The Braille Forum Vol. XXIII December 1984 No. 6 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Mary T. Ballard, Editor ***** For the latest legislative and governmental news, call the Washington Connection after 6:00 P.M. weekdays or all day weekends and holidays. Toll Free-1-800-424-8666. * National Office: Oral O. Miller 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 506 Washington, DC 20036 1-800-424-8666 * Editorial Office The Braille Forum: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 442-3131 * Contributing Editor 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: Durward K. McDaniel 9468 Singing Quail Drive Austin, TX 78758 * Secretary: Karen Perzentka 6913 Colony Drive Madison, WI 53717 * Treasurer: James R. Olsen American Council of the Blind Summit Bank Building, Suite 822 310 4th Avenue, S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 Promoting Independence and Effective Participation in Society ***** ** Contents ACB Officers President's Message, by Grant Mack Senator Jennings Randolph -- Builder ... Legislator ... Humanitarian An Open Letter to the Honorable Jennings Randolph from the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America Best Wishes, But Not Farewell, by Durward K. McDaniel News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller All Eyes Are Upon ACB, by Laura Oftedahl Pair-a-Dice Planning -- 1985 ACB National Convention, by David Krause Update, ACB vs. Navy on McDonald's Contract Special Shoppers, by Deborah Kendrick Report of the ACB Board of Publications, by Vernon Henley How You Can Help the Blind of El Salvador, by Oral O. Miller Social Security Update The New York That Helen Keller "Sees" WCWB and IFB Merge to Form World Blind Union, by Oral O. Miller Grab the Brass Ring, by Jim Neal and Sue Tullos Services for the Blind in China High Tech Swap Shop Calendar of Events Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Notice to Subscribers ***** This issue of The Braille Forum Is Dedicated to The Honorable Jennings Randolph In Recognition of His Life of Commitment to Blind and Visually Impaired Persons ***** ** President's Message By Grant Mack I shall never forget my first meeting with Senator Jennings Randolph. It occurred during the legislative seminar sponsored by the American Council of the Blind in May of 1983. The highlight of these annual seminars occurs when all participants spend a day on Capitol Hill calling on their Congressmen. These visits are made by appointment, thanks to the hard work and careful planning on the part of ACB staff and volunteers. The general pattern is to make appointments between constituents and their own Senators and Representatives. For varying reasons, however, this general pattern is broken from time to time and non-constituents are sometimes asked to call on certain Congressmen. Such was the situation when an appointment was made for me to call on Senator Randolph. In late 1982, it had been announced that this long-time West Virginia senator would not be seeking re-election at the conclusion of his current term and that he would be retiring. In recognition of his long and dedicated service to programs in which blind persons were interested, it was considered appropriate that the President of the American Council of the Blind should make a courtesy call to thank the Senator for his long friendship and support for our cause and to wish him well in his retirement. The Senator's secretary, Pat Forsythe, greeted me in his office at the appointed time. She told me that the Senator was busy on the Senate floor, but that he would like to see me if I could come to the Capitol. She led the way and escorted me to a room adjoining the main Senate chamber. We waited only a brief time before the Senator arrived. With great warmth and vigor, he extended his hand. Senator Randolph: It is so good to see someone from the American Council of the Blind. How is my good friend, Durward McDaniel? President Mack: Thank you, Senator. Mr. McDaniel is doing well and is enjoying Austin, Texas. I would like to thank you very much for your many years of support. (To himself: I wonder why this man is retiring. He is still so young and vigorous. This is not the voice or the handshake of a man in his 80's.) Senator Randolph: It has not been easy, but it has been satisfying to me, and I hope that I have been of some help. President Mack (to himself): I wonder if he realizes the difference he has made. This man undoubtedly is busy on the Senate floor, and yet he seems so relaxed and gracious. The conversation ended when I asked to be excused, knowing that this man's time was extremely valuable. This brief, but relaxed first conversation with Senator Jennings Randolph will never be forgotten. He is unique in so many ways. His eloquence, his great capacity for hard work, his compassion and understanding have set him apart as a very special human being. It is fortunate for the blind that he has been such a champion for our cause, and we can only hope that sometime, somewhere, someone else will appear on the scene who will be as great a champion. No one, however, will ever take his place. ***** ** Senator Jennings Randolph Builder ... Legislator .. Humanitarian It was 1933, deep depression times, when the new Congressman came to town. He had sold his car to pay off his 1932 campaign debt and here he was, penniless at the Riggs National Bank, asking for a $1,000 loan. Well, the banker said, what collateral do you have? None, said Jennings Randolph, except a job. Well, the banker said, I know you'll be here for at least two years, so we'll give you the money. Now, 52 years after his first election, the loan long since paid off, Senator Jennings Randolph, the old man of the mountains, the last Congressional link to the First Hundred Days of Roosevelt's New Deal, is going home to West Virginia. Randolph, 82, is ending a career that by any measure would have to be termed spectacular, retiring because he thinks his time has come. ... "It would not have been fair to the people of West Virginia to seek out one more term ... Age was an issue in my last campaign, but I out-campaigned my opponent. This time it would not have been fair. "Besides," he said, "there are other things I must do -- writing, teaching, projects I have in mind. I am 82, but I still have a zest." -- Excerpted from "'Epitome of a Senator' Ends Career," by Ward Sinclair, The Washington Post, Sunday, October 14, 1984. If the activities of Senator Jennings Randolph could be translated into a single phrase, it would be: "Opportunity for all citizens, and social and economic progress for West Virginia and the nation." Jennings Randolph was a young college professor when first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1932 — that is, more than half a century ago — and he is now the only person serving in the United States Congress who had a part in the difficult economic decisions made in "the First Hundred Days" of the Roosevelt Administration. After 14 years in the House, which included close association with President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Randolph was defeated. He worked as an airline executive until 1958, when he was elected to fill an unexpired Senate term, and he has been in the United States Senate ever since. In the ensuing years, he has written or strongly influenced legislation in a wide variety of fields, but all reflecting his primary concern for individual citizens and their welfare as well as for the good of the country as a whole. The Senator has been an effective advocate in the formulation and enactment of numerous programs of vision which have as their aim the betterment of our society. His philosophy in promoting projects and programs is to offer a basis on which people can work out their needs in common undertakings, and through which more segments of our population have greater flexibility and alternatives in a creative partnership with our Government. The senior West Virginia Senator is a staunch believer in providing "a helping hand, not a handout" to those in need. His advocacy for effective programs to improve public facilities, transportation systems, and the environment goes back many years, and his record of achievement in these fields of endeavor is known throughout the nation. As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works since 1958 (and chairman from 1966 to 1980), Senator Randolph has been intimately involved with legislative issues concerning air and water pollution control, solid waste disposal, highways, and water resources development. Randolph has encouraged the development of environmental protection laws. Air and water pollution programs originating in the Committee on Environment and Public Works under his chairmanship are being effectively implemented. He has developed and secured passage of comprehensive programs to combat mounting solid waste problems, with an emphasis on resource recovery rather than "use and discard." Acknowledged as the Senate's foremost authority on highways, Jennings Randolph authored legislation prior to World War II (while a member of the House) which led to the consideration and establishment of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. He has been the author of every major highway bill enacted in recent years. Under his leadership, highway construction has been made more responsive to environmental considerations, to its impact on individual citizens, and to the need for improved public transportation — both urban and rural. In addition, no member of the Congress has been more identified with the development of airport/airway facilities and air travel than Jennings Randolph. From the enactment of the first Federal Aid to Airports Act in 1945 to the passage of the Airport and Airways Development Act of 1970, he has been one of aviation's staunchest advocates. It was he who authored the legislation to create the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which opened its doors for our nation's Bicentennial celebration in 1976. The ability of government to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters is the direct result of Senator Randolph's leadership in creating a Federal mechanism to provide aid immediately when it is needed. For most people, the energy crisis appeared full-blown in 1973. It was no surprise to Jennings Randolph, however, for he started to sound warnings in the 1940s that the United States was in danger of depleting its domestic energy supplies. He accurately foresaw the consequences of excessive reliance on foreign fuel sources. He sponsored legislation establishing the National Fuels and Energy Policy Study in 1971. He thus was prepared by concern and long experience to respond with proposals to alleviate the energy crisis. Had his advice been heeded, many of today’s energy problems might have been avoided. Senator Jennings Randolph is often described as a man dedicated to service and people-oriented causes. At first glance, that may be a somewhat unusual portrayal of a man so closely associated in the minds of most observers with public works activities -- in essence, the "bricks and mortar" programs of the Federal Government. Yet it is an accurate reflection of the personal and political philosophy of this veteran West Virginia lawmaker, and it has set the tone for a long and distinguished Congressional career. The keystone of that philosophy is his conviction that a dynamic society must concern itself with people as well as with things in order to be successful. That view is evident in the emphasis Senator Randolph puts on tailoring each of the programs he sponsors to the most good for the most people, stimulating employment as well as economic progress and creating better and healthier communities in which to live, work, and play. A special area of intense personal as well as official concern to Senator Randolph is legislation for the benefit of disabled and handicapped persons. He has been the sponsor of, or leading spokesman for, almost all legislation for disabled persons enacted during his career in the Congress. These include programs for crippled children, the blind, the handicapped, and the aging. The Randolph-Sheppard Act, which bears his name, established the nationwide system of vending stands in public buildings which has provided employment for thousands of blind persons. One of the most brilliant stars in Jennings Randolph's crown was placed there in 1971 when the 26th amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. Since 1942, when he first introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to lower the voting age to 18, Randolph has been a dedicated advocate of extending the voting right to this segment of the population. Quoting again from The Washington Post: ... Randolph worries about a day when a small minority will choose a President because the majority stayed home. As far back as 1942 he was pushing for the 18-year-old vote, which did not come for three more decades. Even with that, voter participation is off. "The failure to vote is a national disgrace," he said. "You wonder how the high schools and colleges fail to put an emphasis on voting. The 18-year-olds are not voting, and their mothers and fathers are not doing much better. "This worries me. If the decline continues, we will elect a President by a majority of a minority outvoting the rest of the minority," Randolph said. Public policy and emphasis on voting will be high on the agenda of the Jennings Randolph Center for Public Service being set up at Salem College, the small, nondenominational private school his grandfather founded, and from which he graduated. The family home in Salem is being moved to the College and will house the Center. These are just a few of the major accomplishments of Senator Jennings Randolph. Just a few of them would satisfy most men, but he remains restless with the knowledge that so long as America is a dynamic, vital nation, our institutions must remain responsive to the needs of our citizens. Although his interests are diverse, they are connected by a common thread: his belief that the actions of government must benefit the people it serves. ***** ** An Open Letter to the Honorable Jennings Randolph from the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America Dear Senator Randolph: During your many faithful years of service to this nation, you have been responsible for many things which have contributed to the progress of the United States. These include such areas as transportation, education, communication, and humanitarian needs. It might seem difficult for some to pick out the greatest of all your accomplishments, but for us, the members of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, it is clearly your support of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, because this has touched our lives so deeply. In fact, this program has become the very fiber of our existence. It has provided us with a way to support ourselves and our families and to merge into the American way of life. A mere "Thank you," Senator Randolph, is not adequate to express our feelings for all this has meant to us. This organization (RSVA) exists because of our humble desire and the responsibility we feel to educate, encourage, and protect this program as Congress enacted it. May God grant us the wisdom to carry it forward. We acknowledge your depth of understanding and your skillful hand in directing legislation as history was made for blind persons working under this program, and it is with a great deal of sorrow that we have reached the end of an era with your leaving the Senate. Thank you for being our friend for these many years. We extend our gratitude and our very best wishes for a happy and well deserved retirement. -- Paul Verner, President, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America ***** ** Best Wishes, But Not Farewell By Durward K. McDaniel When Jennings Randolph announced that he would retire from the United States Senate after 26 years, there began an extensive cataloging of his accomplishments during his distinguished career there and in his earlier service in the House of Representatives. I will give emphasis to some of his achievements, leaving the greater detail to another writing in this issue. I prefer to write about Jennings Randolph as a friend, and about his interests, his commitment, and his personality. He was elected to Congress first in the economically distressed year 1932. His early identification with the subject of blindness is related by his dear friend, Leonard Robinson, in his book, Light at the Tunnel End -- The Story of the Randolph-Sheppard Act. But his compassion for people in need and his passionate belief in the rightness of opportunity for everyone to improve his or her quality of life impelled him to play an active, leading part in the social and economic reforms of Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal," including the Social Security Act. He is rightly proud of those early actions which laid the foundation for the emergence of the greatest middle class ever to exist in any nation or society. One of Jennings Randolph's major contributions, for which he has never been adequately recognized, was the civil rights landmark Title V of the Rehabilitation Amendments of 1973. No cataloging of his contributions should suggest that he believes that everything which ought to be done has been done. His efforts on behalf of his beloved West Virginia, and on behalf of people (including blind and handicapped people) throughout this country, are just as intense now as always. One universal observation about Jennings Randolph is that this richly endowed personality -- his interest in people and his commitment to their well-being -- has never wavered or changed. He has received many honors and awards over the years for his good work, and more since he announced his retirement. Soon the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America will publish a testimonial tabloid about him. But we know well that this leader and servant of good causes is not retiring from them nor from his ever appreciative friends. With such a rich legacy of achievement, it is difficult and unnecessary to strive for monumental words. Simply I say for all of us to this gracious, unselfish man: Senator Randolph, we are among that countless number of your permanent friends. We know you will have an enjoyable and a productive retirement. ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller National Representative October of 1984 lived up to its reputation as the most popular month for ACB affiliate state conventions. During the month, members of the national staff participated in seven state conventions (Alabama, Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, Kentucky, Oregon, and Michigan), while various ACB officers and directors participated in several others. Space does not permit comment on each convention, but one example of the outstanding programs presented was that of the ACB of Ohio. The theme of "Creativity" included, among other things, presentations by blind people in a variety of unusual vocations or professions. As for the "change of pace" award, it surely would go to the Michigan Convention, which featured a cherry pit spitting contest — enthusiastically participated in by ACB's national staff attorney, Barbara Nelson, who, according to the best reports available, propelled one pit 17 feet 6 inches. October also saw the first of the awareness and training sessions conducted by the American Council of the Blind for the major airlines. ACB's Director of Public Affairs, Laura Oftedahl, and I met with officials of New York Air and discussed in detail their employee training policies before "walking them through" the substance of ACB's airline service handbook. Almost all the major airlines have expressed interest in our training program, and training sessions will be conducted with them in the near future. No, this training program will not receive the publicity or media coverage given threats to picket national air carriers or blind passengers who insist on being arrested if they are not allowed to sit in airplane exit rows, but it will benefit many more blind people by improving the general level of service received by them while traveling. During October, arrangements were finalized by ACB personnel in conjunction with McDonald's Restaurants, for the production of a new generation of braille menus. These menus will carry the name of the American Council of the Blind as having been involved in their preparation. We urge you to ask to see the braille menu whenever you patronize McDonald's Restaurant, because only if those menus are called for will McDonald's personnel become familiar with their availability and usefulness. For these reasons, I almost always ask for a braille menu even if I think I already know what I would like to order. As predicted several months ago, the American Council of the Blind, along with several other organizations and several individuals, filed a lawsuit in Federal court to compel the United States Navy and the Department of Defense to comply with the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act. The impact of the suit, which is expected to be very protracted, complicated and expensive, was increased by the careful planning and conduct of an extremely well attended press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on October 24. This lawsuit is going to be a truly "David and Goliath" struggle, because ACB and the other plaintiffs cannot possible afford as lengthy and expensive a suit as the Department of Defense can afford to conduct. However, it has become obvious that the defendants are determined to thumb their noses at the letter and intent of the Randolph-Sheppard Act unless compelled by the Federal courts to comply with it. The last two weeks of October were spent by me, as ACB National Representative, participating in the final quinquennial international assembly of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (WCWB), held concurrently with the international assembly of the International Federation of the Blind, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While there, I served as chairman of the WCWB Resolutions Committee (made up of representatives from five different countries, with five different languages as their first language) and made a major professional presentation during the concurrent assembly session devoted to "The Right to Access to Information." Following the merger of the two organizations into the World Blind Union, I was elected to the Executive Committee as a representative from North America. A detailed article concerning the WCWB-IFB­WBU assembly appears elsewhere in this issue of The Braille Forum. ***** ** All Eyes Are Upon ACB By Laura Oftedahl Director of Governmental Affairs Just about the time you are up to your ears in Christmas advertising on TV, you will receive a pleasant surprise delivered by your television set. A smartly packaged announcement containing information about the American Council of the Blind will come your way over locally and nationally produced television programs. ACB's first public service announcement for TV has been received by every TV station and all major television networks in the nation. The 30-second message enthusiastically portrays the American Council of the Blind as the effective national organization to consult for information on dealing with blindness. The theme is that blind people do many jobs well; that their spare-time life is full of meaningful activities; and that the American Council of the Blind can direct you (the viewer/listener) to career choices and leisure-time opportunities which will make your life more complete. We have been successful with radio PSA's in bringing thousands of blind and visually impaired people to ACB for answers, options, and comradeship. We know that success will multiply with this positive television message. ACB's toll-free telephone number is one of the busiest in the country. Callers responding to ACB's advertising (whether they are newly blinded persons or individuals who want to become a part of a responsible organization) find that they receive useful information from 1-800-424-8666. We are gearing up to provide helpful guidance to callers whose interest is sparked by this new television announcement. Many requests may involve employment opportunities information, so job search resource sheets have been compiled and many networking opportunities with ACB’s professional affiliates are anticipated. A diverse group was brought together to picture ACB as what it truly is: a representative national association of blind and visually impaired people engaged in a myriad of vocations and avocations. The following people appear in the television announcement. Every person is blind or has low vision. Even the announcer is blind. Long-time Washington, D.C. personality, Ed Walker, narrates the message and appears on camera reading his braille script. The "stars" include Ray Charles, renowned singer/song writer; Petra Gibbons, United Airlines reservationist in Denver, Colorado; George Holliday, District of Columbia Blind Bowlers president; Nelson Malbone, Lions Club leader and ACB affiliate president from Chesapeake, Virginia; Karen Perzentka, Brownie troop leader/teacher, community worker, and ACB Board member from Madison, Wisconsin. Other people seen in the PSA include Richard Perzentka, cafeteria operator in Madison, Wisconsin; William Reckert, court stenographer with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.; Bob Stratton, bicycle repair shop owner and ACB affiliate president from Maquoketa, Iowa; and attorney Rhonda Weiss, with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Even several guide dogs get in the picture. I appear as a computer operator, with guide dog Casey at my side, as the message opens. The American Council of the Blind continues to polish its public awareness activities to give a realistic picture of the capabilities of blind people, and through these successful campaigns, ACB continues to increase its visibility, to broaden its membership and to expand its unparalleled service to blind and visually impaired Americans. All eyes will be on ACB in 1985. We'll be watching for you to move ahead with us. ***** ** Pair-A-Dice Planning -- 1985 ACB National Convention By David Krause, Chairman Convention Host Committee The dice are rolling. The cards are being shuffled. The 1985 Host Committee is making plans for an ACB convention you won't forget! It's now time for you to begin helping us with convention planning. If you are the president or program chairperson of one of ACB's special-interest affiliates, or if you represent a group which would like to meet during the 1985 convention, you should begin organizing your program and activities NOW. Just after January 1, an information packet will be mailed to each special-interest affiliate president and to each group that held a meeting in Philadelphia. Included in this packet will be instructions and deadlines for submitting meeting plans to the Host Committee, as well as the necessary forms for orderly reporting of these details. Your cooperation in completing the forms and in sending us your program agenda on time will be much appreciated. If you are not sure if your group appears on our mailing list, or if you represent a newly organized group, please contact us immediately, giving us your name, address, telephone number, and the group you represent. The exhibit area will be better than ever. Many agencies and companies that market equipment and/or services for the blind and visually impaired will be on hand; ACB affiliates will offer convention souvenirs and useful items for sale in the boutique. Best of all, the exhibit area will be located near meetings and other convention activities. It will be fully carpeted, air-conditioned, and quite comfortable. You will be able to drop in for a leisurely afternoon or for a quick visit. If your ACB affiliate is interested in participating in the boutique, or if you are involved with an agency or business that would like to exhibit, it's not too early to start making plans for your booth. Shortly after the first of the year, the Host Committee will mail an exhibit information packet and exhibit reservation forms to all businesses and agencies whose names appear on our mailing list. Each ACB state and special-interest affiliate will receive boutique information. Early return of exhibit reservation forms will ensure space for your group. Exhibits are available on a first come, first served basis. New exhibitors, or those who have not participated in an ACB convention for several years, are always welcome. To be certain that your company or organization receives an exhibit information packet, send your name, address, telephone number, and the group or agency you represent to the Host Committee at the address given below. Note: Local chapters of ACB affiliates may participate in the boutique. These chapters are not currently on the mailing list. Contact the Host Committee if you would like more details. Convention dates are July 6-13, 1985. The convention hotel is the Holiday Inn Hotel Casino Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard, S., Las Vegas, NV 89109. Room rates are $32 a day for singles or doubles, $40 for triples, and $48 for quads. Make reservations by calling the hotel at (702) 369-5000, or by using this toll-free number: (800) 634-6765. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY INN RESERVATION NUMBER; YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE ACB CONVENTION RATE IF YOUR ROOM IS BOOKED THROUGH THAT NUMBER. To communicate with the Host Committee, write or call Dave Krause, Convention Chairman, at 1500 E. Karen Street, Apt. 359, Las Vegas, NV 89109; (702) 737-5714. ***** ** Update, ACB vs. Navy on McDonald's Contract As reported last month, the American Council of the Blind, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, Senator Jennings Randolph, and five other plaintiffs have sued the United States Navy and the Department of Defense to cancel a multi-million-dollar contract between the Navy and McDonald's Corporation to operate approximately 300 restaurants on naval bases worldwide. The suit, which was filed in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the Navy and the Department of Defense violated the Randolph-Sheppard Act by failing to contract with state licensing agencies to provide cafeteria service on navel bases located in the United States, or by failing to solicit bids from such agencies, as prescribed by law, to determine whether a licensed vending facility can provide food of high quality, at a reasonable price, comparable to that currently provided to employees. By mid-December, motion papers will have been filed with the court seeking an injunction to stop implementation of the McDonald's/Navy contract. The suit was publicly announced by ACB at an October 24 news conference in Washington, D.C. Despite a busy news day, more than sixteen media representatives, including ABC, NBC, Cox Broadcasting, Mutual Broadcasting, National Public Radio, United Press International, and the Los Angeles Times, attended the news conference, which was televised from a hearing room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Cable News Network also covered the event, which included film footage on location at a large cafeteria operated by George Abbott, First Vice President of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America. Also in attendance were representatives from the handicapped press and reporters from trade publications representing the restaurant industry and the military. Each attendee received a press packet prepared by ACB staff, which contained background information concerning the Randolph-Sheppard program, written statements and profiles of program speakers, and a "Who's Who" annotated list of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Featured on the program were Senator Jennings Randolph (D., WV), Paul Verner, President of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, and Durward K. McDaniel, Second Vice President of the American Council of the Blind and National Chairperson of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. Scott Marshall, ACB's Director of Governmental Affairs, introduced the speakers and presented ACB's prepared statement. A brief question-and-answer period followed the formal program. ACB would like to particularly thank Senator Randolph and his office staff for their support and assistance in this endeavor, as well as all those who helped make the news conference a success. Of course, the real issue here is not one brought forth just to make headlines, but, rather, to protect and enhance the Randolph-Sheppard program, which has provided employment opportunities to thousands of blind and visually impaired Americans. The news conference explained to the public in an effective, positive manner why it was necessary to sue the Navy and the Department of Defense in order to prevent erosion of the Randolph-Sheppard program. Finally, it is important to note that the Department of Defense, and not McDonald's, is required to comply with the Randolph-Sheppard Act. No one is saying that McDonald's should have been prevented from bidding on this contract, but, rather, that blind vendors, represented by state licensing agencies, should have had the opportunity guaranteed them by law to bid on this contract. It was wrong for the Department of Defense to violate the law. ACB, RSVA, and the other plaintiffs are proud to lead the fight on this most important issue. ***** ** Special Shoppers By Deborah Kendrick (Reprinted from the Cincinnati Post, Saturday, Dec. 10, 1983) (Note: The following article dealing with special department store Christmas shopping hours for disabled persons and the elderly appeared in the Cincinnati Post in December 1983. The author, Deborah Kendrick, is a member of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio and was the recipient of the Ned E. Freeman Award in 1983 for her story, "20/20 With a Twist." Elder-Beerman is repeating the program this year. Also, after reading the article last year, Jean Lang of the Columbus ACB chapter approached Lazarus, the largest department store in Columbus, which has set up a similar "Special Shoppers" day on which their store will be open exclusively for handicapped and elderly shoppers. Further, Columbus cab companies are donating transportation for fifty shoppers to take part.) I entered the 5th and Vine Street department store -- guide dog on my left side, husband on my right -- and was warmly welcomed by a store representative. The smell of fresh-baked cookies permeated the air, and the familiar strains of Christmas carols sung by live voices were all around. I registered for my 10 percent discount, slapped a name tag on my coat, and began looking for gifts. The buzz of Christmas shoppers was on every floor, but it was not the Christmas crowd I encountered most Decembers: no fear of being swept out of the way by the mob, no impatience from harassed store personnel, no one called me "Honey." In fact, as I passed the cosmetics counter, someone was calling me by name. I turned to face her and accepted a handful of scented samples with a smile. (When you can't see someone trying to catch your eye, it can be hard to know that a stranger is addressing you in particular.) In the toy department, someone else called me by name and, with the air of a circus entertainer, announced that he was going to make something special for me. A puff of air, a few squeaky twists -- "lt's pink. I'll bet you can guess what it is." Of course, I could. The first bit of twisted balloon I touched was an elephant's trunk! The balloon magician darted up the escalator, pursuing more recipients of his craft, and I wandered off to have some purchases gift-wrapped. Christmas shopping can be a chaotic experience for all of us, but if you're blind, elderly, or in a wheelchair, it can be next to impossible. Elder-Beerman set aside four hours last Sunday evening for "special shoppers" only. The results were gratifying on both sides. As I waited for a package to be wrapped, the voices of Gospel singers floated down from the floor above me and I thought, "This is what Christmas shopping is supposed to be like." The atmosphere was relaxed, festive and friendly. There was space for a wheelchair to travel freely through the aisles, and ample time for a blind person to "see" merchandise with his or her hands. Quite a few names were checked off my Christmas list during my "special shoppers" excursion. From the rattle of bags and jostling of parcels, it was clear that hundreds of others with guide dogs, wheelchairs, and walkers were keeping the cash registers running, too. Someone in the Elder-Beerman management has obviously figured out that disabled or elderly people don't have disabled or elderly dollars, and they don't have a disabled or elderly share of Christmas spirit, either. Hats off to Elder-Beerman for acknowledging that realization with a shopping party hosted in magnificent style. ***** ** Report of the ACB Board of Publications By Vernon Henley, Chair Espanol ... Editing ... Copyright ... Computers ... Each of these single words has a special connotation for the ACB Board of Publications who have served during the past year. It has been a busy year for the BOP, which is charged by the ACB By-Laws with overseeing "all official publications" of the American Council of the Blind. The most prominent of these publications is, of course, the one that you have in your hands right now -- The Braille Forum. During the past year, The Braille Forum changed publishers for the braille edition, due to a large increase in cost. But the excellent content has remained unchanged under Editor Mary Ballard. The BOP has also adopted new guidelines for the Ned Freeman Award (see The Braille Forum, November 1984). Let me extend a personal invitation to all Braille Forum readers to submit articles for consideration. The BOP also sponsored the fifth biennial Publications Workshop during this year's national convention in Philadelphia. When only about 30 guests attended a breakfast for invited editors prior to the Sunday morning workshop, I was a little nervous about the attendance. When we arrived at the meeting room, however, there was a crowd of interested members there to greet us, and as the workshop got under way, other slightly late risers also came in, until we had an attendance of over 100 for a lively exchange on publishing a newsletter. I had the pleasure of chairing the workshop, and speakers were all "homegrown" talent. Chris Gray gave a presentation on computers and automation in preparing a newsletter. Laura Oftedahl spoke on ways of writing more lively copy. Barbara Nelson gave the authoritative way to use (not abuse) the free matter mailing privilege, and I delivered some remarks on the subject of libel and copyright. In addition -- and perhaps of even more value -- there was a lively exchange of questions and comments from the floor on a wide variety of topics relating to newsletter production and publication. In addition, invited editors received packets of materials for use in their editorial duties. These included excerpts from Editing Your Newsletter, the most authoritative work on the subject available, and the complete text of The Washington Post Deskbook on Style, an invaluable aid in questions on preparing copy. Tapes are available of these materials plus the workshop itself. Tapes of the workshop alone (which was recorded under very difficult conditions) are available for $2, and the workshop plus resource materials as a package can be yours for only $10. If you are serious about being an editor, all these materials belong in your personal library. Also during the convention, elections were held to fill three positions on the Board of Publications. The chair and one member (currently Marvin Brotman of Boston) are appointed by the President. The other three members are elected every two years. Winning re-election were Chris Gray of Mountain View, California, and Don Cameron of Tampa, Florida. Leaving the Board of Publications was Dean Flewwellin of Aberdeen, South Dakota. All of us appreciate Dean's tireless service to the BOP and thank him for the insights he gave during his tenure. Succeeding Dean is Ms. Billie Jean Hill of Jackson, Mississippi. All of the members of the BOP are eager to have your comments about their work and your needs. If you have suggestions or comments about the BOP, The Braille Forum, or any related topics, please feel free to communicate with any of the Board members, whose names and addresses are listed below. We are eager for your ideas of how and where we can be of service to you. Oh, yes -- the word "espanol" in the lead! The Board of Publications has authorized a change in the Spanish edition of The Braille Forum from flexible disc to a standard format cassette, in order to better serve readers whose first language is Spanish, but who might not have access to specialized playback equipment needed for the disc edition. If you know of anyone who might benefit from the Spanish edition of The Braille Forum, please send their names and addresses to Editor Mary Ballard at 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. * ACB BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Vernon Henley, Chair, 215 W. Duffy, Norman, OK 73069 Marvin Brotman, 22 Howard Street, Newton, MA 02158 Don Cameron, 724 S. David Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606 Christopher Gray, 2700 Del Medio Court, Apt. 123, Mountain View, CA 94040 Billie Jean Hill, 897 E. Northside Drive, No. 11-1D, Jackson, MS 39206 ***** ** How You Can Help the Blind of El Salvador By Oral O. Miller National Representative Several months ago, The Braille Forum announced the interest of the American Council of the Blind in obtaining by donation usable slates, styluses, braillers, and watches for distribution on a case-by-case basis to deserving blind persons living in developing countries. During my recent long flight from Saudi Arabia back to America following the international assembly of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (approximately 14 hours non­stop), it was my pleasure to become better acquainted with the Superintendent of the National School for the Blind in war-torn El Salvador, Central America. Discussions revealed that one of the crying needs of the school as well as most of its alumni is for slates, styluses, and other writing aids. Many readers of The Braille Forum have already responded to our original request by sending unwanted items, but we are repeating the announcement at this time in the hope that we can accumulate enough slates and styluses to be of meaningful assistance to the blind of El Salvador. One of the factors which eventually led to the worldwide adoption of braille rather than one of many other tactile reading systems as the most suitable for use by blind people was the fact that it can be written easily, quickly, and inexpensively. Just think how frustrating it would be for a blind person who reads and writes braille due to his or her need for a simple, inexpensive slate (which people in many other parts of the world refer to as a "frame")! Items which you no longer need should be sent to the ACB National Office for eventual distribution to worthy recipients in developing countries. ***** ** Social Security Update The Social Security Administration has announced that Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their checks beginning in January 1985. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks will also be increased by 3.5 percent. An eligible individual will receive a maximum SSI benefit of $325.00 per month; an eligible couple, $488.00. Blind people who receive Social Security disability checks will be able to earn up to $610.00 per month before the Social Security Administration will consider them to be no longer eligible for benefits because they are engaged in "substantial gainful activity." On the other hand, workers paying into Social Security will need to earn $410.00 in order to be credited with one quarter of coverage. Further, the maximum amount of earnings on which Social Security taxes are paid will be increased to $39,600.00. ***** ** The New York That Helen Keller "Sees" Sightless, She Discerns in the Skyscrapers Symbols of Man’s Great Achievements (Reprinted from The New York Times, Jan. 3, 1932) New York's tallest building of the tall has given those who have eyes to see an incomparable view of the myriad facets of the city. But it has remained for one who is blind to see the truth that lies beyond earthly details and to discern in the great tower of steel a symbol of modern man's unconquerable will. Helen Keller has many times "beheld a brighter prospect than my friends with two good eyes." Recently she visited the tower of the Empire State Building. She was asked to describe what she "saw." In the following article, she does so. What did I think "of the sight" when I was on the top of the Empire State Building? Frankly, I was so entranced "seeing" that I did not think about the sight. If there was a subconscious thought of it, it was in the nature of gratitude to God for having given the blind seeing minds. As I now recall the view I had from the Empire tower, I am convinced that until we have looked into darkness, we cannot know what a divine thing vision is. Perhaps I beheld a brighter prospect than my companions with two good eyes. Anyway, a blind friend gave me the best description I had of the Empire building until I saw it myself. Do I hear you reply, "I suppose to you it is a reasonable thesis that the universe is all a dream, and that the blind only are awake?" Yes — no doubt I shall be left at the last day on the other bank defending the incredible prodigies of the unseen world, and, more incredible still, the strange grass and skies the blind behold are greener grass and bluer skies than ordinary eyes see. I will concede that my guides saw a thousand things that escaped me from the top of the Empire State Building, but I am not envious. For imagination creates distances and horizons that reach to the end of the world. It is as easy for the mind to think in stars as in cobblestones. Sightless Milton dreamed visions no one else could see. Radiant with an inward light, he sent forth rays by which mankind beholds the realms of Paradise. But what of the Empire State Building? It was a thrilling experience to be whizzed in a "lift" a quarter of a mile heavenward, and to see New York set out like a marvelous tapestry beneath us. There was the Hudson! — more like the flash of a sword-blade than a noble river. The little island of Manhattan, set like a jewel in its nest of rainbow waters, stared up into my face, and the solar system circled about my head! Why, I thought, the sun and the stars are suburbs of New York and I never knew it! I had a sort of wild desire to invest in a bit of real estate on one of the planets. All sense of depression and hard times vanished; I felt like being frivolous with the stars. But that was only for a moment. I am too static to feel quite natural in a Star View cottage on the Milky Way, which must be something of a merry-go-round even on quiet days. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Empire State Building so poetical. From everyone except my blind friend, I had received an impression of sordid materialism — the piling up of one steel honeycomb upon another, with no real purpose but to satisfy the American craving for the superlative everything. A Frenchman has said: In his exaulted moments, the American fancies himself a demigod, nay, a god; for only gods never tire of the prodigious. The highest, the largest, the most costly is the breath of his vanity. Well, I see in the Empire State Building something else -- passionate skill, arduous and fearless idealism. The tallest building is a victory of imagination. Instead of crouching close to earth like a beast, the spirit of man soars to higher regions, and from this new point of vantage he looks upon the impossible with fortified courage and dreams yet more magnificent enterprises. What did I "see and hear" from the Empire tower? As I stood there twixt earth and sky, I saw a romantic structure wrought by human brains and hands that is to the burning eye of the sun a rival luminary. I saw it stand erect and serene in the midst of storm and the tumult of elemental commotion. I heard the hammer of Thor ring when the shaft began to rise upward. I saw the unconquerable steel, the flash of testing flames, the sword-like rivets. I heard the steam drills and pandemonium. I saw countless skilled workers welding together that mighty symmetry. I looked upon the marvel of frail yet indomitable hands that lifted the tower to its dominating height. Let cynics and supersensitive souls say what they will about American materialism and machine civilization. Beneath the surface are poetry, mysticism, and inspiration that the Empire State Building somehow symbolizes. In that giant shaft, I see a groping toward beauty and spiritual vision. I am one of those who see and yet believe. ***** ** World Council for the Welfare of the Blind and International Federation of the Blind Merge to Form World Blind Union By Oral O. Miller In the late 1940's, shortly after the conclusion of World War II, people from throughout the world who were interested in improving the well-being of blind persons organized the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (WCWB), a nongovernmental association incorporated under the laws of France. The organization's objectives, which included the prevention of blindness and the extension of aid from the industrial countries to the developing countries, were thought to be sufficiently broad to represent the interests of both organizations of the blind and organizations dedicated to providing services for the blind. However, in the early 1960's, a campaign was mounted (motivated primarily by the National Federation of the Blind of the United States) to form an international organization made up exclusively of national organizations of blind people -- with the NFB as the sole member from the United States. The International Federation of the Blind (IFB) was the result of this movement. It is my understanding that the founders of the IFB were motivated by the belief that the WCWB, whose membership was made up from the beginning of both organizations of and organizations for the blind, was not sufficiently responsive to the views of organizations of the blind. Beginning in 1964, and every five years (or quinquennium) thereafter, both the WCWB and the IFB conducted separate international assemblies, adopted resolutions, established working committees and regional subcommittees, proffered advice and counsel to international service organizations (such as the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the United Nations, etc.), and generally endeavored to stimulate and coordinate worldwide activities intended to improve the well-being of blind people everywhere. Although the WCWB continued to be the much larger and comparatively more stable financially of the two organizations, both maintained administrative secretariats in different countries, and the WCWB maintained its administrative office in Paris. By the late 1970's, interest in merging the two organizations had surfaced and, in fact, the officers of the two organizations had agreed philosophically to recommend merger. Following the 1979 WCWB international assembly at Antwerp, Belgium, working groups were appointed by the two organizations to explore ways in which the two organizations could cooperate as preparatory steps toward merging. It was my pleasure to serve as a member of this WCWB working group as well as a separate working group charged with the responsibility of suggesting revisions in the WCWB constitution to promote cooperation and remove obstacles to possible merger. One result of these committee meetings was the decision by both organizations to hold concurrent international assemblies in Saudi Arabia in 1984. Although each organization was scheduled to have its own business meetings, the program sessions were to be planned and conducted concurrently. The WCWB and IFB program co-chairmen were from India and Great Britain, respectively. It was my pleasure to serve as chairman of the WCWB Resolutions Committee and to present a principal paper on "The Right to Access to Information" during one of the concurrent professional sessions. During separate business sessions, members of the WCWB and the IFB voted to merge the two organizations into the World Blind Union (WBU), a name not particularly popular with the North Americans present. The American Council of the Blind was represented at the WCWB assembly by its president, Grant Mack, who also carried the proxy votes of three American organizational members who were not present. The published schedule was changed drastically, and much time and effort were spent by both organizations in handling the details connected with dissolution and adoption of appropriate resolutions for merger. Thereafter, many long sessions were devoted to discussion and adoption of a hurriedly drafted constitution for the new organization. The constitution as adopted contained many provisions from prior documents as well as a number of concepts developed on the floor of the assembly. Under the new constitution, America will be entitled to six votes (the maximum possible) at future assemblies, which will be held every four rather than five years, and North America as a region will have four seats on the Executive Committee. Prior to formation of the World Blind Union, South America was in the same region with Australia and New Zealand. It is quite likely that various changes will be made in the constitution within the next four years, in view of the very rushed conditions under which it was adopted. The officers of the WBU are: President -- Sheik Abdullah M. Al-Ghanim of Saudi Arabia; Vice President -- Boris Zimmen of the U.S.S.R.; Secretary -- Anders Arnour of Sweden; and Treasurer -- Leonard De Wolf of Belgium. Braille Forum readers will recall that Sheik Abdullah Al-Ghanim was prevented by a last­minute illness from speaking on the program at ACB's 1983 national convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Space limitations prevent me from discussing the gracious hospitality extended to all assembly attendees by the Saudi Arabian government, cultural and leisure activities during the assembly, services to the blind and economic and cultural conditions in that part of the world. Suffice it to say, however, that the stay in Riyadh was extremely interesting and educational. ***** ** Grab the Brass Ring By Jim Neal and Sue Tullos Beep ball, bicycling, bowling, snow skiing, water skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking ... When or where are these events available for the blind? More often than not, this question is answered after the event has already taken place. How can prospective blind participants become aware of upcoming recreational and competitive sporting events? This was the question that Charles Glaser, Jane Braden, and Jim Neal recently asked each other. The answer was BRASS, Blind Recreation and Sports Society. What can a group of three people calling themselves BRASS do to inform the blind about recreational and competitive sporting events? They are asking for others to join BRASS; to submit information on local or national sporting events; to read The Brass Ring, the Society's newsletter; to participate in these events and then report back to BRASS with informative articles for The Brass Ring. For more information about BRASS and membership dues, you may call Charles Glaser at (404) 452-8110; Jane Braden (303) 278-7311, or Jim Neal, (303) 233-7243. Please call in the evening. Collect calls are not accepted. ***** ** Services for the Blind in China (Reprinted from BLINDOC, Information Services on the Rehabilitation and Employment of the Visually Handicapped, Bulletin No. 515, April 1984) There are an estimated 1.6 million blind persons in China. As of 1980, 292 schools for the blind served 32,000 visually impaired pupils. Many of these schools include practice workshops and special training facilities for office occupations, message specialists, and technicians. A special Chinese system of braille notation was developed. As regards employment, the government set up special factories and workshops for the blind. Workers in these enterprises enjoy tax advantages and housing and social service benefits. The factories have an integrated work force -- that is, blind workers work alongside sighted, able-bodied, and physically disabled employees. The Hinguang Metal Works in Tianjin, which has one-third blind staff, produces diesel engine parts for export all over the world. Blind workers, with the help of sighted colleagues, have learned to perform a wide range of industrial functions. A number of blind persons have become supervisors and department chiefs. There are many massage institutes in which hundreds of blind therapists are employed. Blind musicians perform in all provinces, and many blind persons have completed professional training and work in universities, government offices, and other responsible positions. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop Blind college student on fixed income is looking for used Optacon attachments. The following attachments are wanted: CRT reader, IBM Selectric II attachment, and visual display oscilloscope. As inexpensive as possible -- used. Contact in print only: Sleuth, 11385 Heathertoe Lane, Columbia, MD 21044. For Sale: Optacon and Smith-Corona typewriter lens. In good condition. $2300 or best offer. Contact Richard Fiorello, 180 Euclid Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217; home phone, after 5:30 P.M.: (716) 873-4132. Also Sony TC105 reel-to-reel recorder with variable speed and tone indexing. Best offer. ***** ** Calendar of Events This Calendar of Events is prepared by the Public Affairs Director in the National Office of the American Council of the Blind to assist ACB affiliates and other organizations of and for the blind in publicizing their events. We need your conference dates to maintain this popular service. Please contact Laura Oftedahl at 1-800-424-8666 as soon as your meetings are set. March 16, 1985 -- Utah Council of the Blind State Convention, Salt Lake City April 18-21, 1985 -- ACB of California Spring Convention, Sacramento ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon From Sixth Sense (ACB of Colorado): During this past summer, Patty Walker, a member of the ACB of Colorado and a junior at Adams State College, spent ten days mountain­climbing at the Colorado Mountain School in Estes Park. Two of the peaks she climbed were OId Man Mountain and Twin Owls. She used ropes, a harness, and other mountaineering gear. Patty feels blind climbers may have an advantage over sighted climbers. The blind feel for holds, niches, and a way up, while sighted people tend to look up or down for them. She is now organizing a climbing program for blind and visually impaired persons at the Colorado Mountain School for next summer. Those interested in obtaining information about the program may write to Patty Walker, 114 Richardson Avenue, Alamosa, CO 81101. Visualtek has announced a one­year, no-fault buy-back guarantee program which provides customers with an unequivocable buy-back on electronic video visual aids purchased by them and which they feel, for whatever reason, they can no longer use. Under the program, Visualtek will buy back the equipment at the original purchase price less a nominal monthly fee for usage. According to Visualtek, this program is the first of its kind in the visually impaired market, and it is expected to appeal to those customers who may have reservations about near-term equipment purchases. For more information on the program, direct inquiries to Colem Enge, Director of Marketing, Visualtek, 1610-26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404; (213) 829-6841. Apple Talk is a quarterly magazine for Apple computer users with speech synthesizers. The magazine will be on computer disks and will be published in February, May, August, and November of 1985. Included will be articles about programming, ads for computer products and software, games, utility programs, etc. A one-year subscription costs $10. Make checks payable to Jeff Weiss, 3015 S. Tyler Street, Little Rock, AR 72204. The American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities has announced the appointment of Susan E. Perlik as its new Executive Director, beginning January 2, 1985. Dr. Perlik is a graduate of the University of Illinois and of Syracuse University, where she specialized in elementary and special education. She recently received her Ph.D. from Brandeis University's Florence Heller Graduate School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare. *** The 1985 ACCD Delegate Council Assembly will be held June 13-16 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The National Braille Press, Inc., has announced that the second Beginner's Guide to Personal Computers for the Blind and Visually Impaired has just rolled off the press. Included in this second Guide are a buyer's guide to eight talking microcomputers and two large-print display processors, information on training programs across the country, and a comprehensive listing of computer books, magazines, and manuals in braille and recorded form from various organizations. Send check or money order to: National Braille Press, Inc., 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. Braille or cassette copies are $12.95; print, $14.95. All orders must be pre-paid. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. *** To enjoy the mouth-watering cake, cooky, and brownie mixes from Duncan Hines, send for a voice-indexed cassette from National Braille Press at the above address. Cost, $5.00. Edwin Eames, Professor of Anthropology, Baruch College, CUNY, Hannan Selvin, Professor of Sociology, State University of New York at Stonybrook, and Charles Warnath, Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University at Corvallis, are preparing a book titled "A Guide to Guide Dog Schools." This effort is being supported by the American Animal Hospital Association Foundation. It will be patterned after the available Guide to Colleges prepared for high-school students. They are presently soliciting comments from graduates of the various guide dog schools in the United States. Please contact Professor Eames at the following address: Department of Anthropology, Bernard M. Baruch College, CUNY, 17 Lexington Avenue, Box 511, New York, NY 10010; office phone, (212) 505-5985; home phone, (215) 572-8961. Jason Ellsworth's world of blindness and cerebral palsy played second fiddle recently to the glitter of the Grand OId Opry. Born handicapped and given only a 10 percent chance to live, the 8-year-old youngster from Hartford, Connecticut, wailed out three songs to a packed house at the Opry, receiving a standing ovation. Big stages are nothing new to Jason, however. He performed in May at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and in September at the World's Fair in New Orleans. CBS commentator Andy Rooney says Connecticut's $1.1 million Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 1s a "monument to civilization" which "stands a little higher than most. For all the things we've done wrong with the land we live on, all the mistakes that we've made — it is a delight to come to a place like this where finally we have done something right." Rooney spoke recently at dedication ceremonies for the library at Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Harold Richterman and Jansen Noyes, Jr., are the recipients of the Migel Medals for 1984, awarded annually by the American Foundation for the Blind to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have significantly improved the lives of blind and visually impaired people. Mr. Richterman, who received the award in the professional category, is Director of the Rehabilitation Services Division of National Industries for the Blind, Wayne, New Jersey. Mr. Noyes, former Chairman of the AFB Board for 13 years and its President for 12 years, received the award in the lay category. Blind country singer Ronnie Milsap was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree by Adrian College. He visited the Michigan school after a concert at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. From Talking Book Topics: The Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation is attempting to register all persons with an inherited retinal degenerative disease. From this registry it hopes to obtain statistical information and to produce a list of individuals to contact for research and trial treatment as well as maintaining a mailing list of persons who wish to receive information. A confidential registration form may be obtained from the National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation, Inc., 8331 Mindale Circle, Baltimore, MD 21207. *** Expanded coverage of items of interest to blind individuals was recently announced by Ability, a nationally circulated magazine which provides in-depth coverage primarily of sports events sponsored by the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes, the U.S. Amputee Athletic Association, the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association, and the National Association of Sports for Cerebral Palsy. In addition to sports coverage, the magazine contains articles on employment, life style, opportunities in the performing arts, new products, and announcements of international sports and recreational activities. Published quarterly, Ability is available in print and on cassette for $7 a year. Write Ability, P.O. Box 5311, Mission Hills, CA 91345. A new cookbook has just been published by the Kalamazoo Chapter of the Michigan Association of the Blind, an ACB affiliate. The 72-page volume, "VIP Recipes," contains recipes submitted by chapter members for easy-to-prepare main dishes, snacks, breads, desserts, and vegetables, as well as helpful hints for the visually impaired cook. "VIP Recipes" is available in large-print or voice-indexed cassette for $7.50. Send check or money order to: Kalamazoo Federation of the Blind, Box 603, Kalamazoo, MI 49005, indicating large-print or cassette. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has opened a ground-floor exhibit for visually impaired visitors. This is a collection of 100 art objects which can be handled and which carry braille and large­print labels. Included are costumes, arms and armor, textiles, sculpture, and decorative art items. The collection was assembled by John Ross, Public Information Director, who is himself visually impaired. Pockets Galore can organize your life; keep things in one easy-to-find, easy-to-reach place. Features six large pockets to hold a small cassette player, glasses, magnifier, wallet, folding cane, slate and stylus, etc., plus a unique zipper pocket to keep items safe. Pockets Galore is 100% cotton denim, dark blue; one size fits all. For a limited time, special introductory price is $20 plus $2 per order for shipping. All orders must be pre­paid. Allow six weeks for delivery. Send orders to: Pockets Galore, 9 Pauline Drive, Natick, MA 01760. ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large-type, flexible disc (rpm 8 1/3), and cassette (ips 15/16). As a bi-monthly supplement, the recorded and braille editions also include ALL-O-GRAMS, newsletter of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. Please send subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication (which may be submitted in print, braille, or tape) to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to James R. Olsen, Treasurer, 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/her Last Will and Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you or your attorney may wish to contact the ACB National Office. ###