The Braille Forum Vol. XXI August, 1982 No. 2 American Council of the Blind Awards First Annual Floyd Qualls Scholarships Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped: A History of Changes and Challenges 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 Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped: Past, Present and Future Free Matter: Nearly a Century of Change, by Judith M. Dixon and Alfred D. Hagle The Blind "See Clearly" on Free Matter, by Scott Marshall ACB Awards First Annual Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships The State Commission System: The Jury Is Still Out, by Joan Reed Supreme Court Decides Landmark Special Education Case, by Barbara Nelson Planning for Employment Far Enough Down the Road, by William A. Pickman There's Nothing I Can't Do with a Bike Insulin Pen Face to Face — The Dos and Don'ts of Meetings with Public Officials, by Scott Marshall 1982 Ad Hoc Advisory Group Meets at NLS, by Karen Lourcey The Listening Ear, by Dorothy Stiefel 1983 Ski for Light Applications Now Available In Memoriam: Dean R. Sumner The Washington Connection in Review Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Notice to Subscribers ***** ** President's Message By Grant Mack All my life, I have been a sports buff, both as a spectator and as a participant. One of my fondest memories is of Ted Williams swinging a bat in Fenway Park. Memories of high­school and college days center around playing football and the smell of gymnasiums. I had been an active participant in baseball, basketball, tennis, horseshoes - anything connected with sports and physical activity. From 1949 until 1970, I bowled in at least one winter league and competed in at least one yearly tournament, although basically I was a once­a-week bowler. My average until my vision started to slip was 160 to 170. My highest game in league play was 254 and in tournament competition, 269. Toward the end of my career as a participant in a sighted league, my average slipped to the low 140's. The spots in the alley disappeared and I was having trouble orienting myself on the approach. Finally, at my behest - and probably just before my teammates would have requested it - I voluntarily withdrew from the team. About two months ago, I had my first experience as a blind bowler using a rail. Even though it had been many years since I had bowled, because of my past experience, I really felt confident that I would be able to make a reasonable score. What a shock it was when I discovered this was a completely new "ball game." My first four balls were gutter balls, and I had neither a spare nor a strike during the entire game. In fact, it was a little embarrassing to end up with a score of 27. The second game showed some improvement. I did make one spare and raised my score to 51. Blindness has certainly put a new dimension on my bowling activity. It is obvious that I will need to learn how to use a bowling rail more effectively. My approach and delivery will need to be completely restructured before bowling once again becomes a very enjoyable, comfortable pastime. There is no question in my mind that with a lot of patience and some good coaching, I can once again become at least an average bowler. Some people say that blindness is merely a nuisance and not a severe handicap. To those people who subscribe to that philosophy, I would suggest that they are simply fooling themselves. A condition that can so dramatically change one’s performance level is more than a mere nuisance. Fortunately, in the case of bowling, someone a long time ago was smart enough to recognize that with skillful use of a bowling rail, a blind person could compete with anyone. Either stupidity or stubbornness would cause a blind person who really wants to bowl to refuse the use of a rail. It is hard to realize that there are some blind people who will deny that blindness will affect their bowling or other abilities. These are the people who say that blindness is merely a nuisance. The solution of any problem must begin with recognition that a problem exists. Indeed fortunate is the blind person who recognizes that his blindness brings about some limitations. Even more fortunate are those who recognize that with the right kind of training and with the proper use of devices and aids that have been perfected over the years, they can learn to do just about anything, whether it be participating in sports and recreational activities or performing at more than adequate levels occupationally or professionally. ***** *** Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped — Past, Present, and Future ** Free Matter: Nearly a Century of Change By Judith M. Dixon, Head, Consumer Relations Section, and Alfred D. Hagle, Public Resources Officer, National Library Service, for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress The legislation allowing blind and handicapped persons to mail certain materials as "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED" is well-known to us all. What is not so well-known, however, is the fact that this legislation has had a long and varied history. From its beginnings in 1899, until the most recent changes in 1970, there have been at least fourteen significant additions, deletions, or revisions to the original law. Through the years, these changes have gradually liberalized provisions of the law to allow more kinds of materials and equipment to be mailed, more groups to persons to enjoy these mailing privileges, and greater reductions in cost. On March 2, 1899, "An Act Regulating the Postage on Letters Written by the Blind" was passed by Congress. This piece of legislation was the first such postal law benefitting blind persons in the United States, although Canada had begun free mailing for its blind citizens the previous year. The United States law allowed blind persons to mail unsealed letters in raised characters at Third Class rather than First Class rates. In 1904, books, pamphlets, and other reading matter in raised characters could be mailed on "loan" by public institutions for the blind, public libraries, and blind readers returning materials to these institutions. These were the first materials to go completely free of charge. Certain weight limits, however, were imposed. Single volumes could weigh no more than ten pounds, and packages could weigh no more than four pounds. The word "loan" had the effect of precluding publishers of embossed materials from taking advantage of free mailing. Even at this early date, the prohibition on the presence of advertising was specifically mentioned in the law. Eight years later, publishers of magazines, periodicals, and regularly issued publications in raised characters were added to the list of those who could mail materials free, with the condition that no subscription fee could be charged. Publishers were required to file a written application in order to comply with the provisions of the free mail law. In 1924, organizations, institutions, and associations for the blind, not conducted for private profit, were added to the list of those who could mail materials free. These and previously mentioned organizations were permitted to mail "Holy Scriptures or part thereof" free of charge. However, if material was "furnished" to recipients at cost, the charge for mailing was one cent per pound. This was the first time the word "furnished" appeared instead of "loan," permitting a reduced charge for mailing Scripture materials that were to be sold (at cost) to the recipient. The word "loan" was retained with respect to all other kinds of reading material. The 1904 Act was amended again in 1934 to add "sound reproduction records" to the kinds of material which could be mailed free. The weight limit on each container was twelve pounds. In 1937, non-profit organizations, institutions, and associations were permitted to charge a subscription fee for their periodicals. Periodicals could be mailed for one cent per pound if furnished to a blind person at cost. The next year, Federal or state agencies, public libraries, non-profit organizations or associations for the blind, and blind persons (sending items for repair) were permitted to mail "reproducers for sound reproduction records" at a cost of one cent per pound. The equipment had to be owned by a government library, or other institution. An organization had to submit satisfactory proof to the Post Office that it was a repair facility. The weight limit on books was increased to fifteen pounds, allowing twenty records to be mailed in a single container instead of the eighteen which would be mailed at the twelve-pound limit. In 1941, braille writers and other appliances were added to the list of materials that could be mailed at a cost of one cent per pound by these same groups, provided they were sent to or returned from repair. Fourth Class weight limits were applied. Eight years later, the condition of "repair" was removed from the mailing of braille writers. Braille writers could now be mailed at a cost of one cent per pound at the time of purchase. In 1952, the limitation on weight and size of reproducers, other appliances, and their parts was increased to a total of seventy pounds and 100 inches in length and girth combined. According to a notice published in The Federal Register in 1954, a maximum of fifteen pounds, six ounces of raised printed material for the blind could be mailed free in international mail, by surface mail only, to all countries except Argentina, Brazil, Spain and its possessions, and the Philippines. It is interesting to note that two years earlier, in 1952, exemption from postal charges for “impressions and relief for the blind” was adopted by the Brussels Congress of the Universal Postal Union. (UPU), of which the United States is a member. Embossed letters between blind persons could not travel free internationally; this exemption had to await the approval of the next Congress of the UPU in Ottawa in 1957. Subsequent international postal fees allowed free mail to go to all countries. In 1958, the limitations on who may mail "books or pages thereof" were removed, allowing "any person to mail these materials free of charge." This change permitted volunteers and others to mail books and parts of books free of charge, provided the materials were being sent to blind persons at no cost to the blind person. In 1962, non-profit libraries, schools, publishers, and organizations and associations for and of the blind were allowed to mail material in "sight-saving type (14 point or larger)." Braille writers and other appliances were permitted to be mailed free, as well as paper, tape, and other materials for the production of reading matter, as long as this material remained the property of state governments, public libraries, non-profit organizations, or blind individuals. Material that was to be sold to blind persons at cost was still subject to a mailing charge of one cent per pound. This was the first time the law contained the words "of the blind," thus allowing organizations of blind persons to mail their publications, newsletters, etc., without charge. In this law, the phrase "sound recordings" was substituted for "sound reproduction record." All references to "Holy Scriptures" were eliminated, and the phrase "blind persons" was substituted for "the blind." Five years later, physically handicapped persons were added to the list of those who may mail materials free. All requirements that materials be the property of governments, libraries, etc., were eliminated. The list of materials that can be mailed free was expanded to include the following: typewriters; educational or other materials; devices especially designed or adapted for the blind or handicapped and musical scores. With the passage of this 1957 law, for the first time blind persons were permitted to mail unsealed letters in braille, large type, or recorded form without cost. "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED" was specified as the only indicia to be used. The requirement for publishers to apply for reduced rates was eliminated. In 1970, P.L. 91-375 amended the previous law by deleting the phrase "prescribed by the Postmaster General" in reference to weight and size restrictions. Since that time, weight and size limitations have remained constant at the level set in 1952. Title 39, U. S. C., 3403-3405, which is the law that stands today, is as follows: (a) The matter described in Subsection (h) of this section (other than matter mailed under Sec. 3404 of this Title) may be mailed free of postage, if - (1) The matter is for the use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment and who are certified by competent authority as unable to read normal reading material in accordance with the provisions of Sections 135a and 135b of Title 2; (2) No charge, or rental, or subscription, or other fee, is required for such matter or a charge, or rental, subscription, or other fee is required for such matter not in excess of the cost thereof; (3) The matter may be opened by the Postal Service for inspection; and (4) The matter contains no advertising. (b) The free mailing privilege provided by Subsection (a) of this section is extended to - (1) Reading matter and musical scores; (2) Sound reproductions; (3) Paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions; (4) Reproducers or parts thereof, for sound reproductions; and (5) Braille writers, typewriters, educational or other materials or devices, or parts thereof, used for writing by, or specifically designed or adapted for use of, a blind person or a person having a physical impairment as described in Subsection (a) (1) of this section. * 3404. Unsealed Letters sent by Blind or Physically Handicapped Persons Unsealed letters sent by a blind person or a person having a physical impairment, as described in Section 3403 (a) (1) of this title, in raised characters or sight-saving type, or in the form of sound recordings, may be mailed free of postage. * 3405. Markings All matter relating to blind or other handicapped persons mailed under Section 3403 or 3404 of this title, shall hear the words "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED," or words to that effect specified by the Postal Service, in the upper right-hand corner of the address area. Specific regulations which interpret this law to the post masters around the nation are contained in the Domestic Postal Manual, Part 135. ***** ** The Blind :See Clearly" On Free Matter By Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Affairs The "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED" mailing privilege is without doubt one of the most valuable Governmental services provided to those persons who cannot read ordinary print. Whether it be the mailing of a braille magazine, the mailing of heavy braille books or tapes by a regional library, or the shipment of aids and appliances, it is easy to forget just how valuable the free-matter franking privilege really is - until this important benefit is jeopardized. Such was the case recently when the U. S. House of Representatives passed its version of the First Concurrent Budget Resolution for fiscal year 1983. The House budget resolution, sponsored principally by Representative Delbert Latta (R., OH), zero-funded the so-called "revenue foregone" postal subsidy, which covers the "FREE MATTER" privilege as well as reduced rates for non-profit mailers. The Senate-passed budget resolution fully funded the revenue foregone postal subsidy. Listeners to the Washington Connection, the legislative hotline of the American Council of the Blind, were immediately informed of these developments and were urged to contact members of Congress regarding the importance of the “FREE MATTER'” privilege. In addition, ACB members and friends were advised to contact members of the House/Senate conference committee which had the responsibility of reconciling the two budget resolutions. The response was overwhelming! One budget committee staff person reported that over 2,000 telephone calls were received on a single Friday regarding the "FREE MATTER" issue. Newspapers, libraries, and individuals from all over the country began calling the ACB National Office for information, and ACB's legislative hot line, carried daily update on developments. This outpouring of concern did not go unnoticed by the conference committee. One committee member stated that a "great uproar" was raised over the "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED" issue. Another conferee, Representative James Jones (D., OK), Put the issue more bluntly: "Last year under Gram-Latta, the blind had a reduction, and after it happened, those who supported it said it was a mistake. This year the blind had another reduction. After it happened, they said it was a mistake again. The blind are beginning to 'see' rather clearly on this issue. You know, I think we ought to know what we are voting on beforehand" (emphasis added). Despite a cut of 50 percent in the amount budgeted for the revenue foregone postal subsidy, the conferees clearly intended that the "FREE MATTER" privilege should be preserved. The Treasury and Postal Service subcommittees of the appropriations committees in both the House and Senate are expected to pass the Treasury and Postal Service appropriations bill. Hopefully these sub-committees will follow the lead of the conference committee on the budget by restoring this important benefit for blind persons. ***** ** ACB Awards First Annual Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships Most people will agree that it is the best program the American Council of the Blind has ever developed. The mail carrier with 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, on his route will certainly concur with this. The applications came in by the hundreds. The Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship program is what generated all of this enthusiasm and mail. The scholarships, along with an endowment fund, were created this year in memory of the dedicated leader and third President of the Council. ACB received nearly 300 applications from qualified students enrolled in postsecondary schools. The four winners, each receiving $2,500, were honored at the Awards and Charter Gala of the 1982 ACB national convention in Atlanta. Those outstanding students are: Linda Gilmer, a computer science and business administration major at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Linda has been active in her state affiliate and in the Visually Impaired Data Processors International (VIDPI) and has attended several ACB conventions. Gillian Holzhauser, a new name to the American Council of the Blind, will begin law school this fall at Ohio Northern University. Ms. Holzhauser is very active in her community of Findlay, Ohio. She is the co-founder and an information specialist of the Public Information Center there. Christopher Kuczynski of Philadelphia is also a recipient of a Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship. He is attending Villanova University as a freshman, where he is pursuing a degree in English and pre-law. Christopher is a new member of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Lonnie Lanning of Elk Point, South Dakota, has also received an ACB scholarship to assist him with his studies in electronics engineering at the University of South Dakota at Springfield. Lonnie is a valuable asset. to the South Dakota Association of the Blind and the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS). He is a director on the board of his state affiliate and has just recently been elected treasurer of the student affiliate of the ACB. Watch The Braille Forum for information on the 1983 Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship program. ***** ** The State Commission System: The Jury Is Still Out By Joan Reed (Note: Joan Reed is an active member of ACB's Washington affiliate, the Washington Council of the Blind.) Fourteen states had independent agencies providing services for the blind, as of January 1981. At the moment, Washington, with its Commission for the Blind, is one of these. Whether that independent system in this state survives after June 1983 depends tenuously upon several factors: (1) available state and Federal funding; (2) the desperation and whimsical nature of the State Legislature, facing recession finances, outstanding community needs, and an unemployment rate of over 12%; (3) the "sunset" review, a process used in Washington and other states to evaluate boards, agencies, etc. (the Washington State Commission for the Blind comes up for review before June 1983); and (4) the willingness and ability of the visually impaired population, as individuals and as a whole, to determine whether this system can provide the foundation and services necessary for strong, rehabilitated, independent citizens to emerge and take their rightful places in society. It is imperative that we, those visually impaired individuals, get out of the audience and into the debate now or prepare to live with the consequences of our indifference. Irving Smith, current president of the Washington Council of the Blind and state commissioner from Commission outset in 1977 through 1981, explained the concept of the system: "An independent state agency serving the blind and visually impaired population exclusively can offer a higher per capita service delivery rate than one which serves diverse populations. Its specialized staff is concerned with the needs of visually impaired clients only. The commission format adds to this system easy opportunity for individual and collective consumer input. Regular public meetings are held, and people are encouraged to seek out commissioners personally to express their interests and concerns. The commissioners (five in our case) set agency policy to be implemented by the director." How did the Commission come to be? In 1974, Washington State Services for the Blind was a division of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). At that time, without consulting his advisory committee for blind services, the DSHS director signed an executive order transferring these services to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation was slated to remain in that department, with ancillary services disseminated elsewhere in DSHS. This action was legal, according to Arnold Sadler, a prominent blind attorney on the advisory committee. Sadler, well-known throughout the state for his 40-year commitment to the independent welfare of visually impaired persons, composed most of the rehabilitation laws relating to visual impairment currently in force in this state. Commenting on the 1974 crisis, he said: "When the services were being separated, all of our organizations united to fight for the common good. Under this pressure, the executive order was revoked. Three years later, in an attempt to set up a system which could protect against arbitrary dispersal of services in the future, the Commission was formed." Is the system working? In its five­year existence, the Commission has had three directors. The first two resigned under fire. Clients and ex-clients argue about the quality and quantity of service provided, and even as this article is written, Commission staff is being cut to accommodate shrinking funds. In the spring 1982 legislative session, the Commission was almost scuttled in a parade of amendments and trade-offs that made us reluctant to answer our phones and hear about "today's situation." Incredibly, this happened in the first three months of a new director, Paul Dziedzic, a man with eight years on the Governor's Committee for Employment of the Handicapped, well-known and respected in legislative circles. The visually impaired community as well as the Commission staff were sharply divided, unable to present a united attitude to the Legislature. The possibilities included returning services for the blind to DSHS as a division, integrating them into DVR, or retaining the Commission intact until its "sunset" review in 1983. The "sunset" review is a process used in a number of states to evaluate boards, commissions, committees, laws, regulations, and programs. In the State of Washington, approximately forty of these entities, including the Commission for the Blind, are currently subject to this process in the year their statutory authority expires. The Commission for the Blind was created in 1977, with a statutory authority of six years. The first step in the evaluation - a program in fiscal review by the legislative budget committee - is already under way. By late 1982 or early 1983, their report will be sent to committees of reference from both legislative houses. Joint hearings will be scheduled, and each committee may hold additional hearings before recommending legislation. Since Commission authority expires in June 1983, some form of legislation modifying it, incorporating it into another state agency, or re-establishing it intact must be passed before that time. Otherwise, though the possibility seems remote, the state would have no vehicle of authority for services for the blind. What can be done? Washington has approximately 14,400 visually impaired persons who can and should help decide the future of the State Commission - working for the benefit of the entire community, whether or not they have any personal need for service. Action is the name of the game. There are four steps we and others around the nation facing similar crises can take to make this action count: 1. Attend and participate in public meetings of state service providers. A recent informal study here showed that an average of fewer than fifteen people are coming to public Commission meetings. Attendance in the larger cities is the poorest. Director Dziedzic underlined the importance of attending these meetings: "Better, more appropriate decisions are usually made when decision-makers have access and can really listen to consumer input, sharing with them in return the options and limitations that must be considered. People who are affected by our service know and understand much more about that service than executives often realize. If attendance is difficult, drop a line, make a call, but give us the advantage of your opinion." 2. Do the necessary homework. Get on the mailing list and keep updated on budget matters, activities, staff changes, legislative action, and everything else that can affect the service. What comes Third Class or postage free can have a first-class impact on you. Ask questions and require answers. Check them out. 3. Make a habit of contacting your local, state, and national legislators to register your opinion on issues impacting visually impaired people. If you have done your homework, you will be able to make valuable information available to them. 4. If possible, make yourself available to testify at crucial public hearings. Many people, including the Washington Council of the Blind, were in support this spring of retaining the State Commission at least until the scheduled "sunset" review. Only a few were ready and willing to keep steady contact with legislators and testify at hearings during the legislative skirmishes. This year, we can't count on a few to carry the load for the rest of us. Can we learn the lesson in time - the one where we find out what the questions are, invest ourselves to fight for the answers, and put the needs of the community ahead of our personal biases? The forward-thinkers of the '40s fought for and won the first rehabilitation programs for the blind and visually impaired notable in American history. The forward-thinkers of the '70s fought for and won the Rehabilitation Act providing today's services. Now in the '80s, it's up to us. ***** ** Supreme Court Decides Landmark Special Education Case By Barbara Nelson Staff Attorney In June, the United States Supreme Court for the first time interpreted the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, P.L. 94-142, which requires that handicapped children must be provided with special educational services "appropriate" to their need. The specific issue which faced the Court was whether a school board should be required to provide 10-year­old Amy Rowley, who is deaf, with a sign-language interpreter. Amy had already received some special educational services from the school, such as a hearing aid, instructions each day from a tutor for the deaf, and speech therapy. With these services, she is able to understand about half of the classroom discussion, is receiving above-average grades, and is keeping up with her peers in school. Amy's parents won a decision from the United States Circuit Court of Appeals which interpreted the Education of All Handicapped Children Act to require that schools provide services necessary to ensure that a handicapped child has "the same opportunity to achieve her full potential commensurate with the opportunity provided to other children." The school district appealed this decision. It argued that Amy did not need a sign-language interpreter, and that the services already provided were adequate to meet her special needs. As reported in the June issue of The Braille Forum, this case was a milestone because it is the first ever argued before the Supreme Court by a deaf attorney. A special computer was used to enable him to answer questions posed by the Justices. That milestone, however, is overshadowed by the negative impact of the decision in the case, as the Court took a giant step backward from the strong guarantee of equality of opportunity guaranteed in the lower court's decision. The Supreme Court refused to require school districts to provide equal educational opportunity or handicapped children in regular classrooms. Instead, it requires schools to provide only sufficient services to enable these children to keep up with their peers in school. In its decision, the Court stated: "When the language of the Act and its legislative history are considered together, the requirements imposed by Congress become tolerably clear. Insofar as a state is required to provide a handicapped child with a 'free, appropriate public education,' we hold that it satisfies this requirement by providing personalized instruction with sufficient support services to permit the child to benefit educationally from that instruction. Such instruction and services must be provided at public expense, must meet the state's educational standards, must approximate the grade levels used in the state's regular education, and must comport with the child's IEP. In addition, the IEP, and therefore the personalized instruction, should be formulated in accordance with the requirements of the Act and, if the child is being educated in the regular classroom of the public education system, should be reasonably calculated to enable the child to achieve passing marks and advance from grade to grade." In his dissenting opinion, joined by Justices William Brennan, Jr., and Thurgood Marshall, Justice Byron White criticized the majority view: "The basic floor of opportunity is instead, as the courts below recognized, intended to eliminate the effects of the handicap, at least to the extent that the child will be given equal opportunity to learn, if that is reasonably possible. Amy Rowley, without a sign-language interpreter, comprehends less than half of what is said in the classroom - less than half of what normal children comprehend. This is hardly an equal opportunity to learn, even if Amy makes passing grades." Many advocates and parents of handicapped children had assumed that the aim of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act was to ensure equal educational opportunity for handicapped children and had hoped that courts would become active in protecting this equality. The Supreme Court not only declined to grant a broad guarantee of equality for handicapped children, but wrote a decision more restrictive than necessary to deny the interpreter services requested for Amy. This restrictive decision appears to be motivated by a fear of burdening states with an undefinable, vague obligation to provide an "equal" education. How could this "equality" be measured: by the amount of money spent, by progress in schools, or by other factors? How could a court determine whether a child has been given an equal opportunity to "maximize" his/her potential? Further, the Court apparently did not wish to encourage litigation in this area which would have entangled courts in complex factual questions. To avoid these problems, it invented a concrete standard that will be applied to determine whether children in mainstreamed classes are receiving "appropriate" special education services. Likewise, it limited the situations in which courts can overturn a decision reached after parents have had an opportunity to participate in planning for their child and to challenge the plan prepared for the child at a local due-process hearing; The standard - that children must be given only enough services to enable them to receive passing marks and advance from grade to grade - although concrete and measurable, falls far short of ensuring that handicapped children are given meaningful access to educational opportunities. ***** ** Planning for Employment Far Enough Down the Road By William A. Pickman One of the major criticisms leveled against western society is the failure of individuals to plan far enough ahead to achieve important goals. People tend to react to crises and emergencies, with a consequent breakdown in personal and societal organization. To make effective use of one concept already in place on the Federal level, and to develop an orderly vehicle which would allow for more effective personal planning, the following model plan for employment of the handicapped is proposed. Some time ago, Congress passed into law the Targeted Job Tax Credit available through the Internal Revenue Service. The affirmative action program of the Federal Government is now being challenged, but hopefully will remain intact with respect to employment. To strengthen the overall employment program for the handicapped, I would propose that the various states enact a total package which would include (1) an affirmative action program for contractors with the states, covering contracts in excess. of $5,000; and (2) a Targeted Job Tax Credit program for disabled people, at approximately a $1,500 to $2,000 level for the first year and decreasing by $200 over each of the following three years. For many handicapped persons, the fear of losing Supplemental Security Income and the accompanying Medicaid benefits is a serious disincentive to employment. In order to eliminate this disincentive, Medicaid coverage would remain in place over the first two to three years. After that, it is anticipated that an employer's medical insurance would take over. In order to help with the Targeted Job Tax Credit, both Federal and state, which involves considerable paperwork from time to time, it is suggested that the employer should have a liaison office within the state department of commerce or its equivalent. The employer would also have to be assured that placements would be appropriate and that workers would remain productive. It has been suggested that, once in effect, this process would have to be carefully monitored so that the tax, labor, and other related departments would be aware of the employment or unemployment status of the individuals involved. This monitoring process might best be accomplished through the Social Security benefits computer. Monitoring could thus be carried out on a monthly basis. The benefits to the employer would include compliance with affirmative action regulations, both Federal and state; Targeted Job Tax Credits, both Federal and state; a productive employee; employee Medicaid coverage for the first two to three years; and paperwork accomplished through a unit within the state department of commerce. The employer would also be able to avail himself of assistance in adapting some aspects of the job for multihandicapped workers. The benefits to society would be in terms of replacement of a public assistance recipient. with a taxpayer more likely to participate actively in affairs of the community. Benefits to the handicapped individual might include increased income, a greater feeling of productivity, and more incentive to participate in community affairs. It is felt that the above proposals would best be implemented as a total package rather than piecemeal. Thus, the benefits would be fully realized across-the-board. The imperative is to plan ahead. It would take three to five years to institute this kind of package in any state and would require the help and backing of consumer groups, various state agencies and organizations, and state legislatures. Undoubtedly readers will have suggestions for revisions or additions to these proposals. I would greatly appreciate hearing from people in the field, as well as possible employees and clients, so that these proposals can be refined. Address comments and suggestions to William A. Pickman, 138-39 76 Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367. ***** ** There's Nothing I Can't Do with A Bike (Reprinted from "The Quad City Times," Iowa.) (Note: Rose and Bob Stratton of Maquoketa, Iowa are long-time, active members of the American Council of the Blind and of its affiliate, the Iowa Council of the Blind. In addition, Rose is editor of the ICB newsletter, The Trumpet's Voice.) In the little shop back of his neat, white house, Bob Stratton makes final adjustments on the new spokes he has inserted in the bicycle wheel. His tools are arrayed around him, and other bikes await his attention. Stratton's fingers move with assurance as he chats with a long-time friend lounging on a nearby chair. Earlier, Stratton and his wife Rose had hopped on to their side-by-side tandem for a spin into the business district several blocks away. The big, jovial man with the hearty laugh ... has been blind since the age of 3 when a horse kicked him in the face. His memories of the sighted world are vague. His most vivid recollections place that world in a 3-year­old's perspective: One looked up at a horse and found it awesomely big, and much taller than a human. "I suppose if I hadn't grown up on a farm and ridden horses much of my early life, that I'd still think they stood much higher than people," Stratton said. His wife, too, though she can see well enough to handle her household chores and to act as navigator when they maneuver their tandem bike through heavy traffic, is legally blind. Stratton recalls that when he was growing up in the country after the mishap that took his sight, he would often ride a bike alone on sparsely traveled rural roads, or would follow his sister's bike if they took long rides. But he wouldn't attempt a solo ride on Maquoketa's busy streets. The loss of vision never prevented Stratton from pursuing a mechanical bent. When the Vinton school for the blind got him a job with Clinton Engines, he held it for 26 years until a layoff occurred ... The work force was drastically reduced and he was never called back. ... "I used to repair lawn mowers, and then they came out with new ignition systems and I didn't keep up with the improvements, so I gave that up," he explained. Three years ago he opened his bicycle shop and says the business has grown steadily. Some firms that service and sell bikes send their business to him, and he gets a lot of walk-in business. "I like bikes and get a kick out of working on them. Most of them are the standard type, so I don't have any problem. There are some more complicated, high priced bikes, but I guess there aren't many of them around here," Stratton says ... "Too many people figure that if you're blind, you can't do anything, and if my bike shop were located next to one run by a sighted person, he's the one who would get most of the business. We have to break that tradition," the big man says earnestly ... The tandem Stratton and his wife ride is actually two bikes side by side, separated and held rigid by welded bars. A Florida man built it for him. Stratton geared it down so that it would be easier for him and his wife to navigate steep grades ... High on the top of his shop is a wind chime fashioned from a bicycle wheel. "People think I put it up there so I could home in on the sound and find my way back," Stratton chuckles. "Actually, it is supposed to be an advertisement for the shop, but I think I put it so high that people miss it ..." In his shop, Stratton gives the spokes a final twist and runs his fingers lightly over the new, black tires he has installed. "There's nothing I can't do with a bike," he says, wiping the grease off his hands. "But we have to have a chance to prove to the sighted just what we can do. They have to be around us to know that. They have to be educated." ***** ** Insulin Pen UPI - A new insulin-infusion device is making life healthier and less painful for diabetics, according to reports in Science Digest magazine. Developed by Dr. Stuart Updike at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the pen pump looks like a fountain pen. It consists of a disposable 3 cubic centimeter syringe fitted with a precisely calibrated, screwthreaded plunger. By rotating the plunger a specified number of times, a diabetic can inject a precise dose of insulin through a plastic tube to a thin needle inserted through the skin of the abdomen. With the pen pump, the needle remains in place in the skin for two to four days. Normally, a diabetic might receive from 12 to 15 needle insertions during that period instead of one. And because it's small, the device can be clipped to a pocket or hung around the neck. One high-school hockey player, notes Updike, keeps his in his sock while on the ice. ***** ** Face to Face - The Dos and Don'ts of Meetings with Public Officials By Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Affairs (Note: This is the second in a series of articles dealing with the role of the individual citizen in the American political system. The advice contained herein applies not only to Congress, but to state and local governments. The next article in this series will discuss legislative monitoring tools.) Any discussion of the dos and don'ts of personal meetings with public officials must begin with a simple question: Who can best help me solve my problem? The many functions of government, like the many functions of a large corporation such as IBM, are divided into departments and divisions. Knowing the right person to call is crucial and can mean the difference between action on your problem and endless frustration as you and your problem are shuffled from one bureaucrat to another. Zeroing In - The first step in finding out who can help you is to define your problem and to decide what you want done about it. If your dispute is with a local school district regarding the education of a handicapped child, your first contact might be with the child's teacher, principal, or school superintendent. It makes little sense to take such disputes directly to your Congressman, who is generally ill-equipped to help you with local government problems. Find out who is responsible by checking government manuals at your local public library which list the names and addresses of agency heads; call a local newspaper, TV or radio reporter who has done stories on subjects related to your problem; or ask another governmental official with whom you are acquainted who in government can best help you. Don't be afraid to use the telephone and to ask questions. The way to find out who is responsible is limited only by your imagination. Don't waste your time and resources dealing with the wrong person. Making Contact - Once you have decided on a target, the next step is to make contact. Obviously, it is much easier to obtain an appointment with your local councilman than with more remote public officials such as your governor. First try the direct approach. Call the official’s appointment secretary. Identify yourself and the organization you represent and briefly outline what you want to talk about. Public officials often keep tight schedules; accordingly, you may have to accommodate your own schedule in order to see the person in question. If the official is unavailable for an appointment, don't despair. If you are rebuffed, reevaluate the situation. Is this person really someone you want to see? If so, consider other avenues of approach. It is likely that you or someone you know has personal contact with the official. Are you members of the same church, club, union, or business association? Does someone in your organization know someone else who attended the same school, was a business partner or army buddy of the official? Don’t overlook campaign contributors, campaign workers, or party committee people as possible contacts. The biographies of most public officials can be obtained from your local public library. Study this information carefully. It is likely that somebody you know knows somebody! You might also try the publicity approach. Invite the public official to speak at your local chapter meeting. Invite him/her to a dinner and use the occasion as a fund-raiser. Always invite the media to such events and let the official know that there will be media coverage. Most politicians won't be able to resist! Another approach is to check the official's public calendar. If he or she will be appearing at other events in your area, attend these events. Ask questions, if questioning is permitted, as a representative of your organization. Introduce yourself and your organization to the public official at receptions, cocktail parties, picnics, and the like. Have inexpensive business cards or brochures printed, and don't be shy about dropping them. Preparation Is the Name of the Game - Once you have made an appointment, what's next? Confirm that appointment in writing and begin to prepare for the interview. Public officials are busy people. They work fast and appreciate well-informed, no-nonsense people. Fine-tune just how you will present your problem. Review in your mind exactly what you want done about your problem. Anticipate the questions which will be asked and how to overcome objections. You are selling something - and the principles of good salesmanship apply. Don't be intimidated, argumentative, or condescending. If you have done your homework, you know more about the subject than the public official knows or cares to know. For example, if you are talking to your Congressman regarding the revision of the Section 504 guidelines by the Department of Justice and the Office of Management and Budget, don't assume that your Representative knows anything about the issue or, much less, about Section 504. Very likely he/she was not around when the law was passed in 1973. Tell your Representative how Section 504 has benefitted you; why the guidelines should not be changed; why the proposed revisions are unacceptable, and, most important, what you want him to do about it. In this example, a letter to the President and/or a statement by the Representative in The Congressional Record might be an appropriate response. Keep in mind that you have just ten to fifteen minutes. How effectively you use this time is up to you. And what if the public official fails to keep his appointment? That is likely to happen, since hearings and other emergencies often occur. If you have to speak with a staff person, treat that person with the same courtesy you would the public official. A friendly staffer is a most valuable resource and deserves careful "feeding" and attention. If possible, bring supporting documents with you to the interview — photographs, surveys, petitions, briefing sheets — anything which will bolster your case. The old adage, "If it's in black and white it must be true," does have some credence. But be careful. Reams of paper without meaningful substance can torpedo your cause in a hurry. Finally, don't try to be the expert you are not - unless, of course, you are one, in which case you must convey your expertise in a subtle, non­threatening way. Don't make up answers. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so and offer to research the matter. Public officials respect knowledgeable people who know enough to admit that they don't know. Be reasonable. Politics is the art of compromise. If the public official doesn't see it your way, thank him or her and say that you hope he/she will be able to do more in the future. This is not to suggest that you should compromise your position if it is impossible to do so. Be realistic. Every position, including your own, is the product of a negotiation. Few things are carved in stone. Remember that the public official who doesn't see it your way this time may be your strongest advocate on another issue tomorrow. ***** ** 1982 Ad Hoc Advisory Group Meets at NLS By Karen Lourcey The 1982 Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Collection-Building Activities met at the headquarters of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, in Washington, D.C., May 12-13. Represented at these annual meetings are network librarians, consumer groups, and readers-at-large. Consumer groups include the American Council of the Blind, Blinded Veterans Association, National Association of the Physically Handicapped, and the National Federation of the Blind. The National Federation of the Blind, however, was not represented this year. The purpose of this group is to provide guidance to the NLS staff in its collection-building activities; to dictate areas for current and future development; and to assist the staff on new projects as the need arises. All work papers, including agenda, special areas for discussion, and last year's group report, were mailed to each group member well in advance of the meeting, permitting ample time for study and the formulation of recommendations. These work papers are produced in braille and on cassette as well as large print. This allows time for consumer organization representatives to confer with their members concerning collection-building concerns and priorities, and NLS policy in general. The meeting necessarily has a structured format, but also allows some flexibility for concentrated discussion felt necessary by group members. Readers and librarians meet separately to establish their priorities, which are then presented to the NLS staff by representatives elected from each group. NLS is represented by a staff member from each department, who responds to each request or suggestion pertaining to his or her specialty. Among priorities set by readers at the 1982 meeting were: (1) More short stories, essays and poetry, preferably in braille, although acceptable in any form. (2) The addition of Time Magazine on flexible disc. (3) Stating the name of the author at the beginning of each side of recorded material on tape or flexible disc. (4) More cassette books for grades kindergarten through 3. (5) That NLS continue producing the classics. (6) More humor, particularly political satire, and more intellectual humor. (7) More non-fiction books about the West. (8) Continued production of more books with realistic language and human behavior. (9) Continue books with inspirational themes, but encourage network librarians to inform readers of the availability of such titles through religious organizations and churches. Librarians presented many of the same priorities, with heavy emphasis on romantic novels and inspirational materials. Both readers and librarians agreed unanimously that the NLS staff is absolutely dedicated to building and maintaining a well-balanced collection. Each staff member is well-read and thoroughly devoted to the written and spoken word. Of a staff of approximately 120, twenty are blind or visually impaired. It would be very helpful for me as a consumer group representative of the American Council of the Blind to hear from members who may have comments concerning library collection-building policies or library functions in general. I will have an opportunity to compile these responses and to pass them on to the NLS staff. Write Ms. Karen Lourcey, 7 Russell Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL 32084. ***** ** The Listening Ear By Dorothy Stiefel Dear Readers: As you read this, many of you will have long returned from Atlanta's hectic, but fun-filled ACB convention. I was there, too, which is why I thought this month would be a good time for just sitting back and "catching up" for all of us. This column began in September 1981 on a trial basis. It is time for readers to let The Braille Forum editor know how you feel about its continuance. Does the column interest you? Does it fill a need? What do you especially like - or dislike - about it? I would also like to take this opportunity to thank readers for the many letters received and to ask a favor of all future contributors. If at all possible, please type and double-space your letters. If handwritten, a black, bold­tipped pen is much easier on the eyes. And please, no pencil! Clarify how you wish your name and address to appear in the column if your letter is chosen by preceding your signature with the words, "Sign me ..." Try to be as brief as possible to avoid extensive editing. It is very difficult to "cut up" someone's long, very earnest letter of concern. As the months have passed, more research has been necessary in order to respond effectively to the more complicated issues raised. It may seem forever to get an answer, but a reply will come to all letters accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Items chosen for the column may be edited for brevity or clarity. Now ... let's hear from you! Yea or nay for "The Listening Ear"? - Dorothy Stiefel, c/o The Listening Ear, P.O. Box 8388, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. ***** ** 1983 Ski for Light Applications Now Available The ninth annual Ski for Light International will be held at Telemark Lodge, Cable, Wisconsin, February 27-March 6, 1983. Ski for Light International, sponsored by HEALTHsports, Inc., in cooperation with the Sons of Norway and the ULLR Ski Club, is a week­long program designed to introduce visually impaired and other physically disabled adults to cross-country skiing. All instruction and skiing is done on a one-to-one basis, allowing each participant to proceed at his or her own pace. Each blind, visually impaired, or mobility impaired person is assigned an experienced, able-bodied cross-country skier who acts as an instructor/guide for the entire week. In past years, participants have ranged in age from 18 to 67, with a nearly equal number of men and women. Visually or mobility impaired adults may request participant applications from Grethe Winther, Screening Coordinator, P.O. Box 2971, Reston, VA 22091. Approximate cost is $300 for first-timers; $350 for repeaters. This cost covers room and board based on double occupancy, equipment, transportation to and from Telemark Lodge from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Stipends are available for first-time participants, based on need. Deadline is November 15, 1982. ***** ** In Memoriam: Dean R. Sumner Dean Sumner, 51, a charter member of the American Council of the Blind, died June 4 in Watertown, South Dakota. Dean was born September 4, 1930. He graduated from the School for the Visually Handicapped at Gary in 1948 and from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1956. He was active in the National Federation of the Blind and served on its Board of Directors prior to the Santa Fe convention in 1959. Following the suspension of several affiliates in 1960, he worked tirelessly to reconcile differences between the National Federation and the suspended affiliates, which included his own South Dakota affiliate. When the American Council of the Blind was formed, Dean was a charter member and served as ACB's first First Vice President. Increased family responsibilities along with community and political responsibilities resulted in Dean's taking a less active role nationally. He was a past president, past secretary, and past board member of ACB's South Dakota affiliate, the South Dakota Association of the Blind. Dean practiced law in Watertown, was city attorney for eight years, and served as county Democratic chairman, 4H Club leader, and Cub Scout pack leader. He was a former Jaycee and was selected Jaycee Man of the Year in 1963. A past president of the Watertown Lions Club, he served on the state cabinet for five years. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge, where he served as organist. He was active in trail riding, participated in the Ski for Light program for several years, and was a piano tuner and musician, playing both the piano and organ. In 1964 he represented South Dakota as a Presidential elector and in 1970 served as Chairman of Patronage for the Democratic Party in South Dakota. ***** ** The Washington Connection in Review P.L. 94-142 Proposed Revisions - As of late June, the proposed revisions of P.L. 94-142, the Education of Handicapped Children regulations had not yet appeared in The Federal Register. These regulations were expected by early June. Briefing meetings to be conducted by the Department of Education or organizations concerned with the rights of handicapped children were cancelled pending release of the regulations in The Federal Register. A three­months comment period is anticipated, and we are told that public hearings and briefings will be conducted by the Department of Education in various major cities throughout the country. Section 504 Proposed Guideline Revisions - These guideline revisions, too, were originally expected sometime in early June. However, it appears that there may be a delay in the promulgation of these guideline revisions. Appropriations Committee Action on "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" — The First Concurrent Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 1983 contained $400 million to reimburse the Postal Service for the cost of free matter for the blind and other reduced mailing rates. It is clear that the conference committee wished to protect the "Free Matter for the Blind" mailing privilege. The House and Senate Appropriations committees were scheduled to meet during July. Subcommittees on the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government will be able to guarantee that the "Free Matter" mailing privilege is financed from the $400 million revenue foregone appropriation. All those who participated in the grassroots effort to retain the free-matter privilege are to be congratulated on a round one victory. It is absolutely essential, however, for concerned blind persons to stay abreast of legislative developments such as the "Free Matter" issue through frequent use of the Washington Connection. By so doing, your telephone calls and letters and telegrams will be timed for maximum impact. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Funding - The Legal Services Corporation provides much needed help to many poor and/or disabled people. The current funding level for LSC for fiscal year 1982 is $241 million. The Legal Services Corporation has requested funding for FY 1983 in the amount of $265 million. The First Concurrent Budget Resolution for FY 1983, recently agreed to by both the Senate and the House, assumes only $152 million for LSC. This is not a binding figure, however. Supplemental Security Income Notice Regarding Tax Information - In late May, all SSI recipients received a letter from the Social Security Administration requesting permission to review confidential information filed with the Internal Revenue Service concerning interest and dividends earned on their savings and other accounts. This notice was vague and did not clearly explain the kind of information to be collected, the recipient's right to privacy, or the implications of failure to sign the form. A lawsuit was initiated against the Social Security Administration alleging that Social Security did not have authority to terminate SSI benefits for failure to sign the form, and that it violated recipients' right to privacy. Last week, a United States district court dismissed this case. Thus, the Social Security Administration now has permission to proceed with its plan to obtain this tax information and to terminate the SSI checks of people who refuse to allow disclosure of these records. People who do not sign and return this consent form will receive a notice in late July or early August that their benefits will be stopped in ten days if they do not provide the requested consent. Checks will not be stopped until after such a notice has been received. Also, Social Security will resume benefit payments after a consent is signed, even if the payments are stopped. Although the dismissal of the lawsuit is being appealed, we are advising SSI recipients to sign and return the forms to Social Security, if they have not already done so, to avoid possible interruption in their benefits. The Washington Connection is a public service of the American Council of the Blind. This hot line service is available by calling, toll free, 1-800-424-8666 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, weekdays or any time on weekends and holidays. Messages are changed weekly, or more often if necessary to reflect the latest breaking developments in Washington. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon Billie LaBlanc, a member of the Oregon Council of the Blind, has been named Handicapped Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association of Oregon. Billie is the manager of Billie's Cafeteria in the Department of Transportation building in Portland. She will compete in the national Handicapped Woman of the Year finals in New Orleans in November. Billie is also a member of the National Restaurant Association. Charlyn Allen, who has been blind since birth and who is currently Supervisor of Special Services for the Visually Impaired, Missouri Bureau for the Blind, has been selected by the Missouri Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped to receive the Governor's Trophy Award. The award is presented sparingly and is given to handicapped Missourians whose recognition would prove to be helpful in encouraging, inspiring, facilitating, and promoting the employment of other disabled persons. New York Hospital recently agreed to an out-of-court settlement of $5. 5 million to be paid to a lab analyst whose case of acute glaucoma was incorrectly diagnosed as flu. According to an article in the New York Daily News, Susie Kim's attorney contended that if the case of angle closure glaucoma had been treated immediately, it would have been curable. Instead, she was sent home from the hospital and lost her vision over the next few weeks. The settlement is believed to be the largest ever obtained out of court in New York State. From Programs for the Handicapped: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNH-CR) has announced establishment of a trust fund for handicapped refugees. The approximately $180,000 Nobel prize which was awarded to UNHCR will be donated and will serve as seed money for this fund. The fund, which is to be open to other donations, will serve to finance rehabilitative treatment and/ or the purchase of specialized equipment for individual disabled refugees, upon the recommendation of UNHCR field offices around the world. In making this announcement, the High Commissioner said: "Among the refugees there are also those who are physically or mentally disabled. You could rightly say that those refugees are doubly affected. They are disabled compared to all normally endowed, and they are once again disadvantaged by being refugees." From Vision Views: The Voxcom is an audio labeling system for use by people who do not read braille and can no longer read large print. Messages are recorded on cards which have magnetic recording tape on them. The cards can be cut to any size desired and can be used to identify canned goods, medicine bottles, record jackets, etc. The Voxcom is also handy for taking phone numbers or recording names and addresses, recipes, and instructions. For further information about Voxcom's kit for the visually impaired, contact Voxcom, 100 Clover Green, Peachtree City, GA 30269; telephone (404) 487-7575. A recorded demonstration of talking computers, how to use them, prices, etc., is available from Carl Foley, Foley's Low Vision Aids, 1357 E. David Road, Dayton, OH 45429. Send a blank cassette and a self­addressed, return envelope. Reader's Digest on cassette is available for $30.00 a year from the American Printing House for the Blind, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206. Diane Lemke of Minneapolis was named one of the 1982 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans at the Minnesota Jaycees' 50th convention. Diane is the founder of ABLE, Association for Blind Living and Education, a recreation program for blind children (see The Braille Forum, December 1981). Trained as a medical technician, she became blind ten years ago from juvenile diabetes. She has directed fourteen fashion shows for the blind and has given countless speeches about being blind. She has completed the Outward Bound course, has participated in the Ski for Light program, and was selected to participate as the U. S. representative in the Knight's Race in Norway. Receiving awards along with Diane were Matt Blair of the Minnesota Vikings and Dave Winfield of the New York Yankees. The 1982 annual meetings of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped will be held in Jackson, Mississippi, November 6-7. The meetings will be hosted by the Mississippi School for the Blind, Royal Maid, Inc., and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (all NAC­accredited agencies), as well as the Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Council of the Blind (supporting organizations). … At its June 1982 meeting, NAC’s Commission on Accreditation awarded accreditation for the first time to the following organizations: Texas School for the Blind, Austin; Travis Association for the Blind, Austin; and Visually Impaired Persons Department, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee. An item in Newsweek describes a "seeing" biochip being worked on by EMV Associates of Rockville, Maryland. The chip will contain as many as 100,000 electrodes on which embryonic nerve cells have been cultured. These cells could link with the visual cortex, and a camera connected to the chip could provide rudimentary sight. Such biochips are still in the theoretical stage. "Braille, Bebop and Bach," an exhibit prepared by the National Library Service for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Library of Congress, to highlight special format materials on the performing arts, opened in the Performing Arts Library at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in February. Alexander Scourby, who has narrated talking books for the NLS program since 1937, was honored at the opening ceremonies. Mr. Scourby was presented an Award for Artistic Excellence by Carol A. Nemeyer, Associate Librarian for National Programs at the Library of Congress. Dr. Nemeyer praised Mr. Scourby's contribution which has "enriched the minds and lives of those people" who cannot use conventional printed materials. Mr. Scourby, who has narrated more than 500 books during the 45 years he has been recording, said the reading for the program "has been most gratifying and as important a part of my life as anything else." "Free Matter" rubber stamps, three-line address stamps, stamp pads, and felt-tipped pens are among items available at reasonable prices from Clarence Sherman, 35 Rosewood Manor, Galion, OH 44833. Write Mr. Sherman for full details on available items and prices. Please print. Do not use braille. From Programs for the Handicapped: Those interested in personal computer systems for individuals with disabilities can now join an organization whose purpose it is to search out, evaluate, and share information about these systems as they relate to the disabilities represented in the membership. The Committee on Personal Computers for the Handicapped (COPH-2) includes disabled and non-disabled persons, parents, professionals, and friends of disabled persons. Areas of interest include hardware, software, software modifications, educational materials developed for disabled individuals, and use of computers as an integral part of the personal development of handicapped children. Information will be exchanged through conferences, personal contacts, and a newsletter, Link and Go. For further information, write COPH-2, 2030 Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618. From Human Development News: The Performing Arts Theater for the Handicapped (PATH) holds monthly interviews and auditions for handicapped performers and artists, by appointment, via THETA Cable, the newest way for television producers and casting directors to meet talent. PATH helps talented handicapped persons seeking careers in the theater, television, motion pictures, radio, and other media. Future plans call for programs for writers, directors, lighting technicians, scene designers, and other behind-the-scenes personnel. For additional information, contact PATH, 5410 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 974, Los Angeles, CA 90036. ***** ** 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. ###