The Braille Forum Vol. XXIV September 1985 No. 3 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 1010 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 1-800-424-8666 Editorial Office The Braille Forum: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 442-3131 Promoting Independence And Effective Participation in Society ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large-type, and cassette tape (15/16 ips). As a supplement, the braille and cassette editions also include ALL­O-GRAMS, newsletter of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to LeRoy Saunders, Treasurer, American Council of the Blind, 1010 Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 2005. You may wish to remember a relative or a friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The ACB 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 may contact the ACB National Office. Copyright 1985 American Council of the Blind ***** ** Contents Notice to Subscribers President's Message, by Grant Mack Braille Playboy Funding Lost, by Scott Marshall News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller Report of the ACB Treasurer, James R. Olsen 1985 ACB Convention Provides Education, Edification, and Entertainment, by Pat Price Summary, ACB Resolutions, 1985 ACB Convention Tapes Available The Condition of Blind People in Developing Countries, by Sheikh Abdullah M. Al-Ghanim Wear ACB Up Front: Brailled T-Shirts Available Board of Publications Announces 1986 Ned E. Freeman Writing Competition, by Vernon Henley It's Time to Think Ski for Light! Telephone Pioneers Repair Program Reaches Quarter-Century Mark Letters from Readers High Tech Swap Shop Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Calendar of Events ACB Officers Contributing Editor ***** ** President's Message By Grant Mack Lush, green meadows, untamed and unnamed flowers growing in wild profusion, the pungent fragrance of blue spruce and pine, and a small, clear lake of icy water teeming with rainbow trout -- these are among the things which attract many vacationers to the high back-country of the Rocky Mountains. Access to the most favorable of these areas is obtained only by foot or on horseback. The people who go there are as varied and different as any other group of summer vacationers. They come from all parts of the country and from every occupation and profession. But they all have at least one thing in common: they enjoy the serenity, peace, beauty, and remoteness of this wilderness country. They have not only learned to love the beauty of the country, but have come to understand and respect the vagaries and inconsistencies of nature as well. They know that weather conditions can change rapidly. A peaceful, serene situation can change quickly into a fearful and dangerous one in a very short time. Wind, torrential rains, or violent hail storms may occur rather suddenly when one is 9,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. The only haven, the only refuge, for people traveling in these storms is their tent. And experienced back-country lovers know how to pitch a tent properly. They know the importance of driving anchor stakes firmly and deeply into the ground. They know that the more stakes to which they can tie the ropes, the greater will be the stability of the entire assembly. They may have learned from sad experience that an improperly anchored tent can come tumbling down in a high wind. However, if the center pole is solid, the tent is of good quality and tightly woven, and the stout ropes are tied firmly to the deeply imbedded stakes, they know that they will be safely protected from the elements. I have thought a lot about the similarity between a properly pitched tent and the American Council of the Blind. ACB is not one person, or even a small group of persons, telling others what to do and how to do it. The American Council of the Blind is a number of independent units held together by a common interest. Each state and special-interest affiliate is similar to a stake to which a tent rope is tied. As sturdy and independently strong stakes contribute to the stability of a tent, so do sturdy, independently strong affiliates contribute to the strength of ACB. Is it any wonder, then, that ACB wants strong and independent affiliates? ACB's center pole is its constitution, which emphasizes democratic principles and provides safeguards for maintaining them. Its protective fabric is woven from its by-laws, and the strong rope holding everything in place is the reservoir of resolutions which have been passed during the last 24 years. The American Council has withstood tremendous buffeting through the years and stands today as the strongest and most sturdy advocacy organization of blind and visually impaired individuals in America. It offers to all blind people a refuge and a haven from negative forces. It also makes many opportunities and beauties accessible to those who are willing to put forth extra effort. We invite all blind and visually impaired persons to visit our high mountain valley. Our tent is large enough for all! ***** ** Braille Playboy Funding Lost By Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Affairs As reported in The Braille Forum last month, the House of Representatives passed on July 18 an amendment to the F.Y. 1986 Legislative Branch appropriations bill which effectively prohibits the Library of Congress from continuing to produce the braille edition of Playboy magazine. On July 31, the Senate passed its version of the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, which also did not include funds for the braille edition of Playboy. Playboy is read by over 15 million sighted people each month, and the magazine has never been adjudged obscene by any court in its 30-year history. The braille edition, which is published without advertising or photographs, is read by approximately 1,000 blind readers each month and is one of the more popular magazines in the National Library Service collection. Congress's censorship of the NLS program sets a dangerous precedent that goes well beyond merely the right of blind persons to read what we choose. Accordingly, the American Council of the Blind is reviewing the possibility of Federal court litigation, which, if successful, would permit the Librarian of Congress to continue to publish the braille edition of Playboy. The United States Supreme Court has held that withholding Federal funds is unlawful when the purpose and result of such an action is to limit free expression. Congress did not simply reduce funds for the NLS program on a pro rata basis, but, rather, singled out Playboy for the funding cut because of the content of the magazine. Litigation seems to be the only alternative at this time. Further details concerning this matter will appear in a future issue of The Braille Forum. ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller, National Representative In the wee hours of the morning on August 1, 1985, professional movers hauled the last dolly heavily laden with a file cabinet into the new National Office of the American Council of the Blind. The decision by the ACB Board of Directors to move the National Office approximately five blocks was motivated by an opportunity for ACB to move into larger, brighter offices under a very favorable rental arrangement. Staff members literally "lived out of boxes" for the first few days while telephone service workers, carpenters, and carpet installers completed their work. However, the job is now substantially finished. The new National Office is still in downtown Washington, D.C., and is accessible to very convenient public transportation, and staff members are looking forward to greeting any ACB members and friends who may come by. The new address is: 1010 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. The new local telephone number is (202) 393-3666, but the toll-free telephone number remains the same as it has always been: (800) 424-8666. The 1985 National Assembly of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), of which the American Council of the Blind has been an active member for several years, concentrated much of its attention and efforts toward the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 and, for the first time, dedicated one of its major sessions to the impact of that Act on handicapped people. The interest of the Leadership Conference in handicapped people was underscored again during its annual awards banquet when the American Council was invited to occupy a position of honor at the distinguished head table. The Leadership Conference is made up of almost 200 prestigious organizations such as the AFL/CIO, the NAACP, and the National Organization for Women (NOW). Experience of the last forty years indicates that the only civil rights legislation adopted during that period has been actively supported by this broad-based coalition. Among the international guests who have visited the ACB National Office in recent weeks was Ms. Pomoko Hoshino of the Braille Library of Japan. It was our pleasure to discuss the services and programs of the American Council of the Blind as well as to learn more about services for the blind in Japan. Two other international visitors were Messrs. Menzo Barrish and Elijah Ndungane of the South African Association for Sports for the Disabled, which, in spite of its sports-oriented name, is involved also in rehabilitation, cultural, and other activities in behalf of disabled people. There was agreement that meaningful cultural, recreational, and social exchange between the two countries has been made extremely difficult, if not impossible, by socio-political unrest in South Africa. During June, it was my pleasure to speak to members of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska during their state convention in Omaha. The convention, which was longer than one day for the first time, featured an outstanding program, and plans for significant future activities. For example, the ACB of Nebraska plans to conduct during October an educational seminar on blindness and low vision for the benefit of vision specialists as well as newly blinded people. The recognition to be given the seminar is illustrated by the fact that vision professionals will be given continuing education credit for attendance. Who says a small affiliate cannot do big, important things? Although this article does not purport to summarize all the decisions made by the ACB Board of Directors during the very successful 1985 national convention, one of the important decisions made was to diversify ACB's fund-raising activities by including direct mail as one of its resources. The necessary steps have been taken to initiate such a program, and the test mailing is expected to go out in the fall. More will be said about this matter in future articles. I regret to announce that August 15, 1985, was the last day of employment with ACB for Mike Martin, Senior Administrative Assistant in the National Office. Mike, who is known by hundreds of ACB members as one of the voices answering the telephone at the National Office and as an extremely busy, helpful staff person at several of our national conventions and many other ACB activities, left Washington after working for ACB for approximately five years. He is returning to college and plans to major in East Asian Studies, with emphasis on Japan, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Although we are sorry to lose Mike, we wish him the best of good fortune as he returns to academia to take another step forward in advancing his career. "Sayonara" to you, Mike! I am pleased to announce that the new ACB staff attorney will be Ms. Lynn S. Abbott, who is scheduled to join the staff after Labor Day. Ms. Abbott, a graduate of Providence College and Catholic University Law School, comes to ACB with an impressive background in disability law, and I am confident she will be extremely well received by everyone who meets her. ***** ** Report of the ACB Treasurer, James R. Olsen Copies of the 1984 ACB Annual Report are available from either the ACB National Office in Washington, D.C., or the Treasurer's Office in Minneapolis. A recorded edition is available again this year. To obtain a copy of the recorded edition (1 7/8 ips cassette), contact the National Office. In addition to the audited financial statements, the Annual Report highlights the programs and services of the American Council of the Blind during 1984 in the message of the ACB President and the ACB National Representative. During 1984, the Thrift Stores earned $552,000 on sales of $5,376,000. Other revenue, including contributions to the Scholarship Endowment Fund, amounted to $93,000, for a total revenue of $645 000. Expenditures for program services were $736,000, with $168,000 spent on management and general and fund-raising, resulting in a deficit of $259,000 due to a decline in Thrift Store revenues as compared to prior years. In order to meet the cash needs of ACB for 1984, we borrowed $258,000. On December 31, 1984, the American Council of the Blind had a bank balance of $9,000 and total assets of $592,000. Of this total, $113,000 was the net value of office furniture and equipment; $58,000 was restricted in the endowment fund; and $389,000 was the net equity in the Thrift Stores (ACBES). The ending combined fund balance was $267,000, as compared to $526,000 at December 31, 1983. Thanks to the many individuals and organizations who have answered the letter asking for contributions to support the programs and services of the American Council of the Blind. We received $17,860 during 1984, and through July 31, 1985 we have received an additional $16,860. These gifts have been in support of both the general operating fund and the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund. Additional gifts should be addressed to: James R. Olsen, ACB Assistant Treasurer, 310 4th Avenue, S., Suite 822, Minneapolis, MN 55415, with checks made payable to ACB. Your continued support through personal contributions and the remembrance of the American Council of the Blind in your Will is needed and greatly appreciated. ACB is a growing organization and one that is having an impact on the lives of blind and visually impaired people. As stated on the cover of the Annual Report, we are "Promoting Independence and Effective Participation in Society." Become a partner in the growth and expansion of the American Council of the Blind. This is my last report as ACB's Treasurer. I personally wish to thank the ACB membership for your support and encouragement during the past seven years. I will continue to serve ACB as Assistant Treasurer, working closely with Mr. LeRoy Saunders, the newly elected Treasurer. ***** ** 1985 ACB Convention Provides Education, Edification, and Entertainment By Pat Price The days and nights from July 6-13, 1985, in that intriguing city of Las Vegas, "the jewel of the desert," were abundantly filled with a galaxy of both meaningful and entertaining activities for nearly 2,000 attendees of the 24th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. These included numerous workshops, seminars, special-interest affiliate meetings, exhibits, breakfasts, luncheons, banquets, receptions, social events, informative and interesting tours of beautiful Nevada, as well as outstanding cuisine in glamorous restaurants and night clubs, superstar entertainment, and fun and games in a myriad of luxurious casinos 24 hours daily. The Nevada Council of the Blind, under the leadership of Convention Committee Chairman David Krause, the more than 1,500 volunteers from the Mormon and Las Vegas community, and ACB Convention Coordinator Carla Franklin provided such exceedingly "warm" hospitality that it was not even surpassed by the typically daily 116-plus-degree desert temperature. A number of first-time events occurred which were so successful it is anticipated they will become regulars at future ACB conventions. Among these were orientation meetings for persons attending their first ACB national convention, and a special open discussion type gathering of persons in the early stages of sight loss. Among other "firsts," convention attendees were privileged to test tactile directional and safety tile, a supplemental aid designed to assist persons with impaired vision (see "Greater Pedestrian Safety Through Use of Pathfinder Tiles," The Braille Forum, June 1985). They were installed in close proximity to the convention headquarters, the Holiday Inn Center Strip, and at selected intersections and entrances to other hotels being utilized by conventioners. First used throughout Japan, and now being tested in Sacramento, California, the tile is considered by many to be the finest travel aid on the market today. The seventeen ACB special-interest organizations dedicated to the specific needs of blind and visually impaired lawyers, Federal employees, radio amateurs, parents, rehabilitation specialists, low-vision persons, art enthusiasts, guide dog users, independent enterprisers, students, teachers, braille readers, vendors, data processors, secretaries, veterans, and Lions, conducted highly informative conferences during the three days preceding the ACB general sessions. An extraordinary amount of interest was demonstrated in all of the special seminars and workshops, which addressed such issues as nutrition and health maintenance for persons with diabetes, training of blind vendors in the Randolph-Sheppard program, survival of braille in today's educational process, parent/teacher relationships in the education of blind children, personal computers in the work and home environment, hair­styling for the professional look, good nutrition for guide dogs, technical development, application and innovation of the VersaBraille, equal opportunity concerns relevant to women in the labor market, ideas, techniques and pitfalls of fund-raising at the affiliate level, tactile art for the visually impaired, and critical assessment of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped proposed standards on accreditation. As in prior years, a major attraction throughout the week was the exhibit area. A total of 41 exhibitors presented the most current and complete array of aids, products, devices, electronic equipment, and informative literature for visually impaired and blind persons ever displayed at an ACB convention. Some manufacturers chose this occasion to demonstrate equipment that had just been released; e.g., an affordable automated viewing table for users of Vtek's Voyager, the VersaBraille II by Telesensory Systems, Inc., and a portable, lap-type computer, "Small Talk," by Computer Aids Corporation. The American Council of the Blind was honored to have its opening session keynote address presented by one of its distinguished international guests, Sheikh Abdullah M. Al­Ghanim, President of the World Blind Union and Minister of Special Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Abdullah's expression of concern about the condition of the blind throughout the world, and especially in the developing countries, was thought-provoking and challenging. Another first-session exhilarating moment was when Scholarship Committee Chairperson M.J. Schmitt presented the Floyd Qualls and Melva T. Owen scholarships to deserving trade/vocational school students, entering freshmen and undergraduates in academic programs, and graduate students in academic or professional programs. A total of $25,500 was awarded to the 17 winning scholars. Following in the tradition of keeping ACB members current on present happenings and future trends, subsequent general sessions provided information on such topics as the history and role of the American Society of Handicapped Physicians, developments, trends, and innovations in vocational rehabilitation; new and expanded services of the Hadley School for the Blind; programs to improve library services to the blind and visually impaired; Project CABLE at the Carroll Center for the Blind, providing computer access for the visually impaired in education and employment; development of affordable, wallet-size talking money identifiers by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the Treasury future direction of the Randolph­Sheppard program; a commercial airline's point of view concerning the transportation of blind passengers; the Sight Through Helping Hands project, designed to put braille where it is most needed; and a unique magazine, Lifeprints, making it possible for blind youth to learn from older blind people. Bids for the 1987 annual convention were made by the ACB of Ohio and the unified ACB of California/California Council of the Blind. Both presented irresistible invitations, with an enormous amount of friendly competition. But, when the final votes were counted, the membership decision tipped in favor of the ACBC/CCB offer to host the 1987 convention at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton. Special events which attracted many attendees included a "Las Vegas Laugh-In," the traditional Friends-in-Art Performing Showcase, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors dance, Council of Citizens with Low Vision wine and cheese reception, and tours to Hoover Dam, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Museum of Natural History, Liberace Museum, the magnificent Red Rock Canyon at Red Springs, and a visit to Calico Basin, the home and studio of sculptress Janette Ford. The 1985 ACB Annual Banquet was the largest in the Council's history. Just as many ordinary Americans, when the chips are down, find that extra measure of devotion that makes them heroes of their country and worthy recipients of the nation's highest award for valor in the cause of freedom, the Congressional Medal of Honor, attention should also be focused on the many more Americans whose heroism, while not of the type that wins the Congressional Medal, is an everyday occurrence and is the kind which enables a land to prosper, and the people to grow with it. Two such outstanding "heroes" were then cited for their tremendous contributions within the blindness community. Awards Committee Chairperson Patricia Saunders presented commemorative plaques to Roy Ward of Richmond, Virginia, this year's recipient of the George Card Award, and Billie Elder of Little Rock, Arkansas, winner of the Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award. Vernon Henley, Board of Publications Chairman, announced that Rose Resnick of San Francisco, California, was the recipient of the Ned E. Freeman Award for Writing Excellence. The continuing growth of the American Council of the Blind was reflected again this year by the addition of one state and one reorganized special-interest affiliate. Vera McClain, National Membership Chairperson, proudly presented charters of affiliation to the Hawaii Association of the Blind and to ACB Radio Amateurs, formerly the ACB Service Net. Musical entertainment was provided by a choral group of California ACB members, under the direction of John di Francesco. Their program included a ballad, "Song of Reunification," written by Leonie Jenkins, which expressed the joy and excitement resulting from the merger of the two ACB California affiliates. Jay F. Rochlin, AT&T Human Resources Manager, on executive loan and serving as Assistant Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, candidly analyzed the situation of physically and visually handicapped persons in today's marketplace. Although his chosen topic was "The Future Isn't What It Used To Be," he expressed extreme optimism that employers could and would more accurately assess the capabilities, not disabilities, of blind and visually impaired job applicants and employees. The business meeting included consideration of 32 resolutions (summarized elsewhere in this issue) and the election of five officers (each to serve two-year terms), (one director to complete a one-year term), and one Board of Publications member (to fill the position held by the late Don Cameron). Those elected were: President, Grant Mack; First Vice President, Otis Stephens; Second Vice President, Durward K. McDaniel; Secretary, Karen Perzentka; Treasurer, LeRoy Saunders; Director, Dick Seifert; Board of Publications, Carol McCarl. The 24th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind is now history. However, each ACB convention has its own character and style and leaves upon the participants stimulating impressions, renewed hopes, and challenges for new goal attainment that time does not erase. Each convention binds the ACB "family" more closely, as existing friendships are strengthened and new friendships are developed. Each adds momentum to the organization's remarkable growth rate and impact upon the world. Why? Because ACB's membership has vision — the kind that has an acute sense of the possible -- the kind that sees what others do not see -- and when those with similar vision are drawn together, something extraordinary always occurs. ***** ** Summary, ACB Resolutions, 1985 Again this year, the Resolutions Committee was chaired by Paul Edwards, Florida Council of the Blind. The Committee presented 32 resolutions for consideration by the 24th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. Those resolutions are summarized below. Further information or the complete text of specific resolutions may be obtained by contacting the ACB National Office. Resolution 85-01. Education of Handicapped Children - Supporting S. 415 and H.R. 1523, authorizing award of attorneys' fees in P.L. 94-142 cases. Resolution 85-02. Demographics of Blindness - Urging Bureau of the Census to include questions on disability in 1990 survey. Resolution 85-03. Demographics of Blindness - Urging the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service to collect data on blind persons. Resolutions 85-04. Employment - Supporting House Resolution 176, authorizing Congressional fellowship program for blind and/or deaf persons. Resolution 85-05. Social Security - Opposing non-acquiescence of Social Security Administration to certain Federal court decisions. Resolution 85-06. Civil Rights - Opposing discrimination against disabled persons by the American Lutheran Church. Resolution 85-07. Civil Rights - Supporting S. 431 and H.R. 700, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 (reversing the U.S. Supreme Court holding in the Grove City College case). Resolution 85-08. Minimum Wage - Supporting payment of statutory minimum wage to blind production workers employed in industry or in sheltered workshops. (This resolution was tabled.) Resolution 85-09. Technology - Calling upon manufacturers to design their products with user-serviceable parts and to provide continuous servicing for previously manufactured products during their useful life; empowering the ACB Board of Directors to prohibit manufacturers who do not comply from exhibiting at ACB conventions. Resolution 85-10. Medicare/Medicaid - Supporting S. 1277 and H.R. 2863, authorizing Medicaid reimbursement for community-based services. Resolution 85-11. Dog Guides - Urging dog guide schools to update compendium of dog guide laws. Resolution 85-12. Civil Rights/Employment - Expanding ACB's policy regarding legal protection against employment discrimination on the basis of handicap. Resolution 85-13. Medicare/Medicaid - Supporting H.R. 2030, extending Section 1619 of the Social Security Act, which authorizes payment of Medicaid benefits upon return to work. Resolution 85-14. Taxes/Internal Revenue Service - Urging the Internal Revenue Service to take steps to ensure legible printing of IRS forms. Resolution 85-15. ACB Administration Generally - Advocating increased minority representation in the American Council of the Blind. Resolution 85-16. Public Transportation - Supporting increased budget authority for intra-city mass transit services. Resolution 85-17. Recreation - Supporting disabled representation in management of national sports organizations. Resolution 85-18. Social Security - Supporting Senate Resolution 174, which opposes closing or downgrading of Social Security offices. Resolution 85-19. Civil Rights - Opposing U.S. Supreme Court holding in Atascadero Hospital v. Scanlon, which limits suits against states under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Resolution 85-20. Medical - Supporting H.R. 2232, which authorizes therapeutic use of marijuana in the treatment of glaucoma cases. Resolution 85-21. Low Vision - Supporting licensing of drivers using bioptic lenses. Resolution 85-22. Architectural Accessibility - Supporting further investigation of the use of directional tiles as mobility aids for blind persons. Resolution 85-23. Allied Organizations/Medical - Supporting Friends of Eye Research Telethon. (This resolution was defeated.) Resolution 85-24. Travel - Commending airlines for publication of braille safety pamphlets, and urging other carriers to provide safety information in accessible media. Resolution 85-25. Architectural Accessibility - Urging the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to disseminate research findings on its signage and way-finding projects and to proceed with any additional research which may be necessary to promulgate signage and way-finding standards. Resolution 85-26. ACB Convention Administration - Requiring convention program information (including last-minute room changes) to be produced in braille. (This resolution was referred to the ACB Board of Directors.) Resolution 85-27. Library Services - Urging braille book producers to seek all appropriate means to broaden the range of braille materials available for individual purchase. Resolution 85-28. Technology - Supporting S. 1274 and H.R. 2885, to re-authorize duty-free import of technical aids benefitting handicapped persons. Resolution 85-29. Medicare/Medicaid - Supporting H.R. 2543, which authorizes Medicare coverage for diabetic footwear. Resolution 85-30. ACB Convention Administration - Thanking staff and management of convention hotels. Resolution 85-31. ACB Convention Administration - Appreciation to the Nevada Council of the Blind, the Convention Host Committee, and volunteers. Resolution 85-32. ACB Convention Administration - ACB elections to be held on Friday of convention week. (This resolution was defeated.) ***** ** ACB Convention Tapes Available Cassette tapes of the 1985 National Convention of the American Council of the Blind are now available. Included are all major program presentations as well as excerpts from the Annual Banquet. 8 cassettes. Cost, $8.00. Also available is the 1985 ACB Diabetes/Blindness Seminar. 3 tapes. Cost, $3.00. All tapes are recorded in two-track format at 1 7/8 ips. To order, send check made payable to the American Council of the Blind to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. ***** *** The Condition of Blind People in Developing Countries Keynote Address, 24th Annual Convention American Council of the Blind By Sheikh Abdullah M. Al-Ghanim President, World Blind Union, and Minister of Special Education Kingdom of Saudi Arabia It is certainly a great pleasure and privilege to be invited to address your 1985 ACB National Convention, with its humanitarian objectives. It will, indeed, be a profitable opportunity to exchange first-hand knowledge and experience through research papers and addresses scheduled to be delivered at this convention on topics of interest to blind people everywhere. ... This paper will deal with different subjects and aspects concerning the World Blind Union, its plan of action, our strategy of work for the future, and the situation of blind people in the world, with particular focus on programs of education, rehabilitation and training, especially in the developing countries. ... ** I. The World Blind Union In the wake of the historic decision taken in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 26, 1984, as you know, the long-cherished dream of visually handicapped people and those concerned with work for the welfare of the blind was realized with the establishment of the World Blind Union. It was, indeed, a landmark and a new beginning in the history of work for and with the blind, as we have succeeded for the first time by the foundation of a unified world body, not only to speak as one on behalf of the blind, but also to serve the interests of millions of blind people throughout the world. The World Blind Union, which will be the framework of organizations of and for the blind, will ensure participation of visually handicapped people in decision-making on matters that affect their well-being. The Constitution of the Union provides that at least 50 percent of all national delegations will consist of representatives of organizations of the visually handicapped. As the first President of the World Blind Union, I do hope, with the cooperation of all, to be able to realize a rewarding achievement through a very well balanced program of action for the blind everywhere, based on our ideals of integration in rights with responsibilities of the blind. I do not pretend that I can work miracles, but I do promise that I will dedicate myself to realizing the objectives and purposes of the WBU, and to translating our hopes and ambitions into concrete actions, plans, and programs for the 42 million blind persons in the world, without any exception whatsoever, and without distinction or discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, language, or any political implications. Our strategy of work will be based on the guidelines provided by the Constitution of the WBU and the resolutions adopted during the Riyadh world conference. Active cooperation at all levels will be our common goal in the performance of our work. For creating a new strategy for the future and developing a practical program of action, I have begun my term of office by sending a circular letter to all organizations and unions concerned, all over the world, asking for information about the situation of blind people in their countries, the existing services and future programs and projects to be implemented, as well as needs and priorities. We have already received encouraging answers and reports from many countries. After the initial study of all these reports, we have found that some of them have included promising proposals and projects which we believe should be taken into consideration in working out the future plans and programs of WBU. For analyzing these replies as to decide how to start our practical action to help the blind, we have composed an ad hoc committee of some of the experts in this field to carry out this task as well as to study the plan of action of WBU for the coming years. The committee held its first meeting for three days, 5-7 May, 1985, in Bahrain, which resulted in fruitful recommendations and suggestions which will serve as guidelines for the implementation of a program of action for the blind and a basis for the beginning of our work. The idea of composing such a committee has proved to be successful and encouraging. ** II. WBU Plan of Action From the beginning, the World Blind Union has realized the necessity for a plan of action for the coming four years, which should be worked out on the basis of priority schedule. The success and the effectiveness of our work, as you know, depend upon such clearly visible plans of action which will guide the activities of our various committees and subcommittees in an organized and efficient pattern. Following are highlights of this plan. A. The plan underlines the importance of cooperation in all its dimensions between existing international organizations in the field of blindness and between industrialized and developing countries, as well as cooperation among developing countries themselves. B. The plan will give priority to programs of education, rehabilitation, training, and employment of blind people. C. Being aware of the situation of the blind in developing countries, the plan will focus on helping these countries in different fields, especially in the field of education, rehabilitation and training, with emphasis on remote and rural areas. D. Being aware of the importance of the production of aids and appliances as they represent an important aspect of service for the blind, the plan will take steps to ensure widespread availability of basic aids and equipment for the use of blind people in developing countries, at reasonable prices and standard quality. To achieve this objective, WBU will take into consideration the following steps: appointment of an expert to raw up standardized technical data sheets for basic equipment; the establishment of aids and appliances production centers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and carrying out a survey of existing basic aids and appliances produced and made available for use of the blind. WBU will urge the Regional Bureau of the Middle East Committee for the Blind to set up, as a model project, a production center for the manufacture of basic aids for the blind in this region. E. Being aware of the importance of the regional and standing committees for the work of WBU, the plan will make every effort to develop them to the maximum and to work in close cooperation with United Nations agencies. F. Promotion of integrated education programs and improvement of administration of existing integrated programs. G. The plan will put special emphasis on integration, education, rehabilitation, and employment of blind women, especially in the rural areas. As the implementation of projects and programs included in our plan of action depends upon the availability of financial resources, I have, since the beginning of my term of office, spared no effort to approach all feasible and new resources to raise funds for the WBU budget. ... I feel that this plan of action will remain of limited effect unless cooperation, consolidation, and coordination at all levels are collectively achieved. The implementation of the plan, I believe, should be the cooperative endeavor of all governments concerned, national and local organizations, international development agencies, and agencies of United Nations. ** III. Situation of the Blind in the World, Especially in the Developing Countries It is estimated that the number of blind people in the world is approximately 42 million, out of the total world population of 4,600 million. This means that, on average, there are nine blind persons in each 1,000. There are no reliable statistics concerning the number of blind people in developing countries. But according to information available, about 80 percent of blind people in the world live in developing countries -- a total of about 33 million people, the great majority of them in rural areas. Taken that approximately 2,500 million people live in the developing countries, it is reasonable to say that there are about 13 persons in every thousand who are blind in these countries, compared with three to four in the industrialized countries. The large majority of those visually impaired are young and have their lives ahead of them. Seventy-five percent of blindness in these countries is said to be preventable or curable. As regards countries of the East Mediterranean Region, it is estimated that the population of its countries is 250 million people. The statistics currently available in this field indicate that about 7.5 million people in the region are totally blind (3% of the total population). Nearly 150 million people are liable to be afflicted with eye diseases, especially trachoma, in case proper preventive and curative measures are not immediately taken. The magnitude of the problem of blindness in the world, as you know, is aggravating, especially in the developing countries. It is really lamentable that more than 80 percent of the blind people are living in developing countries, whereas the services rendered to them can hardly meet 3 percent of their urgent requisites. Recent data reports that among each 14 blind children in developing countries, only one child and his family receive adequate services. Nearly 250,000 children lose their eyesight every year in such countries, due to the lack of proper nutrition, especially Vitamin A. ... The World Blind Union, according to its plan of action and priorities, will focus on programs of prevention of blindness, education, rehabilitation, and employment. ** IV. Some Thoughts on the Role and Importance of Education, Rehabilitation, and Employment for the Blind * Education ... Today there are vast numbers of blind children in developing countries without any chance of access to education. Even the existing residential schools are able to meet the educational needs of only a very small proportion. Education of blind people in most of the developing countries is still lagging and could be described as totally dissatisfactory. There are no statistics regarding literacy among blind people, but it is estimated that it does not exceed 5 percent in the countries of Asia and Africa and 10 percent in the Latin American countries, and mostly among those who live in urban and city areas. Regarding sighted children, in most countries about 70 percent of them are receiving primary education. Compulsory primary education for visually impaired people is not available. In many cases, the parents of blind children are allowed to decide whether or not the children should go to school. In most countries, the Ministry of Social Welfare of voluntary organizations are still responsible for the education of visually impaired people. However, we all agree that this should be the responsibility of the same ministry that is responsible for the education of sighted children -- normally the Ministry of Education. The education of blind people at residential schools is still prevalent in these countries. However, some programs aiming at integrated education have been launched. It was considered that residential schools generally provide a more suitable environment for the blind child. The problems of integrated education stem from the lack of specially trained staff and difficulties in providing educational materials. The following specific priorities in the field of education will be taken into consideration through our plan of action: setting up of integrated education programs; setting up of special teacher training programs; recognizing the importance of the role of the family in planning and implementing educational programs for blind children; special emphasis on education for blind women; compulsory primary education for all visually impaired people; and production of reading materials and educational aids. * Rehabilitation ... In most of the developing countries, rehabilitation services (including mobility and daily living skills) are not available to the majority of blind people, especially blind women. Despite the fact that the vast majority (approximately 80 percent of the blind population, both children and adults) come from rural areas, most of the rehabilitation centers are located in urban areas. The services existing in these centers are not able to meet the needs of the blind. At the same time, the quality of services is insufficient. The following guidelines will be taken into consideration with regard to rehabilitation services: encouragement of rural rehabilitation programs, sheltered and cooperative workshops, with focus in some countries on specialized agricultural training programs; setting up of special rehabilitation programs for blind women; to promote development of low-cost, high-yield rehabilitation services for a maximum number of blind persons wherever possible; and the provision of basic rehabilitation and mobility aids and equipment in all vocational rehabilitation centers for the blind. * Employment ... In spite of the great efforts exerted in many countries in this field, employment services, especially in the developing countries, are still rare. The majority of blind people in these countries are not employed in income-yielding activities. Reasons for this are more or less thought to be: negative public attitudes; prejudiced attitudes of employers; poor rehabilitation of blind people; lack of confidence and initiative; and absence of legislative measures. The common occupations in which many blind people are involved in the developing countries include switchboard operation, vending stand operation, teaching in schools and institutions, packaging and assembly work, physical therapy, law, bamboo and wicker work, as well as brush-making. Blind people are also employed in their own homes or in organizing business on their own account. Opportunities could also exist in rural areas for developing crafts which can be domestically performed at home. Self-employment has been promoted in some countries in a kind of self­help project by giving the blind interest-free loans on easy terms. The following guidelines will be taken into consideration with regard to employment: to give emphasis on crafts and trades which offer many opportunities for employment after training; the good use of local materials in the production programs of sheltered workshops and the development of local and regional marketing facilities for such products; the provision of aids and equipment which might be helpful for the blind to obtain or retain a job; enactment of appropriate legislation to ensure the right of the blind for suitable employment and to have legal protection against discrimination on the part of employers; establishment of efficient placement services for the blind in each country; promotion of self-employment and self-help projects by giving the blind interest-free loans on very easy terms; after-care services essential in this concern. In conclusion, I hope this review has given you an idea of the condition of the blind in the world and the general outline of the WBU program of action for the future. On this occasion, I would like to emphasize my sincere determination to take practical and active steps to provide aid and services to the needy blind people in today's world. Our work in this field during the coming years will be a team work, based upon consultation, cooperation, and coordination with all bodies and organizations concerned. We do faithfully insist to stress the need to interpret our words into deeds, hoping we would be able to effectively overcome many problems and difficulties which are still facing the blind in the entire world. I do hope your convention will be a step toward the achievement of these noble objectives. ... ***** ** Wear ACB Up Front: Brailled T-Shirts Available Add some class to your wardrobe. Get one of the new ACB T-shirts on sale now. These attractive light-blue shirts with dark-blue lettering bear the name American Council of the Blind in braille on the back. But the braille is like you've never felt before -- an innovative process called "puffed ink" has been used, so the letters are truly "readable." The distinctive ACB logo appears on the front of the shirt. The shirts are made of 50% cotton, 50% polyester, so there is minimal shrinkage. They come in small, medium, large, and extra large. ACB's student affiliate, the National Alliance of Blind Students, is selling these shirts for just $7.99 each, including shipping. Order yours now! And why not think ahead and get a few for Christmas presents for your favorite ACB friends? Make checks payable to the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) and mail to: Marjorie Donovan, 2033 Haste, Apt. 118, Berkeley, CA 94704. Don't miss out on these "puffed ink" brailled shirts. You're bound to experience some pleasant "feelings." ***** ** Board of Publications Announces 1986 Ned E. Freeman Writing Competition By Vernon Henley The American Council of the Blind Board of Publications is pleased to announce that articles are now being accepted for the 1986 Ned E. Freeman writing competition. The 1985 Ned Freeman Award for Writing Excellence was presented at the national convention in Las Vegas to Rose Resnick of San Francisco, California, for her article, "People in the Fast Lane" (October 1984). The competition was close, and all entrants are to be congratulated. This now marks the beginning of the 1986 contest. Any original article submitted to The Braille Forum for publication is potentially eligible for consideration. Six articles, each specifically designated as being considered for the Ned E. Freeman Award for Writing Excellence, will be published over the next year. These preliminary articles are to be selected by the Braille Forum editor. However, authors may specifically request that articles be considered for this writing competition. Each preliminary winner will receive a check for $25.00. From among these articles, the Board of Publications then selects the final award recipient. Each BOP member votes for three articles, with points being assigned on a sliding scale -- three points for first place, two for second, one for third. In case of a tie, Board members are polled again. The award winner, who will receive an additional check for $100.00, will be announced at the 1986 convention in Knoxville. Among criteria to be used in selecting and judging articles are clarity of expression and appropriateness of subject matter to The Braille Forum. Articles may be submitted in print, in braille, or on tape. Those submitted in print should follow standard manuscript form. All articles submitted become the property of The Braille Forum and will be judged in their unedited form. Decisions of the Editor and of the Board of Publications are final. No member of the Board of Publications or staff member of the American Council of the Blind shall be eligible to enter this writing competition. Articles should be addressed to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. The Ned Freeman Award was established to promote writing excellence in articles for The Braille Forum. All members of the Board of Publications are, to a greater or lesser extent, experienced writers and/or editors who highly value clarity of expression and fresh, lively ideas. Now is a good time for you to dust off that trusty brailler, typewriter, or word processor and get started on that first draft. Good luck! ***** ** It's Time to Think Ski For Light! Ski for Light, Inc., will hold its 11th annual International Week February 9-16, 1986. The site that has been selected is Duluth, Minnesota ... a city with a big lake and a whole lot more. This week-long cross-country skiing experience matches visually impaired persons with experienced sighted guides on a one-to-one basis. Ski for Light offers much more than a recreational skill. It offers education and health promotion seminars, intercultural experiences with visitors from foreign nations, social gatherings, and the creation of new friendships. Ski for Light can open up a whole new world for you. As one first-time skier stated after the 1985 event in Colorado: "Man has scaled the walls of Mt. Everest. He has walked on the moon. But I have experienced Ski for Light." Cost for the week is $350.00 per person, based on double occupancy. This includes room, board, trail fees, and all cultural and educational programs (transportation is not included). Stipends are available. For applications, contact: Judy Dixon, 1104 N. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA 22201. Application deadline is November 15, 1985. For general information, contact Ski for Light, 1455 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408; (612) 827-3232. Ski for Light, Inc., is a non-profit, Minnesota-based organization. Its mission is to sponsor physically demanding healthsports events for disabled persons throughout the year and throughout North America. ***** ** Telephone Pioneers Repair Program Reaches Quarter-Century Mark (Reprinted from Update, published by National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. July-September 1985, Vol. VIII, No. 3) The Telephone Pioneers talking book repair program completed its 25th year of service on June 6, 1985. In the beginning, there were two workshops established as a pilot program -- one in Richmond, Virginia, and the other in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Both workshops still exist and continue to provide their services. This successful program was expanded throughout the country over the following decades. Currently there are approximately 3,000 Telephone Pioneers nationally involved in the volunteer project. In the past year, the Pioneers repaired more than 61,000 machines; of which more than 42,000 were cassette machines. In addition, Pioneers provide other valuable volunteer services such as delivery and demonstration of equipment, pick-up of machines needing repair, cleaning machines, and book inspection. Pioneers also make devices to aid blind people, an activity not connected with the NLS program, but useful to the same population served. The most familiar of these devices are locator crickets for use in various sports, beep balls, light probes, and audible Easter eggs. ***** ** Letters from Readers Dear Editor: Mr. Brian Charlson's article in the July 1985 Braille Forum, "A Consumer's Perspective on the Rehabilitation System," may have opened a door -- not that it hasn't been opened many times before, but if we all push on it, this time we may open it wider. Hopefully Mr. Charlson' s article will elicit a flood of response from others, like myself, who have had the same experience. It happened to me 23 years ago, so apparently nothing has changed. ... It is not that I have any great quarrel with the rehabilitation system, but this could present an opportunity for the system to take a good look at itself. And, with the influence of the American Council of the Blind, what could be better? Incidentally, when things don't go right, it's not always the fault of the "system." There are clients who won't make their share of the effort. I think it would be great if Mr. Charlson would catalog his responses (even ask for more), condense them, and publish these findings in The Braille Forum - not simply as a criticism, but as a constructive process toward a positive objective. Then, through the ACB, those findings could be submitted to the National Accreditation Council - again, not as a criticism, but as a tool. Of course, there would be more criticisms than credits: there always are. And we know there are many success stories that never get into print. But NAC could use the information in the same way a manufacturer uses quality control: to improve on the process. The "finished" product in this case is the client after he or she leaves the agency. I have a feeling that NAC can't see enough of that element of the rehabilitation system. No chain is stronger than its weakest link. The "weak link," as I saw it, was the "counselor" whose background was in the philosophy of social work, but who was totally lacking in the nuts-and-bolts experience of job search, employment counseling (meaning how to get and keep a job), and the skill to help clients develop realistic, attainable goals. The "worst case scenario" is that of the client who is shuffled off to four years of college with no realistic notion - or plan - for what might be there at the end of it. My experience with the rehabilitation system was first as a consumer, and then as a provider. But I spent 25 years in the business world before losing most of my sight and joining the bureaucracy of the rehabilitation process. So I have no illusions about "dedication" in either world. Some workers are dedicated and some are not, and I saw both in both worlds. That's normal. The difference between the non-producers in business and those in the bureaucracy is that the latter are less at risk. But the end product in the rehabilitation system is people, not cars or can openers. So a higher level of dedication should be demanded. The gauge of that dedication is what happens to those people, and any evaluation of the work of an agency should begin there. After all, that's what it's all about. Reviewing, observing, and evaluating the mechanics of agency in-house operations is not enough. -- Stephen H. Hoyt, Holly Hill, FL ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * FOR SALE: One Texas Instruments voice synthesizer and three cartridge programs - the Terminal Emulator II program, not one of the cartridges. Price: $55.00. Also American Printing House for the Blind variable speed control, originally $130.00, now $75.00. Patch cord included. Contact Tzipporah Ben Avraham, 970 42nd Street, Apt. 1-H, Brooklyn, NY 11219. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon Associated Press: The man who gave the world video games has a menagerie of new toys -- computerized cats and dogs for pet-starved people, and "SOS Bears," with alarms that might prevent a kidnapping or a drowning. Playing with his Petsters on the office carpet, Nolan Bushnell said his latest venture is more fun -- and predicted that it will be more successful -- than the start-up of his two earlier companies, Atari, Inc., and Pizza Time Theater. Petsters will not wet the rug, ruin the sofa, or violate "NO PETS" rental clauses. They also will not catch mice, bring in the newspaper, or fetch slippers — yet! The smaller cats sleep up to five months on one set of batteries, until they hear a loud sound such as hands clapping. Then they move a few feet and rest again until the next loud sound. A "deluxe" version responds to voice commands and can roam ten miles without a battery transplant. At a recent meeting of the Commission on Accreditation of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC), accreditation was awarded to two net agencies and one school: Ed Lindsey Industries for the Blind, Nashville, TN; Southwest Lighthouse for the Blind, Lubbock, TX; and Utah School for the Blind, Ogden, UT. From the Perkins Newsletter: The Howe Press, Perkins School for the Blind, has recently added to its product line a powerful new tool for the visually impaired. The Wilson Braille-N'-Print braille-to-print translator. Using modern microcomputer technology, the system accepts braille input from a Perkins Brailler and translates it into standard ink­print text. *** ACB member Kim Charlson recently became the new Patron Services Librarian at the Massachusetts Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Kim became blind at the age of 12. Following graduation from the Oregon School for the Blind, she attended Willamette College in Salem, Oregon, and received a Master of Library Science degree from North Texas State University, Denton, TX. From The Slate (Louisiana Council of the Blind): Harold Broussard, Vice President of the Louisiana Council of the Blind, is now serving on the Board of the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources. As far as is known, this is the first instance in which a visually impaired person has served on this board. Braille Research Newsletter No. 15 is now available from the National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. The Newsletter is designed to keep readers up-to-date with the advances in technology which make braille use and production a dynamic subject. Contents of this issue include: "Braille Learning: Further Experiments"; "Braille Services of the South African Blind Workers Organization"; "Document Reading Over the Telecommunications Network"; "Materials for Mentally Retarded Blind Children," and more. To order, send check or money order for $7.00 to NBP. Please specify print or braille. From AFB Newsletter: For some glaucoma patients whose eyedrop medication must be administered as often as 28 times a week, relief is in store in the form of an ocular insert similar to a contact lens. Called the Ocusert System, the device is a three­layered unit, containing pilocarpine, one of the most widely used medications, which is released continuously for seven days. This system of steady, controlled dosage is one of several innovations in administering medication. Where are the jobs? This is the question posed in "Employment Trends, 1984 and Beyond," by Frank Bowe of the University of Arkansas Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. This publication identifies the five broad areas in which Dr. Bowe believes physically disabled persons are particularly likely to obtain employment in the years ahead. The five areas focused on are: general services, special services, sales, information services, and entrepreneurship. To order, send $5.00 to: Publications, AAR&TC, P.O. Box 1358, Hot Springs, AR 71902. Two dedicated leaders of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana have died recently. Ronald W. Workman, an ACBI director, passed away on May 7. Although he owned and operated the Workman Insurance Agency in Goshen, he devoted the major portion of his life to active participation in programs for the blind and handicapped. He lobbied extensively for comprehensive statewide services for the handicapped of Indiana, resulting in creation by the General Assembly in 1971 of the Indiana Rehabilitation Services Program. Mr. Workman was appointed to the Board, a position which he retained until his death. *** ACBI charter member and former Vice President, Dr. Stephen J. Rogers, died recently of an apparent heart attack. Rogers, blind from early childhood, held a doctorate in comparative languages from Harvard. He was a member of the faculty of Notre Dame University, where he taught poetry and other courses, including an architecture course based on the way blind people perceive space in buildings. New View, Inc., a center for the blind in Tulsa, Oklahoma, directed by A. Marie Morrison, long-time ACB member, has recently opened a low vision clinic as the first step toward building a rehabilitation center. The clinic is open one-half day a week and already has a waiting list from Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. Researchers at Boston University have successfully treated diabetes for up to three months by administering insulin in a nasal spray, according to a recent New England Journal of Medicine article. The doctors said that while their tests showed that the nasal spray might be able to replace injections as the best method for administering insulin, several questions must be resolved before it can be put into widespread use: whether it can cause any serious, long-term side effects; what its cost would be; and whether or not the regimen would be affected by colds, hay fever, etc. The method was tested on 45 diabetics and nine control subjects. Researchers found the method to be a promising one because it produced a rise and fall in blood insulin levels close to the pattern seen in the normal production of insulin in the pancreas. From Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness: A recent effort by Dade County, Florida, officials to keep blind people from using the County's special transportation system for handicapped persons was halted due to a threat of a class action lawsuit. Operated by Metro Dade County Government for seven years, the taxi service provides door-to-door transportation to and from the workplace and medical facilities for persons with various impairments at reduced rates. County officials had hoped to reserve the service strictly for persons who were unable to board a bus, such as those in wheelchairs. Blind persons, however, greeted this proposal with a protest demonstration in front of the Dade County Courthouse, and a lawyer retained by the Florida Council of the Blind and the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Florida threatened the County Commission with a lawsuit the following day. The County Commission then agreed to withdraw its proposal. Ethel Burns of Dumont, New Jersey, a member of the ACB of New Jersey, was a recent winner of $50,000 in the New Jersey lottery's "Go for the Gold" instant game grand prize drawing in Atlantic City. Ms. Burns, who is visually and hearing impaired, received her degree in social work with honors this past spring from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. The Nevada Council of the Blind has for sale a limited supply of souvenir ceramic ACB convention ash trays, which can also be used as wall plaques. The set of four includes a red heart and diamond and a black club and spade. Embossed in gold in the center of each ashtray is: "ACB CONVENTION 1985, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA." To order, send check or money order for $10.00 (which includes shipping) to: Nevada Council of the Blind, P. 0. Box 3726, North Las Vegas, NV 89030. For your reading ease and comfort, the Reading Center is a cabinet to hold your talking book machine, tape player, tapes, records, etc., at armchair or bed height. Made of solid, beautifully grained wood and furnished with casters, the cabinet is finished in walnut, cherry, or mahogany. Price with plain edges, $95.00; with molded edges, $122.50. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Information on other available items will be supplied on a tape for $1.00. Write in any form convenient to you to: John Postma, 1466 W. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 49017; (616) 962-0185. "Feel and Read, See and Read" combination print/braille Christmas cards, with or without Scripture - 8 for $2.00, 14 for $3.50; with name printed, $.70 extra per set; name brailled free upon request. Also available are print/braille greeting cards for various occasions, as well as a variety of mailing envelopes. Write Harry A. Fribush, 400 Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. A recent letter from a reader makes this request: "Wanted: Unwanted braille watches, canes, slates, styluses, braillers, or any blindness aid for indigent blind seniors in Brooklyn. I am a blind social worker with blind persons not eligible for vocational rehabilitation services." Contact Tzipporah Ben Avraham, 970 42nd Street, Apt. 1-H, Brooklyn, NY 11219. ***** ** 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 as well as national 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. September 20-22 - Old Dominion Council of the Bind and Visually Impaired State Convention - Arlington, VA September 21 - Maine Fraternal Association of the Blind State Convention - South Portland September 27-29 - Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired State Convention - Topeka September 27-29 - Pennsylvania Council of the Blind State Convention - Harrisburg September 28-29 - Mountain State Council of the Bind State Convention - Harpers Ferry, WV October 4-6 - South Dakota Association for the Blind State Convention - Aberdeen October 4-6 - Oklahoma Council of the Blind State Convention - Oklahoma City October 11-13 - Alabama Council of the Blind State Convention - Scottsboro October 11-13 - Missouri Council of the Blind State Convention - St. Joseph October 12 - ACB of Maryland State Convention - Baltimore October 18-20 - ACB of Ohio State Convention - Columbus October 18-20 - Oregon Council of the Blind State Convention - Portland October 18-20 - ACB of New York State Convention - Hauppauge (Long Island) October 19 - Rhode Island Regional Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired Fall Convention - Providence October 19-20 - Washington Council of the Blind State Convention - Seattle October 25-26 - ACB of Minnesota State Convention - Minneapolis October 25-27 - ACB of New Jersey State Convention - Somerset November 9 - Delaware Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired State Convention - Wilmington ***** ** 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: LeRoy Saunders Box 24020 Oklahoma City, OK 73124 * Contributing Editor Elizabeth Lennon 1315 Greenwood Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 ###