, and Fallin was present in his role as president of the Oklahoma Council. Fallin had taken several days of vacation before and after the demonstration. 

After some of Fallin's comments were published in an Oklahoma City newspaper, State Republican Chair Nancy Apgar issued a two-page press release. The release said she was "shocked and disturbed" by news reports that "an employee of Governor George Nigh's office" was among the demonstrators. The release continued: "It would appear that a Mr. Joe Fallin, who was quoted in Wednesday morning's newspaper as a protester, is an employee of the Office of Handicapped Concerns. That is a part of the Governor's Office, and we must presume that he is a George Nigh appointee."

She went on to demand that Democrat Nigh "interrogate" Fallin and "fire him" if he was on state time while protesting.

The presumption that Fallin was an appointee of the Governor was, in fact, wrong. Fallin is a "non-merit" employee of the Office of Handicapped Concerns, which was established by the State Legislature. (The term "non-merit" is not a reference to Fallin's abilities, but merely indicates that the job position is one which the Legislature created directly, and is not a part of the more general Oklahoma state merit system.) 

From this simple beginning, waves of controversy spread. Fallin was widely quoted as saying that Mrs. Apgar was "as mistaken about my status as she is about Reagan's programs for the disabled."

The Governor's Office reacted swiftly and angrily. It termed as "inaccurate" the comments about the Office of Handicapped Concerns being a part of the Governor's Office. Nigh himself, in a press conference, used stronger language to describe the charges and Mrs. Apgar. He called the release "silly and ridiculous" and called the Republican chair "a hired gun" and a "paid killer." (Mrs. Apgar responded to the characterization by saying that hers was not a paid position.) The Governor branded the entire fuss as a political attack to try to undermine his newly announced reelection campaign, and added that Apgar's "credibility is undermined" by inaccuracies in her statements. 

Though long active in party affairs, Mrs. Apgar is a relative newcomer to the attention of the general population. She became Republican State Chair late in 1981 after a bitter intra­party dispute which resulted in the ouster of the previous chair, whose tenure had been marked by the accumulation of a $300,000 debt and several embarrassing gaffes. The retirement of the party debt became the major issue, and Reagan, during his overnight stay in Oklahoma City, was the guest at a $1,000-a-plate buffet designed to raise money for the party.

After her statements concerning Fallin were widely demonstrated to be inaccurate, Mrs. Apgar issued a new press release. Rather than withdrawing and offering an apology, she widened the dispute by denouncing the right of any state employee to demonstrate at any time. "I just feel anyone who works and is paid with tax dollars, when they become state employees, give up certain rights as citizens. That may not be fair, but taxpayers pay the bills, and I don't believe taxpayers want their money used that way."

This statement prompted Pat Hall, head of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, to comment that Mrs. Apgar has some "strange ideas," and go on to say, "That statement is ridiculous. She's misinformed. She ought to read the law."

The new Apgar comments also prompted one of the state's most conservative newspapers, the Tulsa Daily World, to editorialize (under the head, "Mrs. Apgar's Boohoo"), "Lord forbid that we fire all state employees who took time from their jobs to cheer or boo the President. Mrs. Apgar might want to check if any state employees used work time to welcome the President to town. We'd bet an aide or secretary to a Republican legislator or two was out waving to the President when there were papers to be filed back at the office" (a rather obvious assumption, since the Capitol building was cleared of occupants by the Secret Service before the President's arrival). The paper went on, "Mrs. Apgar is way off base here."

*****

** Illinois Governor Grants a Reprieve to IVHI
By Kathy Megivern

In a press release dated April 9, 1982, Governor James Thompson of Illinois announced that the Illinois Visually Handicapped Institute would remain open "at least" until June 30, 1982. This announcement is a reversal of the decision made in March to permanently close IVHI on April 30, 1982. The Institute is the only publicly funded residential rehabilitation facility for blind adults in the state of Illinois. 

Governor Thompson said that his decision to close IVHI had been based on assurances that adequate services could be found elsewhere in the community. However, he is no longer satisfied that such services could have been located in the community by July 1. He has asked the Department of Rehabilitative Services for a report on availability of alternative services by June 30.

When the closing of IVHI was announced in March, two lawsuits were filed, one by the students at IVHI and another by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, who were joined by certain individual staff members and the American Association of Workers for the Blind as co-plaintiffs. These plaintiffs argued that by closing IVHI two months before the end of the fiscal year, the Governor was, in effect, illegally impounding money which had been duly appropriated by the Legislature to operate IVHI for the full fiscal year. The issue of whether to keep the facility open after the end of the fiscal year June 30, 1982) was not addressed in the lawsuit. That issue is pending before the Illinois State Legislature. 

The Governor's fiscal year 1983 budget requests no money for IVHI, but this must be approved by the Legislature. Appropriations hearings have begun, and organizations of and for the blind are working overtime to convince state lawmakers that IVHI should be funded for FY 1983. The American Foundation for the Blind has already testified at Appropriations Committee hearings, and the American Association of Workers for the Blind plans to do the same. AAWB will be represented by its Legislative Committee chairman, Durward K. McDaniel.

An agreement has been signed by the parties in the lawsuit. Under this order, IVHI will remain open through and including June 30, 1982. They will continue to admit and evaluate students; they will maintain all normal operations and retain all regular staff. If these provisions are carried out, the case will be dismissed. 

In addition to the pressure created by the lawsuit, the Governor's action was undoubtedly a response to the, immediate and vocal opposition of many state and national organizations of and for the blind. These organizations continue to monitor the situation, since many persons believe that the move to close IVHI was just a first step in efforts to "generalize" rehabilitation services for blind persons in Illinois. The coalition which resulted from this crisis plans to continue its fight to prevent further cutbacks and to preserve specialized services for blind and visually impaired people in Illinois.

*****

** News Briefs from the ACB National Office
By Oral O. Miller
National Representative

By the time this article is published, the second national legislative workshop sponsored by the American Council of the Blind will have taken place in Washington, D.C., during the period May 5-7, 1982. It has been difficult, time-consuming work matching active ACB members who are able to attend the workshop with the members of the Congressional committees most likely to deal with matters of concern to the blind and visually impaired. We want to thank the state affiliate presidents for their cooperation and assistance in this complex task. We are extremely optimistic concerning the effectiveness of the seminar, because within just the past few days we have learned of possible changes in the Randolph-Sheppard vending program vending program, as one example, that must be brought to the attention of Congress immediately and vigorously.

The response to the announcement regarding the establishment of the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships has been unbelievable! As of early April, the ACB National Office has received almost 100 scholarship applications from students throughout the United States, and it is almost certain that dozens more will come in by the deadline date of April 30, 1982. The four scholarship recipients will be presented to the ACB national convention at the Awards and Charter Gala on Wednesday evening, July 7, 1982. I urge you to start planning now to attend that ceremony so you can meet the outstanding young people receiving these scholarships. Be sure to read the article appearing elsewhere in this issue of The Braille Forum regarding the professional entertainment that is also to be presented during the Awards and Charter Gala. 

As reported by ACB President Grant Mack in his President's Message in the March issue of The Braille Forum, the ACB Board of Directors decided at its January, 1982 meeting to assist the winter sports program of the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes, which was then preparing to conduct its first national winter sports championship tournament and to select the team of skiers, guides, and coaches to represent the United States at the World Winter Sports Championships for the Disabled, held in Switzerland in March. It was my pleasure to serve as the Group Leader for the USABA party, which consisted of 48 people. Although the American team of cross-country and downhill skiers was compelled to operate on a financial shoestring, and although it had less than two months following the Winter Sports National Championship Tournament to train, raise money, and do dozens of other essential things, its members won a total of thirteen medals - six gold, five silver, and two bronze. 

By the time this article is published, all ACB affiliate presidents will have received additional information regarding sponsorship of students to attend the student seminar scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Sunday, July 4, 1982. I cannot over­emphasize the importance of sending students to this seminar. If your affiliate is interested in sponsoring a student but does not know of a likely student in your area, please contact the ACB National Office so we can put you in touch with an interested student.

*****

** 1981 White House Conference on Aging
By William J. (Bill) Ferrell

(Reprinted from White Cane Bulletin) 

(Note: Bill Ferrell retired to Merritt Island, Florida, in 1977 from Tennessee, where he was Director of Services for the Blind. He is a member of the newly organized Brevard County Chapter of FCB, and his wife Dorothy is Secretary. Bill is an active member of the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Rehabilitation Association, and the American Association of Workers for the Blind.)

My wife Dorothy and I were privileged to attend the 1981 White House Conference on Aging, which was held in Washington, D.C., November 29-December 3. I was appointed a National Observer from Florida, and I also sat in the Conference as a representative of the American Council of the Blind. None of the materials for the Conference were in either braille or cassette, so Dorothy was assigned as my reader and given "status" as an Observer. 

The principal aim of the Conference was to make recommendations and policy which would enable all older Americans to live healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. More than 2200 Delegates, 1500 National Observers, and several hundred specialists, aides, and volunteers participated in the Conference, which opened on Sunday evening, November 29, with a buffet dinner and reception. The event turned out to be a disaster because of inadequate planning for the more than 4,000 persons who crowded into the Sheraton­Washington Hotel for the occasion. 

The second day of the Conference began with a plenary session, at which time some of the accomplishments of previous White House Conferences on Aging and the aspirations of the 1981 Conference were discussed; e.g., the Medicare program was enacted as a result of the 1961 WHCOA, and the Older Americans Act was enacted as a result of the 1971 Conference. Following the plenary session, the participants broke up into fourteen committees which studied such topics as Social Security, health, income maintenance, education and training, housing, retirement, long-term care, community participation, concerns of older women, and research. The Conference concluded with the committee chairmen reading approximately 700 resolutions, recommendations, and policy statements which had been developed by the fourteen committees. 

Although it would be impossible to summarize the actions of the Conference, the following list of issues seemed to receive the greatest attention:

1.  Maintenance of the Social Security system at its present level, with annual cost-of-living increases.
2.  Elimination of the earnings test for persons retired under SSA.
3.  Development of some type of national health insurance:
4.  Some means of reducing the devastating effects of inflation on retired persons with fixed incomes.
5.  Greater efforts toward protecting the elderly against crime.
6.  Development of a wider range of social services and recreational activities for all older Americans, both rural and urban.

There was a noticeable lack of any mention of the handicapped, especially the blind and visually impaired, during the deliberations of the Conference. All persons are affected by the process of aging, but there are special problems for the blind and visually handicapped. As a National Observer, I was not permitted to speak on any issue. I felt that this rule was discriminatory and a violation of my civil rights, but there was nothing I could do about it. However, I did get one of the Florida Delegates to introduce a resolution as follows:

Resolved, that no otherwise qualified elderly handicapped individual shall be denied the benefits of any of the recommendations of the WHCOA which may become effective either by legislation or regulation solely by reason of his/her handicap.

In spite of the limitations of being a National Observer, Dorothy and I are proud of having had the opportunity to be a part of more than 4,000 persons whose purpose of assembling was to attempt to make life more worthwhile for all older Americans. Participating in the 1981 White House Conference on Aging was a mentally and emotionally stimulating and rewarding experience for both of us.

*****

** Highlights - ACB Board of Directors Meeting
January 9, 1982

The Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind met in all-day session in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, January 9, 1982. All Board members were present, as well as a number of guests and observers. 

The major portion of the meeting was devoted to establishing the budget for 1982 and to reports having implications for, or impacting upon, the budget. 

Treasurer James Olsen reported that he expects revenue for 1981 to be approximately $766,000. Of this amount, approximately $732,000 will be Thrift Store income. (Not all close-out figures had been received by the time of the meeting.) Operating expenses were approximately $647,000, leaving excess revenue over expenses of 1981 of approximately $119,000. 

After lengthy discussion and review of various programs, including new programs and services for 1982, the Board approved a budget totaling $843,000. Major budget items include:

Employee compensation (including fringe benefits and pay roll taxes) - $309,000. This reflects the fact that 1982 is the first year in which the ACB National Office will be operating with a full complement of professional staff. 

Production costs for The Braille Forum in four editions - $110,000. This substantial increase over 1981 dollars reflects growth in readership, professional reading of the recorded editions, and funding for publication of a quarterly flexible disc edition in Spanish. The Braille Forum is now being sent to all members of Congress. The Spanish edition is expected to be in circulation by early summer. 

Travel - $170,000. This includes $60,000 to be paid in direct subsidies to members for attendance at conferences and seminars conducted by ACB throughout 1982 - southwest and north central leadership training seminars, the annual legislative workshop in Washington, D.C., and the student workshop and publications workshop at the 1982 national convention. 

Telephone - $40,000. This substantial increase is due in large measure to greater utilization of the incoming WATS line, which is being used for the Washington Connection, ACB's legislative hot line service, as well as for other expanded programs such as the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships, public awareness, and response to the public service announcements. 

The Board approved contributions totaling $26,000 to a number of organizations and projects - the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America, American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped, and Good Cheer magazine. A special contribution was voted the Braille Authority of North America in conjunction with the September, 1982 International Conference on English Braille Grade Two (see The Braille Forum, April, 1982). In addition, a special grant was also voted the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes to send one skier and guide to Switzerland for the World Skiing Championships for the Disabled. 

Awards and grants – general - A total of $20,000 was budgeted in this expense category. The amount includes $15,000 for the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship program - $10,000 for scholarships to be awarded during the current year, plus $5,000 to establish a scholarship endowment fund. Thrift Store income sharing grants totaling $7,000 were distributed to six ACB state and special-interest affiliates for membership development, public awareness, and newsletter publication projects. 

Budgeted dollars were provided in various expense categories to fund expanded programs in membership development and rebuilding, as outlined by the Membership Committee. Durward McDaniel is National Membership Committee. Other committee members are Vera McClain of Florida, George (Buck) Gillispie of Connecticut, Mae Davidow of Pennsylvania, Jerry Dunlap of Oklahoma, Irving Smith of Washington, and Audrey Hebner of California. 

In the area of public awareness, an amount was budgeted for "ACB Reports," a monthly program to be made available to all radio reading services, dealing specifically with the American Council of the Blind and its activities (see "ACB Speaks to RRS Listeners," The Braille Forum, April, 1982). 

The Board voted to proceed to adopt an improved life insurance plan as outlined by a representative of the William Mercer Co. of Chicago. The plan would upgrade the minimum amount of insurance available, reduce the overall rate structure, and eliminate discrimination based upon the length of time a person has been blind. The plan will be marketed in braille, large print, and cassette. The Board approved official Personnel Regulations and Travel Reimbursement Regulations as presented by the Personnel Committee. The Board also accepted the recommendation of the Floyd Qualls Memorial Committee to award four $2,500 scholarships in 1982 and to establish an endowment fund for the perpetuation of this scholarship program (see The Braille Forum, February, 1982). 

On behalf of Friends of Eye Research, Marvin Brotman presented a Citation of Appreciation to Durward McDaniel "for outstanding leadership in work for the blind and for untiring work as a citizen leader on behalf of expanded eye research in the United States." To date, this award has been presented to only one other person. 

In his report to the Board, National Representative Oral O. Miller touched upon a wide range of activities and concerns of the National Office and of ACB generally. He reviewed the very successful "Talking Optacon" evaluation and training program and reported that the Missouri Federation of the Blind will be sponsoring the last half of the project, beginning in mid-February. The public service announcements were distributed to all radio reading services and to over 1,000 commercial stations throughout the country. Mr. Miller continues, at least for the present, to serve as national convention coordinator; has represented ACB at various committee meetings of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind and at meetings of the National Accreditation Council and National Industries for the Blind; and supervised planning and implementation of the leadership training seminar held in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1981. He reported that, with the concurrence of the Computer Committee, computer equipment had been ordered for both the National Office and the Braille Forum office and should be in place within a few weeks. Mailing list management is to be the top priority, with a wide range of possible applications to be considered in the future. 

The Board went into executive session to discuss negotiations concerning the Thrift Stores.
 
Dr. Otis Stephens reported on meetings which he had attended over the past several months, as president of the National Accreditation Council, with representatives of the National Federation of the Blind.

*****

** The Washington Connection in Review

If you did not call the Washington Connection, ACB's information and legislation hot line, during the past month, you missed the latest news on subjects affecting blind and handicapped persons. 

Regulatory Reform - Senate Bill S. 1080, the Regulatory Reform Act, was expected to reach the Senate floor in mid-March. This bill would dramatically alter the procedure whereby agencies of the Federal Government formulate and publish important rules and regulations. Rules and regulations are interpretations by Federal agencies of laws passed by Congress and often are extremely significant in just how the law will actually be implemented. This is particularly true in the case of Section 504. ACB did not support S. 1080, but urged that if Senators must vote in favor of the bill, they support two amendments, which would limit the scope of Office of Management and Budget review of regulations and would further ensure access by the public to OMB documents and to the reasons why regulations are changed as a result of OMB review. 

Funding for Handicapped Assistance Loans Administered by the Small Business Administration - Handicapped Assistance Loans (known as HAL loans) are either direct loans or loan guarantees designed to fund business ventures by handicapped individuals or organizations such as workshops. Because of its low-interest feature, the direct loan is more desirable than a loan guarantee. Direct loans make money available to the handicapped individual who may not be able to afford the high market interest rates. 

During FY 1982, HAL direct loans were reduced from $25 million to $15 million. The loan guarantee program was increased from $1.7 million to $5 million during the same year. The President's 1983 budget proposal terminates the direct loan program in its entirety and would continue loan guarantees at the $5 million 1982 level. It is expected that this cut will sharply reduce the number of small businesses started by handicapped people. 

ACB supports funding for direct HAL loans at at least the 1981 funding level. Interest rates for these loans should remain low, and HAL loan monies should be available in all regions of the country: Experience has shown that in some areas there is a long delay for HAL direct loan assistance because of inequities in funding in various parts of the country.

Funding Cuts to Internal Revenue Service - See "No Answer at the IRS," elsewhere in this issue.

Voter Accessibility - On April 1, 1982, H. R. 6036 and its Senate counterpart, S. 2334, the Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act, were introduced in Congress. These bills would ensure that polling and voter registration places are accessible to blind and other handicapped individuals. The bills have been carefully drafted after consultation with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the League of Disabled Voters, and 27 other groups concerned with the rights of disabled and elderly citizens. Among other provisions, these bills mandate that blind, elderly, and handicapped people may select a person of their own choosing to assist them in the voting booth. Also, they require that an accessible site be chosen for registration and polling places, and that aids such as large print information be made available to enable handicapped and elderly people to vote. 

ACB believes the Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act is an innovative, cost-effective, and comprehensive way to ensure that all handicapped, blind, and elderly citizens are given a viable opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Update on the "Great Swap" Proposal - As reported in the March issue of The Braille Forum, President Reagan has proposed a so-called "Great Swap" as part of his New Federalism initiative. The "Great Swap" would transfer the funding for food stamps and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs to the states and would require the Federal Government to assume the costs of Medicaid.

Apparently the "Great Swap" idea received a cool reception from most of the nation's governors, and sources at the White House and at the National Governors Association confirm that the President has decided to suspend, at least for the present, plans to introduce legislation to accomplish the "Great Swap." The idea of transferring social service programs to the states, however, is not dead, and plans are under way to introduce legislation to return 43 programs, including rehabilitation and special education, to the states. 

Renewal of Continuing Resolution to Fund Federal Programs for FY 1982 - The Continuing Resolution, which was to have expired on March 31, was extended to the end of the fiscal year, or September 30, without any weakening amendments with respect to programs of special interest to blind persons. 

The Washington Connection, a public service of the American Council of the Blind, is available to callers from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 A.M., EST, weekdays or any time on weekends and holidays. The toll­free number is 1-800-424-8666. The message is changed weekly, or more often, if necessary, to reflect the latest breaking developments in Washington. Members and friends of the American Council of the Blind are urged to call regularly and to take the actions suggested in these bulletins.

*****

** Presidents Move On, Not Randolph

(Reprinted from The White Cane Bulletin, March-April 1982, Published by the Florida Council of the Blind) 

Senator Jennings Randolph (D., WV), co-author of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, recently turned 80, and other Senate oldsters were not about to let the occasion pass unnoticed. After all, Presidents have come and gone - nine, to be precise - while Randolph stays on, the only current member of Congress who served during Franklin D. Roosevelt's first hundred days.
 
Randolph isn't the oldest member of Congress. That distinction falls to Representative Claude Pepper (D., FL), now 81, and Senator John C. Stennis (D., MS), turned 80 last August. But Randolph was serving in Congress four years before Pepper was first elected and a full fifteen years ahead of Stennis.

Randolph held a position of great influence over thousands of public works products as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for fourteen years, a post he had to relinquish last year with the GOP takeover. First elected to the House in 1932, Randolph served in that chamber until 1947, then worked as an airline executive until 1958, when he was elected to the Senate.

*****

** SSDI Eligibility Review, Crisis For Handicapped Recipients
By Barbara Nelson, Staff Attorney

Under the Social Security Amendments of 1980, the Social Security Administration is required by law periodically to review the medical condition of individuals who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Many of these people have disabilities which are not considered to be permanent. In 1982, the continued disability of some 500,000 persons will be reviewed. 

As a result of reviews conducted to date, thousands of disabled people have already been removed from the Social Security disability rolls, based upon determinations made in haste and/ or on the basis of insufficient medical evidence. A significant number of these adverse determinations have been reversed when claimants have appealed the decisions. Many advocates charge that this review process is being used not, as Congress intended, to ensure that all non-disabled people are removed from the Social Security disability rolls, but as a means to cut the costs of Social Security programs and thus lower the Federal deficit. 

A crisis has developed. Many truly disabled people are without necessary Social Security disability benefits, and the state disability determination units and Social Security Administration appeals offices face incredible backlogs of work.

The Social Security Administration is taking important steps to solve some of the problems. Stricter quality control measures are being implemented to ensure more accurate decisions concerning a recipient's continued eligibility for benefits. Personnel authorized to make decisions involving cessation of disability status are required to obtain all of a claimant's medical records, whenever possible, and an attempt is being made to improve the quality of consultative medical examinations. Social Security is also automatically waiving overpayments which occur from the date of medical evidence that a person is actually no longer eligible for benefits and the time the claimant receives notice from Social Security that his/her benefits are terminated.

Representative J. J. Pickle (D., TX) has introduced a bill, H.R. 5700, to deal with this situation. However, attached to the bill were provisions which would also revamp the Social Security appeals process and tighten up already strict eligibility standards. The bill was rushed through Chairman Pickle's Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Committee on Ways and Means. The American Council of the Blind and others quickly prepared statements for presentation to the Subcommittee voicing strong opposition to the most harmful provisions of the bill, such as the requirement that a person must have worked two out of the previous six years prior to becoming disabled in order to be eligible for benefits. As a result, most of the provisions opposed by ACB were revised or removed from the legislation.

As it stands, H.R. 5700 will mitigate some of the hardships which presently exist in the Social Security Disability system:

•  The bill would reverse the change made by the Reconciliation Act of 1981 and allow Social Security trust funds to be used to pay in advance for vocational rehabilitation services;
•  It would automatically raise the amount of earnings a person could receive and still be entitled to benefits each year;
•  When a person receives a notice that disability benefits are being terminated, he/she may choose to have benefits continue until the reconsideration level of the appeal process is completed; and
•  For individuals whose benefits are terminated for medical reasons, any benefits paid prior to the time the person receives notice of termination will not be counted as an overpayment.

Even though most of the provisions opposed by the American Council of the Blind have been eliminated, the bill still would make some changes in the Social Security appeals process which we feel may be unwise. In order to minimize the number of appeals to administrative law judges, the legislation would make the reconsideration level of appeal more important. All medical evidence would have to be introduced at that point in the appeal process. We believe, however, that a better solution to the problem is to increase the quality of the initial disability review. If these reviews are made accurately, fewer appeals would be necessary and recipients would be spared the anxiety of financial hardships which are often caused when benefits are inappropriately terminated.

*****

** The Listening Ear
By Dorothy Stiefel

Dear Dorothy:

Maybe you can give me some advice on how I can get my life together. You see, since I was 16, I lived on the street, hoping to be able to retire before my vision completely died out on me. I am 26 now, and my vision is still failing and I'm still on the streets, where no one cares whether I live or die. 

... I tried running away, but the only thing that does is get me all alone ... and in trouble. 

My income is only a small monthly check, and I drink heavy and don't manage my money very well ... On top of that, I am afraid that I'm going to hurt someone or get myself hurt.

Do you have some advice that you can give a man that's up against the wall and fighting a losing battle?

- The Woods, Alabama. 

Dear In-the-Woods: 

We've been batting your problem back and forth through previous personal letters, and perhaps some readers may have insight and input about your dilemma. 

I can empathize and understand the "give up" attitude, since you had learned at age 15 (a difficult age for many boys) that you were going blind. But I suspect ten years of this "playing around" has settled you in a life style that, in spite of your "confessions," you rather nurture by constantly lamenting your personal lot. 

You have very realistically acknowledged several problem areas. You have learned that running away doesn't work; that street life holds no rewards or security; that you still have the same vision problem you had ten years ago; and that you drink "excessively" (it's called alcoholism, a very destructive disease which, besides being a costly habit, deteriorates mental and physical functioning, social relationships, and often destroys family relationships). 

You know all this. The next step is to DO something about your problems - one by one - one day at a time. 

Some readers may have been in a similar position. Let's hear from them.

Some interesting feedback from readers: 

Dear Dorothy:

On hearing your column in the flexible disc edition of The Braille Forum, I felt that I should give you the following information. 

Our Council's 1981 effort to obtain data which might have served as a basis for the launching of an effort to improve the insurance situation for the visually handicapped was, I regret to say, a complete "bust." We received exactly ONE response, and several inquiries from other organizations. 

I am happy to note that the American Council of the Blind is entering the arena and hope that their resources and facilities will result in a greater measure of success.

- Harold Jaeger, President, Low Vision Council of Southern California, P. 0. Box 1341, Santa Monica, CA 90406. 

Dear Dorothy: 

I read with interest your articles in The Braille Forum and thought I would bring to your attention some testing that is being carried out by National Industries for the Blind in the area of light intensity and color contrast. NIB’s Rehabilitation Research Department has developed a work sample that can be helpful in work situations for individuals with residual vision as well as for household and avocational endeavors. 

For more information about this work sample and its use, please contact me.

- George Aarons, National Industries for the Blind, P.O. Box 812, Hazlehurst, MS 39083.

And now for a final, positive "happy ending" to the problem of South Dakota in the Dog House:

Dear Dorothy: 

In the process of visiting a sister and brother-in-law who like Ali, I also was able to take her to the homes of several others where I had known before that the response was not as good. The dog behaved in a model manner ... 

You are right that I set myself up for the kind of treatment I received. By boarding the dog in a kennel or with friends, I was in essence giving my family a model to follow, and they grew to expect this. You were also right in saying that discussion will do a lot to aid the process of adjustment. Really, I guess I am going to have to learn to be as assertive in discussing things with my family as I am generally with friends.

No relationship in this life generally comes easy. To put it finally, the more you work at a relationship, the more it’s worth. That holds true with family members, too. The more I discuss things with them, get their opinions, try to make them understand my point of view a little better, the more we get to know each other. 

I think your column is a great idea. Keep up the good work. 

Readers are encouraged to share their comments in response to any letter appearing in this column. If you have a concern to share or a gripe to air, write to Dorothy Stiefel, c/o The Listening Ear, P.O. Box 8388, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. For a personal response, please be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

*****

** Braille Gift Catalog — Wessian Distributing

Warren Sladky, who is totally blind, and his sighted wife Lois, are Wessian Distributing, which has been serving over 1,000 enthusiastic, satisfied blind customers throughout the past eight years. Mr. Sladky’s weekday job is chief tape duplicator at the Cleveland Regional Library for the Blind.

Over 500 utilitarian and/or decorative gifts are described on more than 350 pages in Wessian's braille only catalog, issued three times per year. These gifts are not aids and appliances for the blind. The Braille Gift Service is yours for a once-only membership fee of $3.00. Membership remains intact as long as you buy at least $7.50 worth of merchandise per year. Besides a free pair of folding scissors worth $1.50, you will also receive a $1.25 value pen-tool set if you join before August 31 and mention this announcement. 

For fund-raisers and business persons: The taped Wessian Entrepreneur Bulletin presents listings of products suitable for selling door-to-door or through a vending facility, by fundraisers, or even by individuals who can buy in standard cartons, usually a dozen pieces. Prices permit an 80% to 100% markup for resale. These are all proven good sellers among Braille Gift Service members. The recycling 1 7/8 ips cassette is updated periodically, and the once-only membership fee is $3.00. 
For both the Braille Gift Service and the Entrepreneur Bulletin, write Wessian Distributing, P.O. Box 20015, Cleveland, OH 44120. Membership is restricted to continental United States.

*****

** In Memoriam: Gertrude Musier 
"Well Done, Thou Good And Faithful Servant"
By Patricia Price

When the enthusiastic, confident, and courageous voice of Gertrude E. (Trudy) Musier was suddenly silenced early Thursday morning, March 11, 1982, by a massive coronary following major surgery the previous Tuesday, a lifetime of service to Almighty God and mankind was ended. Trudy was the recipient of the George Card Award at the 1975 national convention of the American Council of the Blind and was Immediate Past President of the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association.

Following sudden onset of blindness at the age of 3, Trudy quickly demonstrated a keen awareness of the purposeful direction her life must take. Upon graduation from the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, she was employed in several transcribing positions. Her compelling desire to work for the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) was fulfilled in 1947 when she was hired as a typist/transcriptionist in the New York Engineering Department. A succession of significant career advancements occurred, including Senior Secretary in IBM's Office Products Division, Staff Assistant in 1965, and, ultimately, Educational Marketing Developmental Program Manager in 1974. In this capacity, she traveled extensively throughout the United States training blind and sighted persons to use IBM's advanced office equipment. Recently, because of her ardent advocacy for vocational independence of the blind, a lifelong dream became a reality when engineers at IBM developed the Audio Typing Unit (ATU), a device which makes it possible for blind typists to proofread their typewritten material. In 1975, Trudy's outreach extended beyond the continental United States to Paris, France, where she participated in the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind conference commemorating the 150th anniversary of braille.

Retirement in 1977 brought a new dimension to this already successful life. She served as a consultant for IBM and assumed leadership roles in her church and in her community women's club, became a board member of the John Milton Society, and was elected president of the northern chapter, American Council of the Blind of New Jersey, a position she held at the time of her death. 

Words are inadequate to summarize a life of 69 1/2 years devoted almost exclusively to others. Unquestionably, Trudy's memory will be a vital, living one in the hearts and minds of those who knew her and whose lives she touched. 

Yes, we have lost a friend and a dynamic leader. How grateful, though, all must be for having had the privilege to know and work with so magnetic a human being.

*****

** Here and There
By Elizabeth M. Lennon

From White Cane Bulletin (Florida): On March 6, at the Stetson University Homecoming, Mary Inez Mauldin, Secretary of the Florida Council of the Blind, was presented by the Stetson University Alumni Association their Distinguished Alumni Award. She was cited for her outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and for exemplary goals she has set for Stetson graduates. 

Supported by government subsidies, a thriving Japanese firm employs 630 persons, 45 of whom have disabilities. According to The Wall Street Journal, Japan Sun is a successful manufacturing company whose motto, "NO ONE IS SO WHOLLY DISABLED AS TO BE UNABLE TO WORK AT ALL" is confirmed by its employees. Workers with disabilities man a printing shop, make electrical parts, assemble measuring tapes, decorate small Buddhist altars with gold leaf, work in a supermarket and bank, assemble wheelchairs, write computer programs, and inspect semiconductors produced at a nearby Texas lnstruments Company plant. 

The Bank of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has set up a "Special Needs" program to assist disabled people with their banking activities, according to an article in Programs for the Handicapped. In early 1981, the bank hired a consultant to design and implement services for persons with special needs. Classes in budgeting, checking, and saving are taught to mentally retarded persons. Guest speakers are made available to special education classes in Albuquerque high schools. Ramps have been constructed, teller windows lowered, and parking provided for wheelchair customers. Visually impaired customers receive statements on checking/savings accounts in very large type or braille, and large, personalized checks with embossed lines are provided. For deaf and hearing impaired persons, an eight-week sign language course is provided to all staff, and sign-language interpreters are available when needed. Staff at the bank report the program has brought increased deposits and has been successful in encouraging disabled customers to handle their own banking activities. For further information, contact Kathy O'Callaghan, Special Needs Consultant, Bank of Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM 87103. 

From the Mid-Florida Council of the Blind Mumbles: The Ralston­Purina Company offers a discount program to their Purina Pro Club for individuals with dog guides. A coupon book worth $15.00 is available to registered members. For information, write Maurice Parisien, Ralston-Purina, Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, MO 63188. 

Patricia Price, a member of the ACB Board of Directors and President of the Visually Impaired Secretarial Transcribers Association, was honored recently when she was named a Jefferson Award recipient and designated one of ten outstanding Indiana "People Helpers" for 1982. The Jefferson Awards are presented annually by the Indianapolis Star to Hoosiers for significant and often un­recognized service to others. Pat received a gold medallion and plaque in recognition of her outstanding public service to the visually and aurally handicapped. She will now be considered, along with winners from other states, for the national Jefferson Awards, which are presented annually at prestigious ceremonies in the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Pat was nominated for the award by Eugene M. Busche, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Life Insurance Company, where she is a supervisor in the Policy Owners Service Department. The Mid-America Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers will hold its 1982 conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 12-14. Theme of the conference is "New Concepts in Communication." Those interested in receiving further information may contact Glenda Farnum, Secretary, MACRT, 4129 Holiday Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

From Awareness (National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired): Tim English, an engineer, has developed and patented a "talking" exit sign. The sign has a micro­processor programmed to deliver a variety of safety messages in synthesized speech. The self-activating signs can also "sense" danger and direct people to a safe exit. Although originally designed to aid the visually impaired, English points out that the “signs” are a help to all, since many times, black smoke (in the case of fire, for example) obscures exit signs and renders everyone virtually blind. He predicts that fire safety codes will eventually require "talking" exits.

The Boy Scouts of America has recently published a booklet, "Scouting for the Visually Handicapped," a practical approach to adapting many Scouting concepts for the visually impaired. The booklet was prepared by Ross and Arline Huckins and A. Robert McMullen, all affiliated with the California School for the Blind. The booklet is available at local Boy Scouts of American headquarters for a nominal sum.
 
From AARP News: Amtrak has increased its discount to older Americans and the handicapped, offering a 25% reduction on all round-trip fares and eliminating the $40.00 minimum fare requirement. Since 1980, Amtrak has been giving a 25% discount for one-way fares over $40.00. The new plan went into effect on January 31. Amtrak also has special services to assist the elderly and handicapped when traveling. These include assistance in boarding and departing trains at all Amtrak stations, as well as special meals and other services for those who cannot avail themselves of regular services. If you plan to travel 
on Amtrak and need special assistance, the company asks travelers to give advance notice of their needs. 

Ira Bossert of Phoenix, Arizona, a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, was recently named Representative of the Month by Visualtek. 

At last - Money Organizer Wallet! Not much bigger than a small folding check book, this wallet was designed to meet the special needs of those with visual problems. Its unique features include separate compartments for $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills, so that folding of paper money is not necessary; four separate change purses for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters (especially helpful for older people with sight loss and diabetics with diminished fingertip sensitivity); seven separate slots for credit cards and memos; and a built-in signature guide. Made of brown grained vinyl, with convenient velcro closures; Price: $15.00 plus $2.00 shipping (Massachusetts residents, add 75 cents sales tax). Wholesale quantity prices for ten or more. Prepaid orders only, please. end check or money order to: Innavision, 14 White Pine Knoll Road, Wayland, MA 01778. 

The Oregon Council of the Blind, Inc., is offering for sale name brand, used, 60-minute cassette tapes. All tapes are erased. For 25 cents each, any number of cassettes can be yours, and for only five cents each, you can also purchase hard plastic cases. Send check or money order to Oregon Council of the Blind, 530 Jefferson Street, N.E., Salem, OR 97303. 

Blanche Wagner and Arnold Austin of Butler, Missouri, would like to know if there is any interest in starting a music club within ACB. Ms. Wagner, who attended the 1981 convention in St. Louis, writes, "Some of the most fantastic musicians I have heard were part of an impromptu get-together sing at the convention." Anyone interested is asked to send ideas and suggestions to Arnold Austin, Route 4, Box 241, Butler, MO 64730. 

A self-help organization for people who are newly blinded or experiencing progressive sight loss has recently been established in Florida. For further information, contact Low Vision Foundation of Florida, 601 Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. 

With major funding provided by the Delta Gamma Foundation, the National Society to Prevent Blindness has developed several new educational components for its campaign against diabetic retinopathy, the eye disease which has emerged as a leading cause of new blindness among adults in the United States. Among the items developed are an illustrated six-page folder for the public explaining the disease, a scientific exhibit and color slide/tape program for professionals, and a folder listing medical centers participating in clinical studies to determine the benefits of advanced treatment for the disease. For further information, contact National Society to Prevent Blindness, 79 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. 

Gloria Vos, a certified braillist, will transcribe, at 50 cents a page, literary braille, Nemeth code, or computer notation. Send print copy, which will be returned, to Mrs. Gloria Vos, The Dorchester, 226 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Requests can be filled without delay. 

From Hoosier Starlight (Indiana): Information on traveling as a handicapped person is available from Travel Information, Moss Rehabilitation Center, 12th and Tabor, Philadelphia, PA 19141. State your destination, special interests, and the nature of your disability. - The Northwest Foundation for the Bind (Seattle) has made "Chess Challenger" available to the Seattle Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. This is perhaps one of the strongest chess programs ever placed in a micro­processor. Approximately twice as fast as any previous model, this is the first "thinking" device that, after thinking, speaks out and talks. It is so smart that it is available in English, German, French, and Spanish.

*****

** 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.

###